The idea to launch the Public Service Awards first emerged during the 15th Session of the Group of Experts on the United Nations Programme in Public Administration and Finance.
After deliberating on measures aimed at promoting excellence and encouraging innovation in public service delivery, the Expert Group recommended that an annual event be organized by UNDESA, through its Division for Public Economics and Public Administration (now Division for Public Administration and Development Management), to recognize and encourage excellence in Public Administration.

This recommendation was subsequently reflected in the Report of the United Nations Secretary-General (E/2000/66), and endorsed by the United Nations Economic and Social Council in its Decision 2000/231 of 27 July 2000.
UN Public Service Award winners are honored in an Awards Ceremony which takes place, each year, on 23 June. This day is designated by the UN General Assembly as the UN Public Service Day, in its Resolution 57/277, 7 March 2003.
The United Nations organized and hosted the first Public Service Awards Ceremony in New York on 23 June 2003