The role of efficient public service delivery is of utmost importance in the effective realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), there is a general consensus that an effective, efficient and fair public service is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. In a highly inter-connected world, in which governments face increasingly complex and cross-cutting issues, it is ever more critical that the public sector is capable, motivated and committed. This holds particular importance for the developing world, also known as the Global South.
The Non-Aligned Movement, being the largest collective voice of the Global South, has also stressed the importance of an efficient and robust public service delivery system towards the attainment of the SDGs. During the 52nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held in March-April 2023, NAM Member States, namely Azerbaijan, Ecuador, Kenya, Malaysia and Thailand, took the initiative in the passing of resolution “Promoting human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals through transparent, accountable and efficient public services delivery”.
The Resolution recognises that a professional, accountable and transparent public service upholding the highest standards of efficiency, competence, integrity, accessibility and non-discrimination is one of the essential components of good governance. It also acknowledges that the promotion and protection of human rights and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are complementary and mutually reinforcing.
The resolution also expresses concerns about the negative impact of widespread corruption on the enjoyment of human rights and recognises that corruption constitutes one of the obstacles to the effective promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It acknowledges that non-discriminatory, efficient, accessible, accountable and transparent public services delivery consistent with citizens’ needs and feedback is one of the key components in building an anti-corruption environment in the public sector and contributes to the promotion and protection of human rights and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. It also stresses that increased application of technological innovations and electronic services in public service delivery can play an important role in reducing corruption by promoting transparency and accountability and can improve the environment and tools necessary to foster public access to information on preventing and combating corruption.
The Resolution, initiated by NAM, calls for the governments to play an important role in the effective use of information and communications technology in the design of public policies and the provision of public services responsive to national needs and priorities, including on the basis of a multi-stakeholder approach, to support national development efforts.
The Resolution also stresses the need to incorporate transparent, accountable and efficient public service delivery models into local, national and regional development plans. It highlights the significance of access to relevant information as one of the key components of efficiency in the delivery of public services, and emphasises the importance of respecting, promoting and protecting the freedom of expression, as stipulated in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information. The Resolution also recognises the important role of the Government, as a service provider, and of all other stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society, in the promotion and protection of all human rights and, as appropriate, in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In line with this resolution, NAM has urged States with effective models for the delivery of public services to share their best practices with other States, especially with developing States, through bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation frameworks, and calls upon all States to establish, taking into account best practices from other States, as appropriate, a transparent, accountable and efficient public service system. NAM has also underlined the important role of the United Nations Public Service Awards as the most prominent international recognition of excellence in public service within the United Nations system in identifying and promoting innovations and new concepts in public administration that minimize the risks of corruption, and has encouraged the United Nations entities and other international organizations to continue to promote and reward such initiatives and their replication.
