The Modern Commonwealth
By Kathleen
The Royal Commonwealth Society has 150 years of heritage, but the world we live in today has changed dramatically in that time. So, how has the Commonwealth changed?
It has had to develop to fit the development of Commonwealth nations around the world. The Commonwealth continues to be progressive and focused on uniting nations. The modern formation was established in 1949 and there are now 53 member states equating to approximately 30% of the world’s population.
What makes the Commonwealth modern and relevant is its citizen’s need for unity. With a shared history, the focus can be on a future of progress, improving lives and prospects. The campaigns that RCS Wales and the RCS focus on look at humanity, equality and destiny:
- The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy
- The Blue Charter
- LGBT Rights
- Child Marriage
- UK-India Visa
Vision and connection draw people across the Commonwealth together. Tackling issues that effect people around the world, from our changing environment to equal rights, enabling an optimistic future for all. The Commonwealth confronts issues within society, which impact each of us on a local level, from an international standpoint. By looking at an issue from the different perspectives of member nations, we can find solutions through working together cohesively to meet our collective values that work for all of us.
The modern commonwealth is connected more than ever before. Whether highlighted by campaigns and policy change, or Royal visits to distant shores, the Commonwealth plays a central role. It appears in different aspects of our lives, from the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting covered on the news, to the Commonwealth Games, where countries are united in friendly competition to strive to do our best.
As the Duchess of Sussex said recently at an International Women’s Day event for the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, “If things are wrong and there is a lack of justice, and there is an inequality, then someone needs to say something.”
The modern commonwealth stands up for its citizens to make their lives better, and in doing so the world a better community to live in.
What has not changed is the sharing of cultures and traditions that are varied and different.
Identifying with the commonwealth as a family of nations as a force for good in the world for citizens all across the commonwealth.
Watch the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust 2019 International Women’s Day Panel in full:
