The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, has unveiled the theme for Commonwealth Day 2024 as ‘One Resilient Common Future’.
Scheduled for March 11, the day will kick off a series of events and activities throughout March, including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events.
Celebrated across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific, and Europe, Commonwealth Day is a testament to the unity among its 56 member states, all committed to the Commonwealth Charter. Secretary-General Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC emphasized the collective strength that enables the Commonwealth to confront and overcome present challenges, emerging with resilience. This underscores a future where wealth is not only widespread but genuinely equitable.
Highlighting the diversity within the Commonwealth, Secretary-General Scotland remarked on the shared values uniting nations, including a commitment to stronger and stable governance, a sustainable environment, robust economies, and societies that empower Commonwealth citizens. She also extended wishes for a speedy recovery to His Majesty King Charles III, the Head of the Commonwealth.
CHOGM Year 2024
This year’s Commonwealth Day theme aligns with the focus of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled for October 2024 in Samoa.
Prime Minister Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa of Samoa anticipates sharing the unique Samoan communal culture and traditions to strengthen the collective bond of the Commonwealth.
During Commonwealth Week in March, leaders, foreign ministers, young advocates, and delegates will convene for discussions aimed at solving shared challenges and proposing initiatives to empower people, encourage growth, and drive transformative change. Notably, the declaration of the Commonwealth Year of Youth seeks to increase projects supporting the 1.5 billion young people within the Commonwealth.
Commonwealth Day Activities
Countries will mark the day with readings of the Commonwealth Proclamation, celebratory events, and educational initiatives about the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Secretariat’s website will provide free resources to support these activities, while a reception in London will welcome representatives from across the Commonwealth.
Westminster Abbey will host a multicultural, multi-faith service on March 11, celebrating the diverse tapestry of the Commonwealth’s people, history, and culture. The event will feature reflections, performances, and readings by individuals representing the Commonwealth’s nations. The procession of Commonwealth flags at Westminster Abbey, with young flag bearers from each member state, remains a highlight.
This year’s Commonwealth Day events will include a contingent of Speakers and Presiding Officers from Commonwealth countries, UK Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies, and the UK nations, specially invited by the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons in the UK.
Commonwealth Day serves as a platform to inspire and foster unity among the 56 member states. Additionally, the Commonwealth will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the modern Commonwealth on April 26, marking another milestone in its history.