Commonwealth Day was celebrated on 9 March, reaffirming the Commonwealth’s desire for peace among all peoples and nations, and the belief that, together, opportunities can be unlocked for everyone, everywhere.
This year’s theme, ‘Unlocking opportunities for a prosperous Commonwealth,’ focused on how countries and communities can work together to improve people’s lives - from creating jobs to expanding access to education.
Across the 56 Commonwealth member countries, the day was marked with many high-profile events and community celebrations, from London in the United Kingdom (UK), to Lilongwe in Malawi and Auckland in New Zealand.
Memorial Gates Service
In London, Commonwealth Day began with a flag-raising at the House of Commons. It was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates, commemorating more than five million Commonwealth soldiers who served and lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars. This year’s ceremony highlighted the theme ‘Women in War’.
Image
Commonwealth Day Service
The Secretary-General read the Commonwealth Day Affirmation at the multi-faith service of celebration at Westminster Abbey in London. The audience at Westminster Abbey included His Majesty King Charles III, Her Majesty the Queen, foreign ministers, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey, High Commissioners, senior government officials, and dignitaries. More than 700 schoolchildren also attended.
In total, almost 2,000 people from around the Commonwealth attended the service.
Image
As part of an ongoing and cherished tradition at the Abbey service, youth from across the Commonwealth carried the flags of 56 member countries, as well as the Commonwealth flag. Most wore their national dress, reflecting the rich diversity of cultures which thrive in the Commonwealth family.
Image
Commonwealth Day Reception
A Commonwealth Day reception at St James’s Palace closed the day’s events. A highlight of the evening was the participation of cricketing legend, Sir Vivian Richards. Sir Viv, widely hailed as one of the greatest batsmen to ever play the game, hails from Antigua and Barbuda, this year’s host for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and he has also been appointed as special envoy for the meeting.
At the reception, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission showcased a new film titled, ‘We commemorate. Together,’ sharing the stories of those who lost their lives in war and how the bonds forged through shared sacrifice continue to strengthen cooperation between Commonwealth countries.
Ahead of Commonwealth Day, in his role as Head of the Commonwealth, His Majesty King Charles III shared a Commonwealth Day message with the 2.7 billion people of the Commonwealth.
In his message, His Majesty The King said:
“Our Commonwealth of Nations holds untapped potential for prosperous trade between trusting partners. With nearly two-thirds of our population under the age of thirty, we are a family defined by youth and possibility. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that they inherit not only hope and ambition, but also a world in which they can flourish.
“That inheritance depends upon the health of our planet and on the restoration of the natural world on which we depend. Across so many parts of our Commonwealth, climate change is not an abstract or distant threat, but a lived reality.”
In her first Commonwealth Day message, Secretary-General Hon Shirley Botchwey shared that even though the temptation to narrow our horizons and turn inward can be powerful, the Commonwealth chooses partnership. She said:
“Our diversity is extraordinary. We include small island states on the frontline of climate change and major economies shaping global markets. We are young, entrepreneurial, creative and resilient. And we are connected – through language, education, business, law, culture and enduring human ties.
“Those connections are powerful instruments for resilience and progress. They lower barriers, deepen trust and create the conditions in which trade can flourish, investment can flow and innovation can spread. In uncertain times, trust itself becomes a source of strength.”
As part of Commonwealth Week, the Commonwealth Investment Network Summit will take place on Tuesday, 10 March, bringing together leaders and investors to explore opportunities for trade and investment in Small Island Developing States. The event will also mark the launch of the Commonwealth Small States Bulletin, highlighting practical interventions that support resilience and sustainable development in Commonwealth small states.
Media contact
Suné Kitshoff
Senior Communications Officer
T: +44 7740 450 901 | Email our media contact Suné Kitshoff
