CLGF chose this year’s annual celebration of Commonwealth Day to launch our own anniversary activities. Thirty 30 years since CLGF was established, supporting local government across the Commonwealth. Monday, 10 March 2025 was a day on which millions of people around the Commonwealth Day came together to celebrate with festivals, fairs and faith-based services.  

Together we thrive

The focal point of these celebrations was the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, London, led by His Majesty King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth. The theme of this year’s celebrations, ‘Together We Thrive’, resonates not only with the 2.7 billion Commonwealth citizens across 56 member countries, but also with CLGF members, partners and the wider local government family, who have seen many achievements over the last three decades by working together.  

Commonwealth Day Service

The King was joined by members of the Royal Family, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, leaders, dignitaries and hundreds of young people, for a traditional inter-faith, multi-cultural Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration.  

In his message for Commonwealth Day, His Majesty King Charles III, referenced the uncertain times in which we are living, saying: “It is all too easy to believe that our differences are problems instead of a source of strength and an opportunity for learning, the Commonwealth’s remarkable collection of nations and peoples come together in the spirit of support and, crucially, friendship.” Praising the unique and dynamic network, he said: “The Commonwealth’s ability to bring together people from all over the world has stood the test of time and remains as ever-important today.” Read his message in full. 

60 Years of the Commonwealth Secretariat

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Commonwealth Secretariat, the executive arm of the association. Working with member countries, the organisation has built a strong track record of achievements, particularly for its pioneering role in climate action, support for small states and youth development.  

In her final message for Commonwealth Day, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, who has served since 1 April 2016 and will conclude her tenure on 31 March 2025, said: “In a world that can so often feel fragile and divided, we gather today in celebration of a union which has endured, evolved, and flourished through the years" She talked about the commitment to the values that we all share, which anchor us - peace, justice, and sustainable development and said: "These values have been tested, again and again, by the challenges of our era, yet they endure, because they are lived and championed by the extraordinary people of our 56 nations.” 

Youth Awards and Peace Prize

From Tuvalu in the Pacific to Trinidad in the Caribbean to diaspora communities around the world, celebrations have taken various forms, with the common thread of unity. In Nigeria, schoolchildren came together for special readings, while in Pakistan, young people gathered for a Commonwealth Day-themed Iftar. In Antigua and Barbuda, a street parade marked Commonwealth Day and in New Zealand, Parliament House held a special observance. Northern Ireland saw locals marking the day with a flag-raising ceremony. 

A full week of celebrations, the Secretary-General will announce the winners of the 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards and Commonwealth Peace Prize to recognise individuals for their exceptional contributions to peace and development.  

Read the Commonwealth Day Affirmation.

Image courtesy of the Commonwealth Secretariat