Commonwealth Day 2023 will be held under the theme of ‘Forging a sustainable and peaceful common future’.
This year’s theme signifies member states’ active commitment to collaborating on climate action, supporting the development of free and democratic societies, and promoting peace and prosperity to improve the lives of all Commonwealth citizens.
The focus on youth during this Commonwealth Year of Youth aims to build a better future for the 1.5 billion Commonwealth citizens under the age of 30.
Commonwealth Day will take place on 13 March and will be followed by a series of events and activities worldwide during the week, including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events.
The Commonwealth of Nations Flag for Peace initiative, launched last year in December, will also be supported by Commonwealth member states.
On 13 March In London, a multicultural, multi-faith service will be held at Westminster Abbey. The event will feature a procession of Commonwealth flags, with young flag bearers representing each of the 56 nations of the Commonwealth. Additionally, every city in the UK will receive a flag to raise following short ceremonies on Commonwealth Day.
Some ceremonies will include a Commonwealth Proclamation to be read by Town Criers, accompanied by fanfares, pipers, and cathedral or church bells later that evening.
Commonwealth Day 2023 marks the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, which outlines the values and aspirations that unite the family of nations. The Charter was signed by the late Queen Elizabeth II on 11 March 2013.
This year’s Commonwealth Day will be the first since Her Majesty’s passing and the first presided over by His Majesty King Charles III as King and Head of the Commonwealth.
