GUYANA PUBLIC SERVICE UNION
Message on United Nations Public Service Day
June 23, 2025
Theme: “Five Years to 2030: Accelerating Public Service Delivery for a Sustainable Future”
Today, June 23, 2025, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) proudly joins the global community in commemorating United Nations Public Service Day, a day adopted on December 20, 2002, by the United Nations General Assembly under Resolution 57/277 to celebrate the value and virtue of Public Service in advancing community well-being and national development. It also calls on institutions to embrace innovation, strengthen governance, and empower the next generation of Public Leaders. Most importantly, it highlights the need to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Public Servants, those who stand at the center of national progress, social equity, and public trust.
This year’s theme, “Five Years to 2030: Accelerating Public Service Delivery for a Sustainable Future,” reflects the growing urgency to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the limited time remaining in this global agenda. With only five years left to achieve the 2030 targets, and amid global shifts such as climate change, digital transformation, health crises, and other emerging challenges, the call to action is clear, governments and institutions must move swiftly, embrace innovation, and strengthen the capacity of public administration to deliver Quality Public Services that are relevant, essential, sensitive, humane, efficient, inclusive, and future-focused.
In this context, events such as the United Nations Public Service Forum 2025, which will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan from 23-25 June 2025, will bring together representatives from governments, international organizations, academia, civil society, and frontline public servants. These forums are more than ceremonial, they are strategic platforms for identifying concrete actions to transform governance, strengthen collaborative frameworks, and accelerate innovation to close service gaps and reach the most underserved communities.
As we enter this decisive phase, the GPSU underscores the essential and requisite role of Guyana’s Public Servants in shaping the Nation’s sustainable future. No oil wealth, infrastructure project, or policy reform can succeed without the human capital, institutional memory, and daily service of Public Sector Workers. They are the heartbeat of the state, providing extraordinary care and service in healing, educating, protecting, guiding, policymaking, competent collection and managing revenue, monitoring air, sea and ground transports, and administering on behalf of every citizen, in every region, every day.
For over a century, the Guyana Public Service Union has remained steadfast in its mission to champion the rights and dignity of Public Service Workers. The Union has consistently worked to improve working conditions, ensure decent work and job security, while upholding the principles of justice, transparency, and accountability in public administration. In addition, the GPSU is committed to fostering the next generation of Public Service Leaders, ensuring continuity, professionalism, and excellence in the delivery of QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES across Guyana.
In Guyana, the task ahead is twofold, to keep pace with global transformation while safeguarding the integrity of our public institutions and the well-being of those who serve. This requires a firm commitment to ensuring fair compensation, adequate training, safe working environments, and institutional autonomy. It also involves investing in digital capacity and innovation to enable more responsive and efficient service delivery. Equally important also is the need to uphold the Rule of Law by respecting Court Rulings and protecting labour and human rights, thereby reinforcing trust and accountability within the Public Service.
We are proud that the mission and values of the Guyana Public Service Union align closely with the objectives of United Nations Public Service Day. This observance celebrates the value and virtue of Public Service to communities, recognises the tireless efforts of Public Servants in advancing national and global development, and promotes responsive, transparent and accountable governance. It also serves as a call to action to inspire and encourage young people to consider public service as a noble, meaningful, and impactful career, one that contributes directly to the betterment of society.
As we look ahead to 2030, the GPSU calls on all stakeholders, government, civil society, and development partners, to recommit to strengthening the capacity, security, and status of Public Servants. Their role is indispensable and their service is not only essential but also transformational.
To every Public Servant across Guyana, from Ministries, Agencies, Departments and Regional Administrations, along the Coastland to the Hinterland and Riverain Communities, we honour your service. Your daily acts of dedication, even when unseen, form the bedrock of this nation’s progress and resilience.
As we celebrate this global observance, the GPSU salutes every Public Servant in Guyana and beyond. Your work is noble and your voice through this Union will always be heard. Let us move forward together with pride in our purpose, confidence in our cause, and a shared commitment to shaping a Public Service worthy of the respect and admiration of the people it is meant to serve. Together, let us continue the journey toward 2030 with urgency, unity, and resolve.
Happy Public Service Day 2025!
In Solidarity,
The Executive Council and Members
Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU)
Justice for Public Employees