Commonwealth countries urged to play more active role in promoting peace
KUALA LUMPUR: Commonwealth member countries need to come together as a family of nations in the interest of promoting peace, said Dewan Negara Speaker, Datuk Seri S A Vigneswaran.
He said one of the areas the Commonwealth could devote its resources to was the implementation of a global programme that required the commitment of its member countries to the preservation of ‘universal peace heritage’.
“We in the Commonwealth have much to be proud of, in terms of our heritage of spiritual wisdom accumulated over hundreds of years, the wisdom of the ages that is vital for continued maturation and civilisation of the human race,” he said in his opening remarks during the Commonwealth Day 2017 celebration at Banquet Hall, Parliament building, yesterday.
He acknowledged that the Commonwealth had played its role in strengthening youth’s capacity through engagement and recognised the critical role of young people in the future success of the Commonwealth.
“We need your (member countries) continued support and cooperation, to enable our youth and women to devote their best energies to improving the lives of people in the Commonwealth and beyond,” he said.
This year’s theme, ‘ A Peacebuilding Commonwealth’ for the Commonwealth Day celebration is an affirmation of the Commonwealth Charter principle that international peace and security, sustainable economic growth and development, and the rule of law are essential to the progress and prosperity of all.
Commonwealth Day is celebrated every year in the month of March, a symbolic timing that anticipates the passing of winter and the advent of the vernal equinox.
“Forty years have passed since Commonwealth Day became a global celebration, and our solidarity has remained a pillar of strength that augers well for world peace and unity,” Vigneswaran said. — Bernama photo