As we join fellow nations to celebrate the Commonwealth Day, today serves as a reminder that the Commonwealth remains a beacon of diversity and inclusion.
Over seven decades, our strong unity has withstood the test of time, transcended borders and oceans, and fostered a deeper sense of connection. I hold the firm belief that this enduring connection has inspired many to drive transformative changes and improve the lives of people within our own communities.
Embracing this year’s theme, ‘One Resilient Common Future,’on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Commonwealth, let us all heed the call to forge a path toward a sustainable and harmonious future for our organisation. History can attest to the positive impact when every nation and citizen contributes to this shared vision - the power of 'one' binding us together on a journey to build a resilient and prosperous tomorrow for generations to come.
This year, our family of nations will converge at the upcoming CHOGM in Apia, Samoa, and I am confident that this event will provide us with the ideal platform to unite, address emerging challenges, share innovative ideas, and most importantly chart a course toward a more interconnected and prosperous Commonwealth. Together, we can shape a resilient future that not only remains shared but also evolves into a more common reality through our commitment to live and realise the spirit of this year’s theme.
We recognise the significance for 1.5 billion young people across our Commonwealth that the ‘Year of the Youth’ has been extended up to this year’s CHOGM. By doing so, we pave the way for a plethora of new opportunities to realise the potential of our youth, amplify their voices, and catalyse swift advancements through a pan-Commonwealth approach on youth-related issues - this is how we unlock our Common Wealth.
May the spirit of unity, diversity, and shared values continue to strengthen our connection as a family of nations. Happy Commonwealth Day to all!