Creating a better future: United Nations honors Philadelphia for keeping its civic promises
Casey Family Programs’ David Sanders and Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, Anne Marie Ambrose, were invited to attend the recent United Nations Public Service Forum Day and Awards Ceremony in Manama, the Kingdom of Bahrain. The theme of the forum was “Transformative e-Government and Innovation: Creating a Better Future for All.”
At the ceremony, the Philadelphia Department of Human Services received the 2013 United Nations Public Service Second-Place Award in the category of Improving the Delivery of Public Services for its work in improving outcomes for children.
Casey Family Programs provided support for the award-winning program with expertise, technical assistance and financial resources to Philadelphia DHS.
Since 2006, Casey has worked closely with the Philadelphia Department of Human Services to transform the child welfare system. At a press conference to announce the United Nations award, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter gave Casey Family Programs the Liberty Bell Award in recognition of Casey’s efforts to support improved outcomes for vulnerable children in Philadelphia. The Liberty Bell Award is the highest honor that the city can bestow.
In a letter to Commissioner Ambrose, the United Nations’ Vincenzo Aquaro wrote, “Your institution’s outstanding achievement has demonstrated excellence in serving the public interest and I am confident it has made a significant contribution to the improvement of public administration in your country. Indeed, it will serve as an inspiration and encouragement for others working for public service.”
The United Nations Public Service Award is the most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service. It rewards the creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration in countries worldwide.
Participants came from all over the world, including high-level United Nations officials and representatives of the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as world leaders, ministers, senior government officials, mayors, and representatives from civil society, academia, the private sector, and international and regional organizations.