The 2018 United Nations Public Service Forum took place in Marrakesh, in the Kingdom of Morocco from 21- 23 June 2018, with the theme of “Transforming governance to realize the Sustainable Development Goals”.
The Forum allowed Ministers and other senior decision makers to discuss how to transform governance and innovate the way governments, institutions and public administrations are organized and work to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also looked at how governments can become more effective, inclusive and accountable as committed in SDG 16. Participants had the opportunity to debate emerging issues and trends, as well as good practices, strategies and approaches to transforming governance and innovating public administration. The Forum benefited from the innovative practices of the 2018 winners of the United Nations Public Service Awards, who were recognized during the Awards Ceremony on the last day of this event. The Awards promotes the role, professionalism and visibility of public service and governments’ capacity to anticipate and respond to the challenges of the SDGs through creativity and innovation, especially in the delivery of services.
Finally, the Forum provided the opportunity to promote enhanced cooperation and partnerships. Its ultimate goal is to contribute to developing the capacity of governments to anticipate the various challenges posed by the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Drawing from the strategies that different countries are implementing and their related successes and difficulties, the Forum can inspire participants to develop their own solutions and pathways to realizing the SDGs.
The 2018 United Nations Public Service Forum was organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), through its Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG), in collaboration with the Ministry of Administration and Civil Service Reform of the Kingdom of Morocco. Several partners were also be engaged in organizing parallel workshops or side events.