Opening remarks by H.E. Mr. Tofig F. Musayev

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations

at the side event on “Excellence in Public Service Delivery to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals” held on the margins of the twenty-fifth session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA)

UNHQ, CR 8, 14 April 2026

Excellencies,
Distinguished colleagues,

It is a pleasure to welcome you all to this side event on excellence for public service delivery to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) in collaboration with the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovation under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASAN Service).

Taking this opportunity, I would like to express our appreciation for the continued partnership and successful cooperation with UNDESA and its Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government.

Azerbaijan firmly believes that effective, inclusive, and accountable public institutions are essential for building trust between governments and citizens and indispensable for delivering on the SDGs.

Azerbaijan has undertaken sustained efforts to modernize public administration, enhance transparency and inclusivity, and improve service delivery through digital innovation and citizen-centered approaches.

The ASAN Service model — the 2015 United Nations Public Service Award Winner — demonstrates how digital technologies, combined with institutional reform, can effectively advance these objectives.

Our experience confirms that investing in efficient public services is key to advancing sustainable development across all sectors.

In this context, it is worth noting that the UN Human Rights Council’s resolution entitled “Promoting human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals through transparent, accountable and efficient public service delivery”, tabled by Azerbaijan and unanimously adopted on 30 March 2026, builds on this experience and further advances the principles underpinning the ASAN Service model. We are encouraged by the broad cross-regional support for this resolution, which underscores the importance of effective public services for the protection of human rights and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.    

Strengthening international cooperation, sharing best practices, and promoting South-South and triangular cooperation remain critical to accelerating progress.

As we approach the 2030 deadline, it is imperative that we redouble our efforts to ensure that public service delivery leaves no one behind.

I look forward to a fruitful and engaging discussion.

Thank you.