Each year on 23 June, United Nations Public Service Day offers an important opportunity to reflect on the essential role of public service in delivering better outcomes for communities across the globe. It is a time to recognise the dedicated individuals and institutions who work to improve the lives of others.

The United Nations states that Public Service Day:

“…intends to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlight the contribution of public service in the development process; recognize the work of public servants, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector.”

The United Nations designated 23 June as Public Service Day in 2002, establishing it as a day to highlight the value and virtue of public service to the community. To promote broader recognition of the day, the UN introduced the UN Public Service Awards programme in 2003. These awards are considered the most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public administration.

In 2025, the United Nations Public Service Forum and Awards ceremony will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 23 to 25 June. The theme, “Five Years to 2030: Accelerating Public Service Delivery for a Sustainable Future”, reflects the urgency of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with public institutions at the centre of this global agenda.

The Victorian perspective

The Victorian Public Sector Commissioner, Brigid Monagle, shared the following message in recognition of Public Service Day 2025:

Public servants do vital work and we want to take this opportunity to recognise their commitment, skills and expertise.

Overwhelmingly, employees in the Victorian public service are motivated by a sense of purpose and dedication to their communities.

They deliver services and solve problems that really matter to people and help our state be a safer, healthier, more prosperous place to live.

They are innovative, resilient and adept at serving the government of the day, providing frank and impartial advice.

I’m proud to champion Victorian public servants and the innate value of this work.

From small team acknowledgements to formal recognition ceremonies, Public Service Day offers a valuable moment to pause and appreciate this work – and the people who do it.

Why public service matters

Public administration is a cornerstone of strong, democratic governance. It enables governments to respond to complex social issues, build inclusive communities, and deliver on strategic priorities such as climate action, health equity, and justice reform. The SDGs explicitly recognise the importance of effective, accountable and inclusive institutions (Goal 16), placing public service at the heart of sustainable development.

“Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels” – Goal 16

This Public Service Day, we encourage everyone working in or with the public sector to take a moment to reflect, celebrate, and thank the many individuals who dedicate themselves to serving the public good.

Resources

• Celebrating World Public Service Day (Victorian Public Sector Commission)
• Public Sector Values (Victorian Public Sector Commission)
• The 17 SDGs (UN)
• United Nations Public Service Day (UN)
• United Nations Public Service Forum 2025 (UN)

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CourtHeath acknowledges the Traditional Aboriginal Owners of Country throughout Victoria and pays respect to Elders past and present, and to the ongoing living culture of Aboriginal people.

A participant in the UN Global Compact, CourtHeath seeks to raise awareness about the sustainable development goals and the principles of the Global Compact with business and government organisations in Victoria.

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IMAGE: Used under licence from Shutterstock

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