2016 presents an unprecedented opportunity for the world to come together and embark upon a journey to transform the world. From ending poverty to eliminating?hunger, to reaching social and economical equality, and to taking climate actions; sustainable development cannot be realized without the concrete efforts from public institutions with effective public service delivery.?

Every year on 23 June, a date designated by the General Assembly, the United Nations Public Service Day is celebrated around the world. It highlights the value and virtue of public service to communities and development, as well as recognizes the work of public servants and encourages young people to pursue careers in the public sector.

In order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals “governments everywhere will need to adopt innovative and integrated approaches to promote policy change, institutional coordination, participatory decision-making, and effective, responsive, inclusive and accountable service delivery,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon when UN Public Service Day was celebrated in 2015.

Wu_quote_1The 2030 Agenda for sustainable development calls for a society that leaves no one behind. Public servants around the world are undertaking important work to ensure that this vision becomes a?reality.

To commemorate the UN Public Service Day this year, a special event will be held at UN Headquarters in New York on 23 June on the theme of “Leaving No One Behind through Innovative Public Service Delivery”.

This event aims to highlight the importance of effective public service delivery in implementing the SDGs, as well as promoting the innovations in the delivery of public service.

Follow the conversation via social media using the hashtag?#UNPS2016. The commemoration event starting at 10:30 am EDT on 23 June will also be broadcast live via UN Web TV:?