UN chief Ban Ki- moon hails role of good governance in development

UNITED NATIONS: Asserting the importance of good governance in development, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on public servants around the world to work to build an inclusive, prosperous and sustainable future.


Marking the United Nations Public Service Day yesterday, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon encouraged countries to focus on the importance of good governance, efficient public administration and to celebrate the contribution of public servants to the society's progress.

"Addressing today's inter-linked challenges requires sound, forward-looking public policies and transparent, accountable governance structures that embody solidarity with the poorest and most vulnerable," Ban said.

He called on public servants around the world to work towards helping to build "an inclusive, prosperous and sustainable future for all".

In 2002, the UN General Assembly designated June 23 as UN Public Service Day "to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community" and to encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector.

Member States are encouraged to organise special events to mark the day that highlights the contribution of public service and public servants to effective, transparent and inclusive public governance.

The annual UN Public Service Forum, Day and Awards Ceremony, to honour "creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions worldwide", will begin today today in Bahrain.

It will be held in the capital city of Manama till June 27. This year's events will focus on "Transformative e-Government and Innovation: Creating a Better Future for All".

"The 2013 United Nations Public Service Awards show how public services can be delivered more efficiently, innovatively and equitably," Ban said.

"The winners demonstrate the basic ingredients for excellence: commitment and accountability, hard work and innovation, talent and technological know-how," he said.

Winners of the Awards are chosen in the following areas, prevention of corruption; improving service delivery; promoting innovative mechanisms for citizen participation in policy-making; advancing knowledge management in government; and promoting gender responsive service delivery.