Held today (Monday 9 March) under the theme of 'Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth’, Commonwealth Day – which is held every year on the second Monday of March - is a celebration of unity, diversity and the links of the Commonwealth today.
It is also a time to bring people together for dialogue and reflection upon the designated theme of the year. The theme highlights ‘transformative, equitable and high-impact opportunities’ across the Commonwealth – particularly in relation to skills for work and for entrepreneurship - with a particular focus on young people and women.
Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey, said: “Commonwealth Day is an occasion to reflect on the strength of our connection and how it can shape our well-being as citizens of the Commonwealth.
“This year, Commonwealth Day calls us to action, to rally together to face today’s challenges and unlock opportunities that can deliver shared and lasting prosperity for all our people. Opportunity must reach people everywhere — from the smallest, most remote communities to the biggest cities.
“We are a family of nations whose endowments and common values position us to deliver the extraordinary benefits of a more prosperous and connected Commonwealth, if we work together.” Schools, governments, Parliaments and communities across the Commonwealth were set to organise events, with the Commonwealth Day Service, which is organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society, will take place in Westminster Abbey in London, UK.
Governments and Parliaments of Commonwealth member states and Commonwealth organisations are able to undertake activities, events and discussions on the theme chosen for this time around. Seen as an opportunity for the 2.7 billion people across the exsisting Commonwealth countries to celebrate their shared values, the annual event will continue its innovative and enduring spirit, united by the shared values enshrined in its Charter.
