UK (Commonwealth Union)_ The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Commonwealth Secretary-General, has unveiled ‘One Resilient Common Future’ as the theme for Commonwealth Day 2024, slated for Monday, March 11. The day will kick off with a diverse array of events and activities throughout March, including religious and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and cultural festivities. Celebrated across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Americas, the Pacific, and Europe, Commonwealth Day holds significance as a unifying occasion for the 56 member states committed to the Commonwealth Charter.
Also read: COMMONWEALTH ENTERPRISE CHAIRMAN LORD MARLAND TO VISIT SRI LANKA
Secretary-General Patricia Scotland emphasized the collective strength embodied in this year’s theme, highlighting the resilience that enables overcoming present challenges and paving the way for a more equitable future. She stated, “Each year, we observe Commonwealth Day to recognise, celebrate, and invigorate our 56 member states, all of whom are committed to the Commonwealth Charter. This year’s theme underscores the collective strength that enables us to confront and overcome present challenges, emerging with resilience. This paves the way for a future where wealth isn’t just widespread but genuinely equitable.”
Also read: COMMONWEALTH AMPLIFIES SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES’ FINANCIAL TENACITY
The Secretary-General also underscored the shared values binding Commonwealth nations, emphasizing commitments to robust governance, sustainable environments, thriving economies, and inclusive societies empowering all citizens. Additionally, Secretary-General Scotland extended well wishes for a swift recovery to His Majesty King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth. She added, “We have nations that are among the smallest and largest in the world. What binds us together is our shared values, and those include a commitment to ensuring stronger and more stable governance, a more sustainable environment, strong economies, and societies that empower Commonwealth citizens.”
The theme of Commonwealth Day aligns with the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled for October 2024 in Samoa. Prime Minister Afioga FiamÄ“ Naomi MataÊ»afa of Samoa previously articulated anticipation for leveraging Samoa’s unique communal culture and traditions to advance the collective welfare of the Commonwealth. She said, “We look forward to sharing our unique Samoan communal culture and traditions as we come together to transform our one resilient family into a commonwealth.”
During Commonwealth Week in March, global leaders, ministers, youth advocates, and prominent delegates will convene for extensive deliberations addressing shared challenges and devising initiatives aimed at empowering individuals, fostering growth, and driving transformative change. Notably, the declaration of the Commonwealth Year of Youth underscores the commitment to enhancing support for the 1.5 billion young people across the Commonwealth.
Countries will mark Commonwealth Day through various means, including readings of the Commonwealth Proclamation, organizing celebratory events, and public awareness campaigns. The Commonwealth Secretariat’s website will serve as a central repository, offering accessible resources to facilitate these diverse activities. In London, at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters, a reception will welcome distinguished representatives from member states. Furthermore, Westminster Abbey will host a vibrant multicultural, multi-faith service on March 11, celebrating the Commonwealth’s diverse heritage through reflections, performances, and readings.
Highlighting the event is the traditional procession of Commonwealth flags at Westminster Abbey, with young flag bearers symbolizing each member state. Commonwealth Day festivities will also feature a contingent of Speakers and Presiding Officers from Commonwealth nations, UK Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies, and UK nations, specially invited by Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the UK House of Commons. Commonwealth Day 2024 coincides with significant milestones, including the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth on April 26, 2024, signifying continued dedication to fostering unity and cooperation among member states.
