Gillian Harvey celebrates Commonwealth Day
For Commonwealth Day, Gillian Harvey gives us an insight into the good this worthy association does.
CHANCES are, like many, you have a sense of what the Commonwealth is. You’ve heard of the Commonwealth Games and you think the Queen is involved somehow. Some might even think of the Commonwealth as an updated version of the British Empire.
However, the Commonwealth of Nations – a group of 53 member countries – is about much more than sport and ceremony. And Commonwealth Day, celebrated on the second Monday in March, is a time to reflect on the benefits the Commonwealth brings to all.
Whilst the majority of Commonwealth countries were formerly part of the British Empire, their new relationship is about collaboration rather than being governed or ruled.
In addition, other countries are welcome to join, provided they commit to the values of the organisation; something countries such as Rwanda have taken advantage of.
Many of the countries have retained the Queen as their Head of State, but this is entirely voluntary.
“The Commonwealth is not a political bloc, but a voluntary club,” Greg Munro, CEO of the Royal Commonwealth Society, explains. “The difference is that all countries sign up to a set of sixteen values. And if all countries adhere to these values, you will create a better society and a better world.”
The 16 values of the Commonwealth are central to the organisation and include democracy, human rights, international peace and security, tolerance, respect and understanding.
The values also highlight the importance of young people in the Commonwealth and recognise the needs of small or vulnerable states.
When recognising the importance of the Commonwealth in today’s divided society, some might wonder why the day is not better known or marked.
Whilst celebrations do take place throughout the member states, including a service at Westminster Abbey attended by the Royal Family and other dignitaries, introducing too much pomp and ceremony into marking Commonwealth Day may not be entirely fitting for an organisation with collaboration and partnership at its heart.
As well as attending the service, the Queen also broadcasts a Commonwealth Day Message on various networks throughout the world.
Last year, she used her message to celebrate the enrichment that learning from others can bring, including the sentiment that “shared inheritances help us overcome difference, so that diversity is a cause for celebration rather than division.”
Commemorations ranging from flag-flying, services and special assemblies in schools take place on various levels throughout the other Commonwealth nations.
Few have marked Commonwealth Day as a national holiday, but some
countries, including Australia and Canada, have a holiday in some regions.
Of course, Commonwealth Day is more than flag-flying in a celebration of shared values. Each year a theme is set, marking a focus for the association for the year ahead.
The theme for 2019 is “A Connected Commonwealth”, and at a time when many in the UK are feeling a little divorced from the rest of the world, this concept could be more important than ever.
One aspect of the Commonwealth’s mission includes work to improve governance on a local level in member countries.
“We developed the principles of good local governments, which includes the engagement of citizens and communities,” Greg Munro explains.
“About ten years ago, those were accepted by the heads of state as being a blueprint for good governance at a local government level.”
Also high on the Commonwealth agenda is the promotion of legislation around gender.
“We’re trying to create more inclusive societies, especially when it comes to gender legislation and LBGT. We’re not looking to enforce; it’s done very much through one country supporting another.
“For example, we are currently working with two previous heads of state: Festas Mogae of Botswana and Joaqhim Chissano of Mozambique. So it’s one country to its neighbouring country.”
Another recent focus has been on the pressing issue of climate change, with member countries pledging to do more to tackle this global problem.
The Blue Charter, adopted by leaders in 2018, is an agreement for the Commonwealth countries to work together on important issues such as climate change, plastic pollution and coral reef protection.
As part of this, the UK has stepped forward as one of 11 “champions” and, together with South Pacific nation Vanuatu, will take a lead role in addressing the problem of ocean plastics.
When considering the idea of collaboration between countries, it would be impossible not to bring trade into the equation. And, of course, the Commonwealth does look at the issue of trade between member countries as part of its remit.
However, trade is very much seen as one of the side benefits of collaboration rather than a central goal.
“We look at how we can facilitate trade between nations, but trade is not the first priority. We look at the relationships between countries, and trade should be one of the by-products of this.”
With 60% of the Commonwealth’s
2.4 billion citizens currently under the age of thirty, it makes sense that working with young people is a central aim of the Commonwealth society.
The idea of promoting the values amongst the young is seen by many as an important part of creating a fairer and more inclusive world for future generations.
“For some years we have subsidised buses so that children from around the country of all backgrounds can take part in the Westminster service.”
Other projects aimed at youth involvement are also key, including the annual Queen’s Essay Competition, open to all young Commonwealth citizens aged under eighteen.
“I was in Ghana recently with the Royal Tour and the Duchess of Cornwall was opening up the essay competition,” Greg Munro explains. “There was an enormous tent full of excited kids – it was wonderful to see.
“Coming to the Abbey service and celebrating Commonwealth Day is wonderful; in many ways the highlight of the year. But the most important aspect is promoting these values amongst our young people.” ■