Commonwealth Day is celebrated across the Commonwealth by young people, schools, communities and civil society organisations on the second Monday in March every year. It provides an opportunity to promote understanding on global issues, international co-operation and the work of Commonwealth organisations.
The day is marked by a range of activities, including a multi-faith Observance at Westminster Abbey in London, United Kingdom. Each year a theme is chosen for Commonwealth Day.
The theme for 2015 is 'A Young Commonwealth'.
"A Young Commonwealth recognises the capacity, contribution and potential of young people, who play a vital role at the heart of sustainable development and democracy," said Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma, announcing the theme.
"The Commonwealth is also a family of dynamic countries at the forefront of innovation, growth and contributing global value. As a diverse and increasingly connected global network, we bring fresh perspectives and new ideas.”
As part of the focus on youth empowerment and education, the first ever Commonwealth Student’s Congress will be launched at the 19th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers.
Chair of the Commonwealth Students Association, Stanley Njoroge, said:
“I am really excited about the inaugural Commonwealth Students Congress. It will be the largest pan-Commonwealth gathering of students to date, and will give student leaders the opportunity to come together, build synergies and affect policymaking in education.
“We are pleased that the Commonwealth sees the value of putting young people at the heart of its work and is committed to empowering students to be real partners in driving development and change.”
Commonwealth Secretary General Deodat Maharaj added: “Education is the single most powerful instrument in addressing poverty and stimulating growth and development. With over one billion people in the Commonwealth below the age of 25 years, giving priority to education is vital for sustained development in our member countries.”
Commonwealth Day Downloadable resources
A Young Commonwealth 2015 Poster
http://assets.thecommonwealth.org/assetbank-commonwealth/action/viewAsset?id=23975
'A Young Commonwealth’ Stickers
http://assets.thecommonwealth.org/assetbank-commonwealth/action/viewAsset?id=23976
Children’s educational booklet
http://assets.thecommonwealth.org/assetbank-commonwealth/action/viewAsset?id=23974#imageModal
Map of Commonwealth Countries
http://assets.thecommonwealth.org/assetbank-commonwealth/action/viewAsset?id=19781
Commonwealth Flags Poster
http://assets.thecommonwealth.org/assetbank-commonwealth/action/viewAsset?id=19780
A Young Commonwealth Facebook banner
http://assets.thecommonwealth.org/assetbank-commonwealth/action/viewAsset?id=23981
A Young Commonwealth Twitter banner
http://assets.thecommonwealth.org/assetbank-commonwealth/action/viewAsset?id=23982
