Guest blog by the Rt Hon Hugo Swire MP, Minister of State for the Commonwealth
We all know that the Commonwealth has a long and distinguished history. More than 1.7 million Commonwealth men and women gave their lives in two World Wars, defending the free world. But no organisation can be complacent. The Commonwealth must adapt to remain relevant, and must show that it can be a force for good in the future, too.
Which is why this year’s Commonwealth Week theme of ‘A Young Commonwealth’ fills me with hope and more than a little reassurance. Almost two thirds of Commonwealth citizens are under the age of 30. The Commonwealth offers a remarkable opportunity for our young people – to allow their new ideas, energy and enthusiasm to flourish in the modern world.
They are a formidable force and our future. They hold in their hands the power to promote peace and democracy, to build sustainable economies and to lead the Commonwealth through the 21st century.
So what better way to celebrate this combination of the Commonwealth’s great history and great promise for the future than by attending the Commonwealth Day Act of Observance in Westminster Abbey. It is attended by Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Duke of Edinburgh, with over 1,000 school children representing the new generation. Attendees will watch a mixture of performances from all corners of the Commonwealth, along with a keynote address from inspirational joint 2014 Nobel Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi who I had the privilege of meeting this morning.
During Commonwealth Week, I’ll be taking the opportunity to look ahead. I’m optimistic about what the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta this November can deliver.
The Youth Forum that takes place in its margins invites young people to contribute to development and democracy across the Commonwealth. Relevant to all of us, of course, but I’m asking our young Commonwealth citizens in particular to provide their energy and ideas.
The Commonwealth is an extraordinary network. It gives and equal voice to every one of its 53 states across every inhabited continent. It works together, collectively, on issues which matter to us all, from trade to climate change.
It is a network that I and the United Kingdom value greatly. And one that offers great potential.
That’s enough from me. Now it’s time to enjoy the celebration that is Commonwealth Week 2015. So, get involved. It’s your Commonwealth. Make the most of it.