United Kingdom (Commonwealth Union)_ The theme for Commonwealth Day 2023 has been announced by the Commonwealth Secretary-General The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC. Accordingly, the theme was set as, “Forging a sustainable and peaceful common future.” This year, Commonwealth Day will be celebrated on Monday, March 13, and will mark the beginning of a weeklong series of events and activities around the world, including faith and civic meetings, discussions, school assemblies, flag-hoisting events, and cultural events.
According to the Secretary-General, “Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration observed by people across the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe. This theme marks the active commitment of member states to collaborate on climate action, support the growth of free and democratic societies, and the promotion of peace and prosperity to enhance the lives of all Commonwealth citizens. And during this Commonwealth Year of Youth, it focuses our efforts on building a better future for the 1.5 billion Commonwealth citizens under the age of 30.”
Additionally, Commonwealth member nations also extended their support to the Commonwealth of Nations Flag for Peace project, which was inaugurated last December. Flags for Peace represent the shared ideals and principles of the Commonwealth and will be distributed to all member states. On Commonwealth Day, each city in the United Kingdom will get a flag that they may choose to hoist following brief ceremonies. Other major events include the reading of a Commonwealth Proclamation by Town Criers, along with fanfares, pipers, and cathedral or church bells in the evening.
On March 13 in London, where the Commonwealth Secretariat is headquartered, Westminster Abbey will host a multicultural, multi-faith ceremony featuring testimonials, performances, and readings from around the Commonwealth. The event also includes a procession of Commonwealth flags carried by young people representing each of the 56 Commonwealth states.
Commonwealth Day 2023 also commemorates the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, which was signed on 11 March 2013 by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and describes the principles and goals that bind the Commonwealth. This is the first Commonwealth Day following the demise of Her Majesty, and the first to be presided over by His Majesty King Charles III in his capacity as King and Head of the Commonwealth.
