Commonwealth Day celebrated around the world – Coventry City ...

A flag was raised outside the Council, House, and Coventry reaffirmed its commitment to the Commonwealth values.

Events were held in cities across the UK and All 56 Commonwealth member countries.

With ‘Forging a sustainable and Peaceful Common Future’ as its theme, Commonwealth Day aims to unite 2.5 billion Commonwealth citizens in celebration of their shared values and principles, and in pursuit of a common future, centred on sustainability and peace.

This was the first Commonwealth Day presided over by His Majesty King Charles III as King and Head of the Commonwealth. 

The day also marked the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, which outlines the values and principles that unify the 56 Commonwealth countries, representing one-third of humanity.

This year, as part of the Commonwealth of Nations Flag for Peace initiative, each Commonwealth country and every UK city received a flag to raise on Commonwealth Day in celebration of the values of the Commonwealth Charter, including democracy, human rights, sustainable development, equality and respect.

In welcoming the flag to the city, Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council, said: “It represents values held so dear and reflected so well by the city of Coventry. We are the city of peace and reconciliation. A city that reaches out to others around the world to promote unity and understanding and to bring people together in friendship.

“We welcome the Commonwealth Flag for Peace as it reminds us all that we must continue that work. 

“It reminds us also that Coventry is united with cities across not just the UK, but all parts of the globe – people of all faiths and cultures, but all working together towards peace and a better world.”

Lord Mayor Cllr Kevin Maton added: “Coventry is a true city of the Commonwealth. We have welcomed people from across its many countries over the years. They have joined others here to make Coventry their home – and they have helped to create something truly special.

“We are a city of many communities, of many cultures and faiths, but they all come together to create something amazing, something powerful and something inspiring. 

Just as those in the Commonwealth do.”

Around the Commonwealth, cities were hosting inter-faith, multi-cultural observances to mark the day. One of the largest gatherings was the traditional service at Westminster Abbey in London, attended by The King, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, senior government officials, other dignitaries and hundreds of young people.

At the service, the theme was expressed through musical performances, testimonies and readings from individuals representing several Commonwealth countries, including ‘Amalgamation Choir’, an all-female choir from Cyprus.

Commonwealth Day has been celebrated on the second Monday in March every year since 1977.