Commonwealth Day Message by Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth

Flags of the Commonwealth
Flags of the Commonwealth

Wherever we live in the Commonwealth, we can always benefit from being open to the ideas and encouragement of those around us. Each of us can also make a positive difference in the lives of others by being willing to contribute and offer support.

This is an essential ingredient of belonging to the Commonwealth: the willingness to share, to exchange and to act for the common good. By including others, drawing on collective insights, knowledge and resources, and thinking and working together, we lay the foundations of a harmonious and progressive society. The greater the diversity of those included in such a shared enterprise, the greater the gains. Each of us has cause to celebrate the sense of belonging expressed in our 2016 theme: ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’.

Our recognition of this value, and the wisdom of mutual respect for each other, is set out in the Commonwealth Charter. Its opening words, “We the people of the Commonwealth” convey the conviction that individuals, as well as governments, build and shape our success.

Being inclusive and accepting diversity goes far deeper than accepting differences at face value and being tolerant. True celebration of the dignity of each person, and the value of their uniqueness and contribution, involves reaching out, recognising and embracing their individual identity.

At the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, there were forums for women, youth, business and civil society. These forums were a place for reflection on how to contribute collectively to achieving positive global change, for which the Commonwealth is widely respected.

Today, and in the year ahead, the theme ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’ is an inspiration for us all. Let us give it practical effect by supporting those in need and those who feel excluded in all walks of life. By doing so, we will continue to build a truly representative Commonwealth community.
Let us now stand to pledge ourselves afresh to uphold and serve the values and fellowship of the Commonwealth.

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4 Comments

  1. Face the Facts
    March 15, 2016

    I said to someone the Queen’s speech was an excellent one.
    For those who state about slave masters, you may feel that way but not everyone does
    Your problem is you have no respect for anyone; not even genuine love in your heart. If you did, you would not make such a statement.
    I do not see a slave master. I see a person just as myself, a human being God created. Some of you are negative. Everything and everyone is negative as far as you are concerned. You will have to change if you expect to be happy in this life and to be happy in eternity.

  2. Golden Heart matter.
    March 15, 2016

    This is a wonderful speech by her majesty. One I thought I would never hear from her. BUT this signals a true change in the making for man kind. This may not be “her” speech in particular but it shows a higher influence over her at work towards a positive outcome. Who better to get this speech from? Some one we don’t know or someone who is the head of state and the world as we know it? This is a wonderful time my fellow dominicans. We are about to evolve at a very rapid rate as of this year. I don’t only mean physically but mentally, emotionally and spiritually.! Please my fellow dominicans family, brace your selves for the biggest change man kind have ever seen!!!!!! If you want in follow me on Facebook ‘ golden heart matter’ please no trolls. Only positive vibes. One love and happy plasma.

  3. Big Bannan
    March 15, 2016

    And our slave masters have spoken.

    • out of south city
      March 15, 2016

      Isn’t it pathetic that we still have to listen to our slave masters in this era? We truly need to awaken from our sleep as African people or we will remain eternal slaves.

      UNAPOLOGETIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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