Remarks by Tapan Mishra, UN Resident Coordinator on the UN Public Service Day 2021

Dear Mr. Baatarzorig, Chairman of the Civil Service Council of Mongolia

Dear Mr. Zumberellkham, Member of the Civil Service Council of Mongolia

Distinguished Participants, Excellencies, Partners, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

On the occasion of the UN Public Service Day, I would like to express my sincere thanks for this opportunity to speak to the esteemed civil servants who have graduated from the prestigious scholarship programs supported by generous donations from governments and international development organizations.

As you all may know, the UN Public Service Day celebrates the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlights the contribution of public service in the development process; recognizes the work of public servants, and encourages young people to pursue careers in the public sector.

This year, the observance of the Public Service Day highlights digital innovation and technology in public service. Leveraging the role of technology for future public service has become even more important as the world grapples with the pandemic. The pandemic pushed public services to mobilise digital technology from telecommuting to tele-teaching to tele-medicine.

I am very glad that Mongolia has embraced digital innovation at the core of its Vision 2050 as it embarked on its ambitious plan to become a digital nation. Strengthening digital governance is on high priority to improve public service delivery to the citizens. The government offers more than 590 services, 330 of which are now available online through the e-Mongolia portal.

Today’s event is a timely intervention to highlight the important role the scholarship programs play in bringing new knowledge, a new way of thinking in the public service. Thanks to these programs, civil service is renewed with the much-needed breath of fresh air and ideas to cultivate innovation and harness the power of digitalisation. As we celebrate the achievement of the graduates, and the wealth of knowledge they bring into the service, let us also thank our generous donors, who have helped not only fund these programs but also were committed over the years in administering these programs.

Through UNDP, the UN Mongolia has been supporting the civil service reform in Mongolia. With the generous support of the Government of Canada, UNDP Mongolia is working with the Civil Service Council of Mongolia in building a professional and merit-based civil service.

Here, I want to reiterate the importance of ensuring gender equality and creating an empowering and inclusive environment for women to serve and advance in the civil service are pivotal to effective and efficient public administration.

On this special day, I acknowledge your committed services to all Mongolians. Your steadfast dedication is highly appreciated and recognized for transforming Mongolia’s civil services through greater innovations and contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Finally, we salute the heroic services of the frontline servants, who have been tirelessly serving to protect and save the precious lives of many amid this devastating pandemic.

Thank you. Wish you all the best!