Commonwealth Day
There is one common link between 53 countries and almost two billion citizens across the world. That link is that we are all part of the Commonwealth of Nations, sharing a common heritage for a united future. Monday 12th March 2007 was Commonwealth Day, a day marking this significant connection.
This year’s theme was “The Commonwealth: respecting difference, promoting understanding”. Though there are an array of ethnicities and traditions that make up each member country, it is significant to note that there are common threads binding each member country together. Democracy, freedom of expression, respect for the rule of law and the promotion of human rights are all regarded and respected within Commonwealth nations.
And, lip service is not simply paid to these principles. For example, we saw this in the ousting of Fiji as a member of the Council of the Commonwealth through the disregard for democracy in that nation. This shared commitment to these values and principles gives a dimension of meaning to the Commonwealth.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that Australia supports this year’s theme through “our long-standing and highly successful migration programme, our relations with other nations and through our overseas aid”. The theme is also upheld through the exchange of students amongst member nations, through active aid to those countries that need a hand up and in sporting activities such as cricket matches.
In her message to the Commonwealth on Commonwealth Day, Her Majesty the Queen said,
“In today’s difficult and sometimes divided world, I believe that it is more important than ever to keep trying to respect and understand each other better. Each and every one of us has hopes, needs, and priorities. Each of us is an individual, with ties of emotion and bonds of obligation – to culture, religion, community, country and beyond. In short, each of us is special”.
Indeed, each one of us is special. And, by respecting difference and promoting understanding, our future together will be a better one for us all.