Applications for the 2026 United Nations Public Service Awards Are Now Open

Aimed at promoting innovative and effective practices in public service, the award seeks to encourage public institutions to adopt a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable approach to governance.

By acknowledging creative achievements of public institutions at the national, sub-national, and local levels, the UNPSA contributes to the professionalization of public administration and enhances its visibility.

2026 Award Categories
Applications for the 2026 awards are open under four main categories, which address various dimensions of public administration:

1. Inclusive and Equitable Service Delivery to Leave No One Behind
2. Gender-Responsive Public Services
3. Transparent and Accountable Public Institutions
4. Participation and Public Engagement for Inclusive Decision-Making

Who Can Apply?
The United Nations Public Service Awards are open to all public institutions operating at national, sub-national, and local levels, as well as public-private partnerships. The application must include the public institution responsible for implementing the initiative. The awards are granted exclusively to institutions implementing the initiative; individuals or countries are not eligible.

Eligibility Criteria

• The initiative must have been implemented for at least two years.
• Initiatives designed or implemented by the United Nations system are not eligible for application.

Applications for the 2026 UNPSA will remain open until 31 March 2025.

For more information and to apply, please visit: publicadministration.desa.un.org/2026-un-public-service-awards.