Commonwealth Day

On March 9^th 2026, the Commonwealth will celebrate Commonwealth Day. This is an opportunity to celebrate the Commonwealth, the vast network of organisations which make up the Commonwealth family, and the work that they collectively do to promote and strengthen democracy and development. Each year there is a theme for Commonwealth Day and in 2026 the theme will be ‘Unlocking Opportunities Together for a Prosperous Commonwealth’.

New strategic plan

Commonwealth Day 2026 will be the first since the Commonwealth Secretariat launched their new strategic plan which highlights three key pillars – democracy and good governance; economic development and trade; and climate change and small states, with gender and youth mainstreamed throughout. Building resilient communities is at the heart of this, and these pillars align positively with CLGF’s own priorities and work.  Multi-level and multi-sector partnerships must be at the heart of development given the very complex challenges that member states are dealing with – as we are already reflecting in our own work for example around sustainable urbanisation and local economic development.

Associated and Accredited Organistations

Commonwealth Day is also a chance to highlight the importance of closer collaboration and partnership between the Associated and Accredited Commonwealth organisations and the Commonwealth Secretariat, and CLGF is looking forward to continuing to ensure that the local dimension is emphasised in this context. Cities and inclusive urban development is one area where we are already working collaboratively.

The Commonwealth has designed a logo for Commonwealth Day and if CLGF members are planning a celebration this is available for you to use. Please let us know if you need further information, and we encourage you to share your event with us so that we can publicise it on the CLGF website.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, taking place 1-4 November 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda has already announced that it will complement the Commonwealth Day theme with planned discussions taking place on ‘Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth’.