In 2024, the Commonwealth celebrates its 75th anniversary.
Since its founding in 1949, the modern Commonwealth has grown in both scale and influence with 56 member countries, spanning five continents and representing a third of the world's population.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, join us in reflecting on the Commonwealth's legacy, enduring values and ongoing commitment to promoting democracy, development and peace across the globe.
Explore our history, from the founding of the modern Commonwealth in 1949 to today, in the gallery below.
1940s
Beginning of the modern Commonwealth
1949
Eight countries - Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom - come together to reform their old association into the modern Commonwealth.
Leaders set down the terms of their voluntary association as “free and equal members of the Commonwealth of Nations, freely co-operating in the pursuit of peace, liberty and progress.”
“In this world which is today sick and which has not recovered from so many wounds... it is necessary that we touch upon the world's problems, not with passion and prejudice... but in a friendly way and with a touch of healing."
Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India, in a speech to the Constituent Assembly, New Delhi, 1949
1950s
Marlborough House becomes Commonwealth centre
1959
Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II placed Marlborough House in London at the disposal of the British government as a Commonwealth centre.
1960s
Commonwealth Secretariat and role of Commonwealth Secretary-General created
1965
Based in Marlborough House in London, UK, the Commonwealth Secretariat was established in 1965 to support member countries to achieve the Commonwealth’s aims of development, democracy and peace and act as “a visible symbol of the spirit of co-operation that animates the Commonwealth”.
Arnold Smith, seen here outside Marlborough House with Law Ministers, was appointed its first Secretary-General and served from 1965 to 1975.
When statesmen who have led their nations to independence have decided to seek membership in the Commonwealth, they have not appeared to be motivated by sentimentality about the past, but by a constructive vision of the future and by realistic assessments about their country’s national interest.
Arnold Smith, Commonwealth Secretary-General (1965-1975)
1970s
First meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM)
1971
At the first meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) in Singapore, Heads of Government adopted the Declaration of Commonwealth Principles - the first formal statement of Commonwealth values which has been renewed and reaffirmed over the years.
The Declaration proclaimed that understanding among nations will help the elimination of discrimination based on differences of race, colour or creed.
Commonwealth Youth Programme established
1973
The Commonwealth Youth Programme was established to support member countries to unleash the vast potential of young people and champion their engagement in decision-making and development.
Today this commitment to youth development continues as the Year of Youth is celebrated across the Commonwealth. Young people (aged 15-29) now account for more than 60% of all Commonwealth citizens.
1980s
Adoption of the Langkawi Declaration on the Environment
1989
Commonwealth leaders expressed deep concerns at threats posed to the environment in the landmark Langkawi Declaration on the Environment.
The Declaration underscored the need for global action on climate change to avert "permanent and irreversible damage" to our environment and way of life. This was one of the world’s first collective statements to name greenhouse gas emissions as a leading problem facing the planet.
The global environmental issue is a matter that concerns every nation, every society, every individual. The Langkawi Declaration was an important contribution in the efforts to effectively address environmental problems in a global perspective.
H.E. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Maldives, in his inaugural address to the Small States Conference on Sea Level Rise in Malé, Maldives, 1989
1990s
South Africa rejoins the Commonwealth under Nelson Mandela
1994
In 1994, South Africa returned to the Commonwealth under the leadership of Nelson Mandela after the country had left in 1961, following opposition from member countries to its apartheid policies.
Nelson Mandela with former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, at Marlborough House in London.
2000s
Commonwealth Latimer House Principles published
2004
The Commonwealth Latimer House Principles on the Three Branches of Government were approved by Law Ministers and endorsed at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
The principles provide Commonwealth member countries with an effective framework for governments, parliaments and judiciaries to implement the Commonwealth’s fundamental values.
2010s
Signing of the Commonwealth Charter
2013
Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II signed the Commonwealth Charter into being.
The Charter brings together the values and aspirations that unite the Commonwealth, including democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Head of the Commonwealth, Commonwealth Secretary-General and Chair-in-Office all women
2018
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London in 2018 marked the first time women held all Commonwealth leadership positions.
Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and CHOGM Chair-in-Office, Theresa May, and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, are seen here at the opening ceremony of CHOGM in 2018.
2020s
Passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth
2022
The Commonwealth joined the Royal Family and the world in mourning the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022.
Her Majesty The Queen's 96 years were marked by her 70 years of service to the Crown and Commonwealth, and her commitment to her beloved family.
Commonwealth leaders welcome His Majesty King Charles III as Head of the Commonwealth
2023
In 2023, leaders of the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries met in Marlborough House in London with His Majesty King Charles III to welcome him as the new Head of the Commonwealth ahead of the Coronation.
Commonwealth leaders reaffirmed their commitment to unity and discussed areas of mutual interest including the empowerment of the Commonwealth's 1.5 billion young people.
The Commonwealth is a beacon within the international system. A place where people come together. Where we work together. Where no voice is louder or more important than any other. And where no one is left behind.
The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Commonwealth Secretary-General, at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
Samoa to host Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024
2024
Samoa will be the first small island state from the Pacific to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October 2024. Heads of Government will gather under the theme, 'One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth'.
Building on progress since CHOGM 2022, leaders will deliberate on global economic, environmental and security challenges, and discuss how the Commonwealth can work together to build resilience, boost trade and empower youth to build a more peaceful, sustainable future.