Our Commonwealth Community
The Commonwealth Community is home to over 2.5 billion people around the
world, in 54 countries, assisted by over 80 organisations working for peace,
prosperity and democracy.
The mandate of the Commonwealth is to nourish and reinforce civil societies. This
includes stability, democracy, and the rule of law, respect for human rights and
the upholding of concepts of gender equality and eradication of poverty. The
Commonwealth aims to promote sustainable, people-centred growth and
development while safeguarding the uniqueness of the Commonwealth culture,
the likes of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world today. The
Commonwealth of Nations strives to promote international peace and security
with sustainable economic growth in all countries.
The essence and authenticity of the Commonwealth lies in its combination of
diverse nations as well as the shared heritage, culture, language, and rule of law
they possess. The Commonwealth of Nations is bound together by its shared
history and tradition with respect for its mutual values, and principles with its
regard for all states and their people. It provides technical assistance to aid the
fast and rapid development of Commonwealth Nations. The establishment of the
Commonwealth contributes to law and order, goodwill, confederation, and
oneness among all member states despite their diverse cultural and ethnic
differences. The Heads of Government meeting held biannually is a congress
where the Leaders of Commonwealth Nations come together to deliberate on
concerning issues and reach terms on laws and policies.
All 54 Commonwealth Nations benefit from being included in a mutually
supportive community of independent and sovereign states. These nations have
stood by each other in the concept of harmony and prosperity even in the most
challenging of times. A classic example of this would be the occurrences during
the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commonwealth of Nations have helped one another
rebuild their economies and build resilience, especially within developing
countries. They have delivered a collective response to the pandemic, equitable
and transparent while upholding the fundamental principles of the
Commonwealth Charter and contributing to global health, with special emphasis
on the disabled, poor and elderly. The Commonwealth has collaborated with
international bodies as well as the World Health Organization to provide a
collective and unbiased response to this pandemic.
Not only has the Commonwealth associated with the world during the pandemic
but has also shown its support for Ukraine during the war. The UK and other
Commonwealth Nations have opposed Russian aggression, thereby uniting in
their support for Ukraine. Through these acts, it is evident that the
Commonwealth of Nations is also a genial partner to the rest of the world.
The Commonwealth Community also endeavours to combat global warming and
climate change. The “Commonwealth Climate Change Programme” is a
programme that aids Commonwealth Nations to tackle and adapt to climate
change and its impacts. Similarly, the “Commonwealth Blue Charter” is an
agreement put in place to collaborate on resolving ocean-related problems and to
make oceans more sustainable. The Commonwealth of Nations assists each other
in sustainably managing their resources to provide for future generations.
The Commonwealth also provides better trading opportunities for countries in
order to improve international trade, especially in small states. Currently, there is
a total of 18 trading projects to help developing economies in nations such as,
Barbados, Kenya and Sri Lanka. Small states are also supplied guidance on better
resource management. Hence, it is apparent that the Commonwealth Community
is one that toils for long-term prosperity where all nations are equal.
Furthermore, the Commonwealth Games is an international multi-sport event
compromising of athletes from all over the Commonwealth Nations. The aim and
purpose of these games is to unite Commonwealth Nations via sports. It is a
platform where these nations can compete in the spirit of fair play and
sportsmanship, earning it the nickname “Friendly Games”.
The Commonwealth of Nations is a collective, uniting force that aims for wellbeing, diversity and welfare. It is a concerted unit aspiring to make the world a
better place, whether by tackling climate change, inequality or poverty. The
Commonwealth Community is also a platform where leaders of Commonwealth
Nations can come together with their shared history, cultures and experiences. It
has seen great progress and development since its formation in 1931, and will
continue to advocate for a better world, a more equal world, and a more
sustainable world.
As the Queen celebrates 70 years since acceding to the throne and the
Commonwealth celebrated over 90 years of its establishment, let us celebrate the
changes we have established, the barriers and challenges we have overcome and
the lessons we have gathered over the years. Finally, let us aspire to see
advancements and developments within our Commonwealth Community and
outside while taking pride in being part of this voluntary association which has
come to be known as the Commonwealth of Nations.