27 October 2023 - The ten initiatives from Brazil, Canada, India, Ireland, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Ukraine which were recognized in 2022 for their innovative public service delivery with the prestigious UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA), were presented with their prizes at an event hosted by UN DESA’s Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua on 24 October 2023.
A fishing village in Thailand using drone technology to save life below water; community centres in Brazil keeping children off the streets; transparent electronic public auction systems in Ukraine; and the implementation of equal pay for women in Canada and social safety net for people from disadvantaged communities in Ireland – these are just some of the bold innovations honoured.
All of the ten winners have implemented new solutions to provide services to people, while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Winning initiatives also leveraged ICTs and digital government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and demonstrated public institutions’ resilience and inventiveness in times of crisis.
“Public service innovation can serve as a powerful instrument to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals as called for by world leaders at the SDG Summit held last month,” Mr. Li said in his opening remarks. “Public service innovation begins with understanding the needs of communities and taking these needs as opportunities for change. Whether it’s improving healthcare access during the pandemic, promoting gender-responsive services, or mitigating the impacts of climate change, innovation is the key to more effective, responsive and equitable public services”, Mr. Li said while extending his warmest congratulations to winning institutions and initiatives.
The list of ten winning initiatives for 2022 can be found at:
The UN Public Service Awards recognize excellence in public service delivery that promotes effectiveness, transparency, and inclusiveness to achieve the SDGs.
Applications for the 2024 UNPSA are currently open. Nominations are invited in three categories: 1) Innovation in Public Institutions; 2) Gender-Responsive Public Services; and 3) Special category on Tackling Climate Change. Applications must be completed before 31 October 2023 through the UNPSA portal at: