People in Commonwealth countries in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe will observe Commonwealth Day on March 11.
The day will be celebrated with a broad range of activities, including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies, street parties, cultural events and a multicultural, multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey. The theme for 2019 is ‘A Connected Commonwealth’, which offers opportunities for the people, governments and institutions of this richly diverse family of nations to connect and work together at many levels through far-reaching and deep-rooted networks of friendship and goodwill, according to the Commonwealth Secretariat.
In a message, British Queen Elizabeth II, who is also the Head of the Commonwealth, said Commonwealth Day has a special significance this year as they mark the 70th anniversary of London Declaration, when nations of the Commonwealth agreed to move forward together as free and equal members.
The vision and sense of connection that inspired the signatories has stood the test of time, and the Commonwealth continues to grow, adapting to address contemporary needs.
Today, she said, many millions of people around the world are drawn together because of the collective values shared by the Commonwealth.
With enduring commitment through times of great change, successive generations have demonstrated that whilst the goodwill for which the Commonwealth is renowned may be intangible, its impact is very real, reads the message shared by the British High Commission in Dhaka.
“We experience this as people of all backgrounds continue to find new ways of expressing through action the value of belonging in a connected Commonwealth. I hope and trust that many more will commit to doing so this Commonwealth Day,” the message reads.
