UK (Commonwealth Union)_ Commonwealth Day was commemorated worldwide on March 11 with a renewed commitment to forging a collective future. While London saw a multitude of prominent events, the day was marked globally with reverence, festivities, and educational initiatives. The Commonwealth Day festivities commenced in London with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the House of Commons, which was followed by a poignant wreath-laying ceremony at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates. This majestic occasion honored the millions who served and sacrificed their lives during the First and Second World Wars.
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As a tradition, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, delivered her annual message on Commonwealth Day, urging member states to leverage the ‘unique and extraordinary’ ties among the association’s 56 countries. She emphasized the importance of these connections amidst increasing global uncertainties. Reflecting on the Commonwealth’s 75-year journey, the Secretary-General highlighted its growth in scale, strength, and experience, uniting one-third of humanity across diverse continents and oceans. She stressed the need to uphold shared values and advance common interests, especially during turbulent times.
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The Secretary-General stated, “Over the course of 75 years, our family of nations has grown in scale, strength and experience. Our inbuilt relationships are unique and extraordinary, drawing together one third of humanity, across five continents and six oceans, with an astonishing diversity of thought, tradition and experience, and 1.5 billion people under the age of 30”. She added, “By keeping our Commonwealth connections strong, we can defend our shared values, and advance our shared interests, even in the most turbulent times.”
During the multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey in London, attended by over 2,000 individuals from across the Commonwealth, His Majesty King Charles III, as Head of the Commonwealth, delivered a video message. He emphasized the strength derived from diversity and underscored the common challenges faced by all Commonwealth nations, including climate change and socio-economic transformations driven by new technologies.
The King stated, “We recognise today that our diversity is our greatest strength. The Commonwealth represents a third of humanity, from all regions of the world, with all the different experiences, knowledge, and aspirations that this brings. Wherever we live, we are united by the many challenges we face – whether it be climate change, the loss of Nature, or the social and economic changes that new technologies are bringing”. He added, “Our diversity means that these challenges affect us all differently and that we experience their impacts in different ways. Their seriousness, however, is common to each one of us.”
Among the distinguished attendees at Westminster Abbey were Her Majesty the Queen, members of the Royal Family, foreign ministers, parliamentary speakers, High Commissioners, government officials, dignitaries, Commonwealth Games sportsmen, religious leaders, and more than 600 schoolchildren from the UK. The event was streamlined globally on BBC’s YouTube channel, reaching millions of viewers. Apart from the speeches, attendees and virtual viewers were also treated to live performances representing various Commonwealth regions. Notable highlights included a Samoan folk song rendition by soprano Isabella Moore, a moving performance by UK singer-songwriter Calum Scott, and a piano recital by Canadian musician Spencer Klymyshyn. Additionally, the energetic performance by Ugandan dance troupe Ghetto Kids further enlivened the audience.
Amidst the Year of Youth celebrations, Commonwealth Day spotlighted the 1.5 billion citizens under 30 within the Commonwealth. Notably, Maya Kirti Nanan, the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, proudly carried the Commonwealth flag at Westminster Abbey, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity and unity. She stated, “It’s mind-blowing to see so many young people from different countries come together and celebrate their culture in such a dynamic way. The Commonwealth brings all of us together and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
Following tradition, young representatives from across the Commonwealth displayed the flags of the 56 member countries. Additionally, Her Majesty The Queen participated in the Commonwealth Day Reception held at Marlborough House, the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London. The event featured inspiring musical performances from Ghana, Samoa, and South Africa, captivating government officials, youth leaders, accredited organization members, and distinguished guests.
During the event, the Secretary-General honored five individuals awarding them Hero Awards for their exceptional service to the Commonwealth Secretariat. Among the recipients were Pamela Zaballa and Melissa Morbeck from the NO MORE Foundation; Marios Kyriacou and Yiannos Spyrou from Cyprus Says No More Chapter; and Ilimo Torau from the Commonwealth Veteran’s & Families Support Group. The theme for Commonwealth Day 2024, ‘One Resilient Common Future,’ echoed the message of shared values and a commitment to enhanced sustainability, aligning with the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. Additionally, 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth, promising further celebrations of its enduring legacy.
