NewzHonouring the public servants who have been working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.Whether working in healthcare or delivering essential services in the areas of sanitation, social welfare, education, postal delivery, transport, law enforcement, and more, public servants globally have continued to work in the community as many people shelter at home, risking their lives to ensure ours can continue.WHO Director-General joined a virtual high-level panel at the United Nations to mark Public Service Day on 23 June to honour the women and men who are risking their lives and health to deliver essential public services amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.The event brought together public servants and leaders to discuss the importance of the continuation of public service provision during times of the COVID-19 pandemic. It examined the various approaches countries are taking during the crisis and what measures they are undertaking to better mitigate such challenges in the future. The event also included an orchestral piece performed by the UN Orchestra and featured a video showcasing public servants in action, developed from over 80 submissions received from public servants at national and local levels worldwide.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (video statement)Mr. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, President of the General AssemblyH.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of EthiopiaDr.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, World Health OrganizationMr. Liu Zhenmin, United Nations Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social AffairsH.E. Chin Young, Minister of Interior and Safety, Republic of KoreaDr.
In-Jae Lee, Deputy Minister of the Interior and Safety, Republic of KoreaH.E. Shailaja Teacher, Minister of Health of Kerala State, IndiaMr. Jim Campbell, Director, Health Workforce Department World Health OrganizationMs.
Annette Kennedy, President of International Council of NursesRosa Pavenelli, General Secretary, Public Services International, Moderator: Ms. Odette Ramsingh, Executive Director: Human Resources, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences UniversityHow to watchDG speechLink to event COVID-19 has rapidly progressed to become a global pandemic, causing unprecedented, far-reaching impact on the health, social and economic well-being of communities around the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and World Trade Organization (WTO) are committed to responding effectively to the situation, working together with other international organizations and our respective memberships. Global, coordinated action is required to deal with the extraordinary challenges the pandemic poses to people’s health as well as their livelihoods. Protecting lives is our top priority, and these efforts can be impeded by unnecessary disruptions to global trade and supply chains.
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