Public servants: The backbone of society

Every society depends on individuals who work behind the scenes to ensure that essential services continue uninterrupted, institutions function effectively, and communities remain safe and prosperous. These individuals, known as public servants, perform responsibilities that touch nearly every aspect of daily life, often without receiving public recognition.

From teachers and healthcare professionals to firefighters, municipal employees, engineers, judges, and civil administrators, public servants contribute to the stability and development of nations by serving the public interest rather than private financial gain.

Marked annually on 23 June, United Nations Public Service Day offers an opportunity to recognize the invaluable contribution of public servants across the world.

Understanding public service and the roles of public servants

Public service refers to employment within government institutions and public bodies whose primary mission is to serve society and advance the common good. Unlike the private sector, which generally pursues commercial objectives and profitability, public institutions exist to provide essential services that benefit all citizens. Public servants operate at the national, regional, and local levels, carrying out responsibilities that directly influence the quality of daily life. Their work is guided by core principles such as professionalism, integrity, impartiality, accountability, and a commitment to the public interest.

Public service encompasses a wide range of professions that ensure the effective functioning of society. Educators, school administrators, and university staff prepare future generations through learning and skills development, while healthcare professionals working in public hospitals, clinics, and health ministries promote public health through prevention, treatment, and emergency care. Police officers, firefighters, civil defense personnel, and disaster response teams protect lives and property during emergencies. Engineers, urban planners, sanitation workers, transportation authorities, and utility operators maintain the infrastructure and public services that keep communities functioning. Meanwhile, civil servants and regulatory officials administer public finances, issue official documents, oversee elections, enforce laws, regulate industries, and protect consumers.

Public service and the public interest, professional standards, ethics, and accountability

One of the defining distinctions between public and private employment lies in their ultimate objectives. Public service is distinguished by its commitment to the public interest rather than private profit. Governments provide essential services such as education, healthcare, public safety, infrastructure, and social welfare because they promote collective well-being, economic development, and equal opportunities. Public servants are therefore entrusted with managing taxpayer-funded resources responsibly, ensuring services are delivered efficiently, fairly, and impartially.

Given the authority they exercise on behalf of society, public servants are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and transparency. They must avoid conflicts of interest, protect confidential information, use public resources responsibly, and make decisions based on the law rather than personal or political considerations. Ethical codes, financial disclosure requirements, audits, judicial oversight, and other accountability mechanisms help preserve the neutrality of public institutions, strengthen public trust, and ensure that misconduct is identified and addressed.

Public service in an era of change

The responsibilities of public servants continue to evolve as societies confront new challenges. Rapid technological advancement, digital transformation, and increasing citizen expectations require governments to adapt continuously.

Modern public administration increasingly incorporates digital services, artificial intelligence (AI), electronic governance (also known as E-governance), and data-driven policymaking to improve efficiency and accessibility while maintaining low cost. Citizens today expect faster, more transparent, and user-friendly public services, placing greater importance on innovation alongside traditional administrative competence.

International initiatives, including the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 regarding peace, justice and strong institutions, recognize that capable public institutions are essential for achieving inclusive economic growth, reducing inequalities, promoting environmental sustainability, and strengthening resilience against global crises.

Public service in Lebanon

In Lebanon, the meaning of public service has evolved in ways that have often weakened public confidence in state institutions. While public office was once closely associated with national service, institution-building, and professional administration, many citizens today associate it with political patronage, bureaucratic paralysis, administrative inefficiency, and clientelism. Recruitment and promotion have, at times, been influenced by political or sectarian considerations rather than merit, while prolonged institutional deadlock and recurring financial crises have reduced the state’s ability to deliver services effectively. As a result, public service has increasingly come to symbolize institutional stagnation rather than responsive governance.

Yet these shortcomings should not overshadow the many individuals who have embodied the highest ideals of public service. Lebanon’s history includes numerous public officials whose careers were defined by integrity, competence, and an unwavering commitment to the public interest.

Among the most distinguished was Edmond Naim, a renowned jurist, former President of the Lebanese University (LU), Governor of Banque du Liban (1985-1991), and later Member of Parliament (MP). A constitutional scholar with an extensive legal background, Naim believed that the rule of law was the cornerstone of both state institutions and individual freedoms. During one of the most turbulent periods in Lebanon’s history, marked by civil war, institutional division, economic collapse, and the existence of two rival governments, he defended the independence of the central bank against intense political pressure. He refused to authorize financial decisions that he believed violated the law or endangered monetary stability, resisted efforts to use the central bank for political purposes, and played a decisive role in preserving the unity of Lebanon’s currency and financial institutions when many feared they, too, would become divided. Despite threats to his personal safety, including an attempted abduction, Naim remained steadfast in carrying out his constitutional responsibilities. His career exemplified a public servant’s duty to protect institutions rather than political interests.

Another enduring example is Elias Sarkis, Governor of Banque du Liban (BDL) before serving as President of the Republic from 1976 to 1982, during the height of the Lebanese War (1975-1990). A leading figure of the Chehabist school (after the name of former Lebanese President Fouad Chehab, a prominent statesman himself) of state-building, Sarkis was widely respected for his honesty, moderation, and devotion to public institutions. As central bank governor, he contributed to maintaining monetary stability and strengthening confidence in Lebanon’s financial system. As president, although confronted with circumstances that severely limited the powers of the state, he worked tirelessly to preserve the continuity of public institutions, maintain the unity of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), encourage national dialogue, and prevent the complete collapse of government administration. Rather than pursuing political popularity, Sarkis became known for his quiet, disciplined style of leadership and his belief that rebuilding the state required patience, impartiality, and respect for institutions.

Moreover, despite persistent sociopolitical, economic, and administrative challenges, many continue to demonstrate professionalism, dedication, and commitment to serving their communities. Their contributions help preserve institutional continuity while supporting efforts aimed at improving governance, expanding digital public services, and strengthening administrative capacity.

Recognizing the value of public service encourages greater appreciation for the individuals whose daily efforts often remain unseen but whose work is fundamental to national development and social stability. In short, public service represents one of the pillars upon which stable, prosperous, and inclusive societies are built.