The United Nations has begun accepting nominations for the 2017 UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA), aimed at promoting and recognizing innovation and excellence in public services supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the transformative agenda to boost prosperity around the world and ensure that no one is left behind.

“From the perspective of public service delivery, the principle of leaving no one behind means not only ensuring equitable access to quality services but also empowering the poorest and most vulnerable communities to take part in decisions that affect their lives every day,” said Mr. Wu Hongbo, the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. “Public servants can help find better ways to reach the poorest and most vulnerable and respond to their needs.”

UNPSA 2017, which has been awarded since 2003, is a prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service and was reviewed and aligned with the 2030 Agenda which was adopted by the 193 UN Member States in September 2015.

The Award recognizes achievements and contributions by public service institutions in three categories: ability to reach the poorest and most vulnerable communities through inclusive services and participation; efforts to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in public service; and innovation and excellence in delivering health services.

Since 2003, more than 250 initiatives in 82 countries have   received the UN Public Service Award, ranging from projects providing early assessment of children with special needs and investing in their skills development, to promoting gender equality, improving pharmaceutical and health services,  monitoring and governing temporary settlements for displaced people, and  educating young girls about adolescent reproductive health and puberty.

The Award aims to illustrate that sustainable development and effective governance are built on the competent delivery of public service. The call for nominations is open to all public organizations, including governments and public institutions engaged in public-private partnerships for delivering services. Nominees are expected to present innovative projects that contribute to improved public service delivery and can inspire similar initiatives around the world.

The Awards will be handed out on 23 June 2017, a day designated by the UN General Assembly as the UN Public Service Day to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community.  The Awards ceremony will take place this year during the UN Public Service Forum in The Hague, Netherlands.