Commonwealth Day will be commemorated by 54 countries across the world on 14 March, honouring their shared values and rich diversity as members of the Commonwealth.
Every year, people in Commonwealth countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe observe the day with a range of activities, including faith and civic gatherings, flag raising ceremonies and cultural events.
This year’s celebrations, held under the theme ‘Delivering a Common Future’, will be historic, marking 70 years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and her role as Head of the Commonwealth.
In her annual message, Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland underlined the significance of Commonwealth solidarity during this time of global uncertainty:
“In an uncertain world, with multilateralism under strain, the Commonwealth shines as a beacon of hope and promise, inspiring confidence in the benefits of international co-operation and collective action.
“We celebrate the diversity that enriches us, and the similarities that enable us to work to together. Our points of unity make the Commonwealth unique in our world. Drawing from the deep wells of our unique history, they enable us to face the challenges of the 21st Century with clarity, unity and purpose.”
The Secretary-General called for all Commonwealth nations to “stand together” in the face of multiple global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed nearly one million lives in the Commonwealth, climate change and ongoing insecurity.
In London, where the Commonwealth Secretariat headquarters are based, the Secretary-General will join 1,500 international guests for a multicultural, multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey.
The service, which will feature testimonies and performances from throughout the Commonwealth, will be attended by members of the British Royal Family, diplomats, faith leaders and more than 600 school children and young people.
The Commonwealth Service will be broadcast live on BBC One from 14:00 GMT on Monday 14 March. It will also be relayed on the BBC World Service (from 15:00 GMT).
Read the Secretary-General’s full Commonwealth Day message
- The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states. Our combined population is 2.5 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 29 or under.
- The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-two of our members are small states, many of which are island nations.
- The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt and inequality.
- Member countries are supported by a network of more than 80 intergovernmental, civil society, cultural and professional organisations.
Well madame Secretary-General your leadership is truly being tested at this time, it was your one opportunity to deliver and you have failed miserably. In your address you clearly stated and I quote “we stand together in the face of rising populism and work together to protect and strengthen the process of culture and the institutions of DEMOCRACY; we stand together against violence and insecurity, for peace and justice”
I’m not sure if Ukraine was on your mind but your failure to even mention Ukraine or any condemnation of Russia’s actions is a clear indication of the weakness of the Commonwealth of Nations to defend it’s own principles. Cowards!!!! I’d say; while that statement, I’m sure does not reflect the sentiments of all of us as Commonwealth citizens, it would have been important to reflect who we truly are as a resilient people amongst the world population. To quote you madame “we all gonna suck SALT if this indiscriminate and barbaric action by Russia continues…
The Secretary General you say. Isn’t she the same one who told us, supposedly her own people, to suck salt . Well I ‘m sorry but I have deep misgivings about that lady. Angelo told us the Queen knows about that too. You are tarnished Patricia.
DNO, your site is becoming more and more reader unfriendly. Why don’t you redesign it? Also significantly reduce the number of pop-ups. Your website is very unattractive and at times difficult to navigate.
This comment is in no way intended to denigrate. In fact, my intentions are quite honourable.
ADMIN: That final statement is not consistent with your persistent and acrimonious daily criticisms of DNO.
We have actually reduced the total number of ad slots overall and made subtle changes to the layout to improve the user experience and continue active development on the design.
We do listen to feedback but for now the positive feedback about the site design and layout does outweigh the negative.
Patricia Scotland, you have discredited yourself by insulting all Dominicans with your outrageous and unhinged comments. Go and suck salt.
Ibo, l will say it to you personally” Go suck sult” LOSER how about that!!!
Stray Dog, your bark is worse than your bite. That’s the best you can do? You are just a toothless, seless mixed breed. If you were t be put n auction, yo wud worth $0.00 (worthless).