The world faces enormous social, economic and environmental challenges. Ensuring that our public services are accountable and that our public servants are fully able to rise to the moment is vital.

This is a year for concerted global action. United Nations conferences on financing for development in July, on adopting a new set of Sustainable Development Goals in September, and the Paris Conference on Climate Change in December can help generate momentum for strengthening leadership in public services. As we transition from the Millennium Development Goals to the Sustainable Development Goals, Governments everywhere will need to adopt innovative and integrated approaches to promote policy change, institutional coordination, participatory decision-making, and effective, responsive, inclusive and accountable service delivery.

This year's United Nations Public Service Awards recognize that innovation and leadership contribute to better and more accountable services to local communities, including marginalized groups that are present at the commemoration of Public Service Day in Medellin, Colombia, the United Nations will recognize twenty-two public institutions for their achievements.

On this Public Service Day, I thank all public servants for their daily efforts to make a difference. I also call upon young people everywhere to consider dedicating themselves to the noble cause of public service as we strive to build a future of dignity for all.