UN FORUM Invest in public service for future of sustainable development
Li Junhua, United Nations under-secretary-general for economic and social affairs
The public service is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is the bridge between people and their governments, building trust through effective service delivery. When governments deliver the essential services that meet people's needs — like access to water and sanitation, energy, education, health and justice — trust grows. It is that trust that creates space for effective governance and for delivering the types of transformational development policies that the world so desperately needs.
Navigating global challenges through innovation
In today’s world, governments face unprecedented challenges — from recovering from the pandemic to tackling climate change. These crises demand innovative solutions, and we are seeing governments worldwide step up.
They are finding new ways to deliver services, often using technology to work more efficiently and to reach more people. To truly transform our world and fulfill the vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we need to scale up these successful innovations.
We need to identify what makes public institutions more effective, resilient, inclusive, transparent and accountable. We need forward-looking public institutions — public administration that is responsive and agile, capable of responding to and steering societal change.
Investing in people that innovate change
This transformation relies on the skills and dedication of public servants. They are the problem solvers and drivers of change, seeking new ways to deliver services by better leveraging data and tools. So, beyond ensuring the funding, infrastructure and policy frameworks to support operations, an effective public service means investing in the people who staff it.
Investing in the capabilities of those working in public service, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, is essential. This includes improving workforce competencies in areas such as technology, strategic anticipation, crisis management, adaptability, resilience and change management.
But it also means driving a shift in mindset that elevates the principle of leaving no one behind as a central tenet of the public service. With this as the goalpost for success, the potential for transformative action is limitless.
Fostering collaboration for better tomorrow
The experience during the COVID-19 pandemic provides a good example. Even within limited resources and existing operational challenges, public sector managers and staff innovated to deliver for the people they serve. Driven by a clear sense of common purpose and the intrinsic motivation to support the greater good, they drew on the power of collaboration to make things work.
Collaboration is vital to normalizing innovation within the public sector. Cross-sector collaboration and cooperation between different levels of government are essential to tackle complex challenges.
It's not just about technology and regulations. It's about people working together toward a common goal. Public servants need to have the institutional space to experiment and innovate, and young public servants, with their fresh perspectives and energy, are particularly valuable in this process. We need to harness their potential.
Harnessing power of digitalization
And we also need to harness the power of digitalization. Digital technologies are already a growing part of public administration, helping to make services more accessible. But harnessing the potential of digitalization goes beyond simple adoption. Policymakers are moving away from piecemeal approaches toward more systemic whole-of-government strategies for leveraging digitalization.
We must make sure that these strategies account for the risks, including the potential for digital transformation to create or amplify inequalities. As governments seek to leverage the advantages of technology, they must address societal digital divides. This means narrowing the digital skills gaps, enhancing accessibility for persons with disabilities and protecting people’s rights online.
Sharing solutions for better world: The United Nations Public Service Forum and Awards
Collaboration and knowledge sharing across countries can help to bridge the gaps. By working with others to identify what works and what doesn't across different contexts, each country can find its path to public service in the future.
The United Nations Public Service Forum, taking place in Incheon from Monday to Wednesday, is a vital platform for sharing experiences and best practices in public administration. Under the theme, "Fostering Innovation Amid Global Challenges: A Public Sector Perspective," the forum is a chance for countries to learn from each other's successes and failures.
The forum will also showcase groundbreaking public service initiatives from around the world with the United Nations Public Service Awards. Now in its 20th year, the awards will recognize 15 initiatives covering all world regions. Innovation in the public service is happening everywhere.
I am optimistic that the awards will make a meaningful contribution to global action on SDG acceleration and societal transformation. And I am hopeful that the forum and awards will inspire us to build a better public service for everyone, everywhere, leaving no one behind. With only six years remaining to achieve the SDGs, there is no time to waste. The time for action is now.
Li Junhua is the United Nations under-secretary-general for economic and social affairs.