Today marks 76 years since the modern Commonwealth of Nations was founded on 26 April 1949 following the signing of the London Declaration.
Almost eight decades on, and at a time when the world faces division and uncertainty the Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who recently commenced her term as the 7th Secretary-General, pointed to the stabilising force of the Commonwealth:
“At a time of global tensions and uncertainty, our Commonwealth family stands out as a model for cooperation. We are more relevant than ever, united by our Commonwealth Charter of shared values for shared prosperity.
“Now on our 76th anniversary we are poised to boost trade, combat climate change, empower youth, and deepen democracy for the benefit of all our citizens.”
On 26 April 1949, Commonwealth leaders from Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom met in London to discuss the constitutional issues arising from India’s wish to become a sovereign republic, while also remaining a member of the Commonwealth. They adopted the London Declaration which paved the way for the formation of the Modern Commonwealth.
The Declaration marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Commonwealth by recognising equality among member states, regardless of their size, wealth or background.
That legacy endures today, with the Commonwealth’s smallest country, Nauru and its 12,000 citizens, having an equal contribution to that of the largest country, India and its 1.4 billion population.
̽’s work flows from the mandates of Heads of Government and is rooted in the shared values of peace and justice, tolerance, respect and solidarity.
