RCS Wales

One Flag, One People: Commonwealth Day 2019 in Cardiff
2019-03-11 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Cardiff Mansion House, Richmond Rd, Cardiff, CF24 3UN
Every year in March, the Royal Commonwealth Society of Wales hosts a flag raising event to celebrate Commonwealth Day. The Commonwealth flag comprises of the Commonwealth symbol in gold, displayed on a blue field. The symbol focuses on a globe, which stands for the global nature of the Commonwealth and the spread of its membership.
While the flag raising by itself is a simple act, its symbolic relevance cannot be underestimated, as it signifies the unity of 53 members states and their people.
On 11th March 2019, the Royal Commonwealth Society of Wales invited our team of six international students from Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Culture to the flag raising event at the prestigious Mansion House in Cardiff.
One of the first noticeable things is perhaps the presence of ethnic diversity in the room. As we were introduced to all the guests from different walks of life, I noticed one thing we all had in common, a welcoming smile that instantly gives the recipient a sense of belonging. All age groups alike, from Scouts and Girl Guides to Armed Forces Colonels were conversing, genuinely interested in the life of the other person. The interactions held around the room by different groups, some complete strangers, exuded a sense of oneness and unity.
The relevance of the Commonwealth flag, which was also raised in Commonwealth countries across the globe, became even more apparent, as people stood with a respectful demeanour to honour the flag and the values it stands for. It’s just a flag being put up, others might say, but that simple act deeply reiterates the 2019 theme: “A Connected Commonwealth”. It also tells the story of the bridges built for international trade, cross cultural exchange, diplomacy and importantly development. Commonwealth Day emphasises a legacy for future generations to coexist in peace without fear, because under that one flag we are one people.
See more of our day in Cardiff in our Gallery and on our Instagram @rcswales.

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018
2018-09-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Wales
Every two years, leaders of the Commonwealth meet to discuss current issues affecting the Commonwealth and its many diverse citizens. The meeting, known as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), was last held in April 2018, in London and included People’s, Women’s, Youth and Business Fora. It is this biennial event that is emulated through Model Commonwealth Summits or Model CHOGMs.
Model Commonwealth Summits operate much like a model UN scenario, with individuals acting as the heads of government of Commonwealth countries and engaging in discussions as their country would. Critically, country representatives in a Model Commonwealth Summit must reach a consensus on the issues discussed, adding a challenging element that is of great contemporary importance. This is a fun, active way of demonstrating how the Commonwealth works and allows students to actively participate in the learning process. It teaches presentation, research and critical thinking skills, as well as global awareness and cultural understanding. Some students are chosen for roles outside of country representation (including media, communique, and others), offering a diverse range of skill-building and appealing to a wide range of students.
The RCS has a historical track record in organising Model Commonwealth Summits, which was re-established in October 2015 with the Tower Hamlets Borough and Youth Councils and the Daneford Trust. The event was informed by the comprehensive chapter ‘Running a Commonwealth Youth Summit’ in the RCS Education Resource Pack Antigua to Zambia: Getting to Know Your Commonwealth which provides step-by-step guidance on the entire process of organising a model CHOGM.
Contact the Youth and Education team for more information about how to organise a Model Commonwealth Summit in your area.
MODEL COMMONWEALTH SUMMITS 2018
On 13 September 2018, 60 secondary-school students had the opportunity to act as Heads of Government for a day and take part in a series of debates at Media City UK, Manchester. The Royal Commonwealth Society, in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat, Youth Charter and Elevation Networks, facilitated a model Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) where students discussed development challenges facing young people today including education, employment and preventing violent extremism.
The day provided an excellent opportunity for young people to engage with the Commonwealth – not only to learn about each of the 53 member states, but to experience how these countries engage with each other and work to achieve consensus. It was also an opportunity for young citizens of the Commonwealth to understand their role within this community and understand how they can play a part in shaping its future.
In addition to the key thematic debates, students discussed social cohesion, mental health, respect and understanding, climate change and many other critical topics affecting Commonwealth citizens. They came together to identify problems, solutions and important aspirations that reflected the needs and realities of all member states and ended with a resolution about how they would carry the Commonwealth forward.

Commonwealth Summit: Youth Forum Agenda
2018-04-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Wales
In April 2018, the United Kingdom hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London, along with the associated youth, civil society and business forums that support the CHOGM. The summit’s theme was ‘Towards a Common Future’ which aimed to address the shared global challenges we face and agree how to work together to create a better future for the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion citizens, particularly its youth who account for 60% of the population.
The Royal Commonwealth Society supported CHOGM 2018 and the Commonwealth Youth Forum’s (CYF) International Youth Task Force in a special social media campaign. This aimed to encourage as many Commonwealth young people as possible to participate in the summit by sharing their priorities for Commonwealth action and their vision for the future.
