Commonwealth Day takes place on the second Monday in March, chosen because this is the day when most children across the Commonwealth would be in school. The underlying aim of having a shared day for observance, indicates that the day is intended to be an opportunity to both learn about and celebrate the Commonwealth.
Next year we will mark the 50th anniversary of this date, so it seems timely to look back at some of the key elements that make up this day.
Commonwealth Day theme
This year 2026, is the first for Secretary-General Botchwey since she came to office. The theme Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth, reflects her commitment to enabling equitable opportunities across the Commonwealth.
Past themes and the times in which they were created
1995
For example, 1995 was the first Commonwealth Day in which a post-apartheid South Africa participated. The theme Our Commonwealth Neighbourhood – Working Together for Tolerance and Understanding reflected the spirit of collaboration, and the Commonwealths work to assist national reconciliation.
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2011
In 2011 the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day fell on the same date as Commonwealth Day and so the theme Women as Agents of Change offered an opportunity to look at women’s achievements. Since then, it is worth noting that the Commonwealth has had two women Secretaries-General. However, the themes real priority was to highlight the realities of gender inequality that still impact on the lives of women and girls and how the Commonwealth is working to change that.
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More past Commonwealth Day themes
Discover more past Commonwealth Day themes
Class activities
Over the years schools and students have found lots of creative ways to explore and engage with the Commonwealth. In 1983 a Canadian school sent the Secretary-General a giant letter, which he described as ‘the nicest letter’ he had received.
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Past and present suggestions for ways to celebrate Commonwealth Day
Talk
- Organise a model CHOGM to discuss world issues such as human rights and protecting the environment
- Encourage group presentations on different Commonwealth countries
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Get writing
- Organise quizzes about the geography of Commonwealth countries
- Pretend to be a journalist and write a news story on the Commonwealth
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Share food
- Host a ‘pot luck’ lunch for pupils in order to try different foods
- Cook a dish from another Commonwealth country to enjoy with your family
Learn about flags
- Look into vexillology or the study of flags. Where did they come from? What do they mean and signify?
- Draw and paint and display the member country flag around the classroom
- Get pupils to design a flag about themselves and tell the class what it means
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For younger students
A good way for younger students to familiarise themselves with the Commonwealth is by reading the booklet,
Our Story, Our World, Our Commonwealth: The story of 56 countries
It covers the Commonwealths shared values and how we work together. And also includes details on Commonwealth Day.
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Commonwealth Day messages
Commonwealth Day messages by the Secretary-General, by the Head of the Commonwealth and by Commonwealth leaders are an important feature. Often a combined mixture of reflection and a forward look, they are an opportunity at the highest level to express support for the Commonwealths commitment to friendship, mutual respect, prosperity and harmony.
2005 Education. Creating opportunity, realising potential
"If we are serious about fighting global poverty, we must provide people with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to improve their job prospects and contribute to the growth of their country's economy. No society has ever achieved economic development without investing in education."
Commonwealth Day 2005 Statement by Secretary-General Don McKinnon
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2015 A Young Commonwealth
"I think it apt that on this day we celebrate ‘A Young Commonwealth’ and all that it has to offer. As a concept that is unique in human history, the Commonwealth can only flourish if its ideas and ideals continue to be young and fresh and relevant to all generations."
Commonwealth Day Message, from Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth
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Commonwealth Day 2026
So how will you join the celebrations this year? Follow us on social media and let us know using #CommonwealthDay
Find news, video, social media toolkit and educational resources at Commonwealth Day 2026
