BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 2. A resolution initiated by Azerbaijan titled “Promoting Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals through Transparent, Accountable and Efficient Delivery of Public Services” has been unanimously adopted during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Trend.
The resolution gained broad international support. Alongside core co-sponsoring countries, Türkiye, Georgia, Ecuador, Kenya, Malaysia, and Thailand, and numerous other nations joined as co-authors. These included member states of the European Union, as well as the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Australia, Brazil, Ethiopia, and several other states from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation also joined collectively as co-sponsors.
The resolution aims to promote within the UN system the principle of transparent, accountable, and efficient delivery of public services, based on Azerbaijan’s “ASAN Service” model. This initiative is regarded as one of Azerbaijan’s key achievements in combating corruption and has become an internationally recognized national brand.
The adopted document emphasizes the importance of effective public service delivery in protecting and promoting all human rights, as well as in implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda.
It also highlights the critical role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence systems in preventing and combating corruption, ensuring equal access to public services for all, and enhancing preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in the context of natural disasters.
Furthermore, the resolution recognizes the United Nations Public Service Award, which “ASAN Service” received in 2015, as the most prestigious global award in the field of public service delivery. It calls on UN bodies and other international organizations to continue promoting and recognizing best practices in this area.
The resolution also mandates the organization of a panel discussion during the 65th session of the Human Rights Council, focusing on the role of public service delivery in promoting and protecting human rights, as well as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including in the context of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
This newly adopted resolution builds on earlier consensus resolutions 37/7 (2018) and 52/8 (2023), previously adopted by the Human Rights Council. Its unanimous approval and the wide range of co-sponsoring states are seen as a clear demonstration of strong international support for Azerbaijan’s positive experience and leading role in ensuring transparent, accountable, and efficient public service delivery.