Message from the CYP Africa-Regional Director Mr. James Odit for Commonwealth Day Commemoration

On behalf of the Commonwealth Youth Programme of the Commonwealth Secretariat, I wish to firstly welcome and thank you all for having accepted to join us in commemorating the 2012 Commonwealth Day.

This is an annual celebration that falls every year on the Second Monday of March. For this year, 12^th March is also Zambia’s National Youth Day. I therefore, send best wishes to the Youth of Zambia as they join us in Marking the Commonwealth and Youth Day.

The purpose of marking this day is to promote understanding about global issue, international cooperation and the work of the modern Commonwealth.

This year, the Commonwealth Day and the theme is: “Connecting Culture, celebrating our Commonwealth”. This theme is being celebrated all over the Commonwealth from today with special events taking place during the week. Other activities will be organised all around the 54-Commonwealth member nations throughout the year. All member governments and their citizens are therefore called upon to make their own contribution and uphold the theme.

The choice of this year’s Commonwealth Day theme reflects the Commonwealth’s appreciation of the value of Culture.

It is our opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Commonwealth and what the enrichment means to us even as individuals. In the case of Zambia for example, there are various ways of expressions- be it music, dance, arts to mention but a few.

The 2012 theme “Connecting Cultures” therefore reiterates the Commonwealth’s commitment to culture and the need for all of us to explore cultures together in order to build bridges of understanding.

I wish to give special thanks to the High Commissions accredited to Zambia and the British High Commission in particular in jointly assisting in the organisation of this day.

As we mark this event under the theme –“ Connecting Cultures” may I say, as Commonwealth members, shall we find strength in unity in diversity and draw collective support and find collective beneficial ways of Connecting Cultures.