The Critical Role of the Transparent, Efficient and Accountable Public Service Delivery in Safeguarding Human Rights

Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to join you today on the occasion of this year’s Human Rights Day in Azerbaijan, and to participate in this important discussion on the critical role of transparent, efficient, and accountable public service delivery in safeguarding human rights.

I would like to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for convening this seminar.  It builds upon the important Human Rights Council resolutions led by Azerbaijan, which underscore that transparent, accountable, and efficient public services are essential both to the realization of human rights and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

These resolutions rightly highlight the importance of digital innovation, anti-corruption measures, and inclusive access to services.  They also emphasize the value of international cooperation and national capacity-building, including through the exchange of knowledge and experience.

Today’s seminar provides a timely opportunity to reflect on how these resolutions are being implemented in practice, particularly through the ASAN Service model.

Distinguished Participants:

The Human Rights Council has underscored the importance of transparent, accountable, and efficient public service delivery for both the promotion of human rights and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.  Public institutions are often the primary means through which people access healthcare, education, social protection, justice, and other essential services. 

As repeatedly affirmed by the United Nations, human rights are indispensable to achieving sustainable development that leaves no one behind, while policies grounded in human rights foster social justice, strengthen institutions, and build public trust.  In this sense, effective public service delivery is not merely a matter of administrative efficiency; it is a prerequisite for dignity, inclusion, and the realization of human rights in people’s daily lives.

In this regard, Azerbaijan’s ASAN Service centers offer a compelling and internationally recognized example of innovation in governance.  By creating a one-stop platform for public services, ASAN has simplified procedures, reduced waiting times, and significantly limited opportunities for corruption.  Through the integration of digital technologies and a strong focus on citizen satisfaction, it has enhanced both efficiency and accountability.

The ASAN Service model has received global recognition, including the United Nations Public Service Award (2015), and continues to inspire similar initiatives in other countries.  Just a couple of weeks ago, on 22 May, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, visited the ASAN Service center, observing first-hand how innovation can strengthen governance and protect rights in practice.

As highlighted in the concept note for today’s seminar, effective public service delivery is particularly essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on building peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.  At its core, SDG 16 is about ensuring that people can access justice, trust public institutions, and participate fully in society. 

In this regard, it is encouraging to note the efforts undertaken in Azerbaijan to strengthen access to justice.  One notable example is the significant development of the Bar Association of the Republic of Azerbaijan since 2018.  In just a few years, the number of practicing lawyers has more than tripled, greatly expanding the availability of legal services across the country.  This growth is important not only for the legal profession itself, but, more importantly, for the people who rely on it.  A larger and more accessible legal community means that more individuals are able to seek legal advice, defend their rights, and navigate the justice system when they need assistance.  In this way, strengthening the legal profession contributes directly to making justice services more accessible, responsive, and better equipped to meet the needs of society.

Distinguished Participants:

The United Nations is proud to partner with the Government of Azerbaijan in promoting the ASAN Service model as a global best practice.

With the support of Azerbaijan, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) is implementing a capacity development initiative to help countries strengthen public service delivery.  The project focuses on what we call “omnichannel one-stop-shop” approaches - bringing services together in ways that are more accessible, efficient, and inclusive.

Simply put, the project aims to support governments make it easier for people - especially those who are most vulnerable or underserved - to access public services, and it directly contributes to SDG 16.

This project is about sharing knowledge and experience, drawing on innovative practices from around the world, including the ASAN Service model, and supporting countries in adapting these lessons to their own contexts.

The project has supported workshops and peer-learning exchanges across regions (in Barbados, Ethiopia, Mexico, and The Gambia (online)), as well as global discussions at United Nations Headquarters including during the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).  It has also produced practical tools, such as the revised UN DESA Omnichannel One-Stop-Shops Handbook and a related online training course.

Looking ahead, the project will convene two regional Governance Innovation Forums, one in the Caribbean and another in Asia and the Pacific.  We also look forward to organizing the International Symposium here in Baku on 4-5 November, to showcase country innovation journeys, strengthen South-South cooperation, and promote the scaling and replication of successful public service delivery innovations that contribute to sustainable development.

Distinguished Participants:

Azerbaijan’s experience demonstrates that investing in citizen-centered public services not only improves efficiency, but also protects fundamental rights - such as equality, access to information, and participation in public life.

As the United Nations Country Team in Azerbaijan, we look forward to continue to support the Government in their commitment to strengthening public institutions, embracing innovation, and promoting accountability.  In so doing, Azerbaijan will not only accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, but also uphold the universal promise of human rights.

Thank you.