19 June 2026 - Public servants keep the world running by delivering essential services to support peoples¡¯ lives like health care, education and emergency services. Yet, they face increasingly complex challenges, from rapidly evolving technologies to rising citizen expectations and persistent inequalities. This month, the in Tbilisi, Georgia will explore practical solutions to these challenges. We spoke with Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ DESA¡¯s Elizabeth Niland about what it will take to build governments that work for everyone.
Why are public servants essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially at a time of growing global uncertainty and mistrust?
¡°Public servants are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) because they turn global commitments into real services that improve people¡¯s daily lives. While political leaders set priorities, public institutions deliver health care, education, clean water, climate action, and social protection. In the current context of economic instability, climate shocks, conflict, and declining trust in institutions, competent public servants provide continuity, stability, responsiveness and resilience.
They also help rebuild trust in government by ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability. Citizens are more likely to trust institutions when they experience reliable services and see government acting in the public¡¯s interest. This is why on 23 June annually the United Nations recognizes the value public servants bring through Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Public Service Day.¡±
How can public servants help rebuild trust in institutions and deliver results that reach everyone?
¡°Public servants rebuild trust when governments are experienced as accountable, participatory and inclusive, and responsive:
- Accountability: Institutions must communicate decisions clearly, use public resources responsibly, and hold officials accountable for ethical conduct and measurable outcomes.
- Participation and Inclusion: Citizens are more likely to trust institutions when they feel heard and included through consultations, open dialogue, and participatory policymaking.
- Responsiveness: Reliable services, timely action, and policies that adapt to people¡¯s needs demonstrate that government is people-centered and effective.
These issues will be explored during the 2026 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Public Service Forum, held in Tbilisi from 23 to 25 June under the theme: Transforming public institutions: advancing innovation, accountability, participation, and inclusion.¡±
What are some examples of how strong public institutions improve everyday lives?
¡°The impact of robust public institutions is woven into the fabric of daily life, often in ways people don¡¯t even notice. Through the , Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ DESA aims to showcase the ways in which public institutions work daily to improve the lives of people in different areas. Some recognized examples are:
- In Thailand, the Digital Transformation for Smart Environment initiative uses drone technology to protect marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods. (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵPSA 2022)
- In Latvia, the Unified Portal for the Development and Agreement of Draft Legal Acts increases public participation and transparency in lawmaking. (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵPSA 2024)
- In Costa Rica, the Single Digital Health File (EDUS) modernized healthcare delivery, improving equitable access and resilience during health crises. (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵPSA 2019)
Learn more about the 2026 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Public Service Forum and Public Service Awards:
Commemorate Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Public Service Day: /en/observances/public-service-day