The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 180 countries, infected millions and killed hundreds of thousands of people. In addition to the health implications and loss of life, the pandemic has strained health care systems, disrupted the education system, wreaked havoc on businesses and economies, led to job losses and disrupted social life with lockdowns, curfews and other stringent measures aimed at containing the virus being put in place globally. All this has happened in the context of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, for which public service and public servants are critical.
“From frontline healthcare workers and public health officials to teachers, sanitation workers, social welfare officers and more, the humble public servant has been thrust into the spotlight, helping elevate awareness and understanding of the critical role public servants play in everyday life, and in particular during times of severe crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Sandeep Marwah Chancellor AAFT University of Media And Arts at a small event on web to pay gratitude to all public servants.
To honor the work of public servants globally and focus on the critical role frontline public servants have been playing in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and AAFT University organized UN Public Service Day on 23 June. Dr. Marwah is also patron to IFUNA- Indian Federation of United Nations Associations.
“Today, as we honor these essential workers and so many more, we must also reflect on how to better protect, recognize and invest in their well-being as we build back better, together. And I say directly to these inspiring public servants: We are all deeply indebted to you for your remarkable acts of service to humankind”- Dr. Marwah read the message of UN Secretary-General António Guterres.