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Commonwealth shares one humanity, says Queen Elizabeth

Commonwealth shares one humanity, says Queen Elizabeth
By Maluba Jere
Thu 15 Mar. 2012, 12:59 CAT

QUEEN Elizabeth says the Commonwealth treasures and respects wealth of diversity. In her message to commemorate this year's Commonwealth Day which fell on March 12, Queen Elizabeth said connecting cultures is more than observing others and the ways in which they express themselves.

In a statement released by the British High Commission in Lusaka yesterday, she said that this year the Commonwealth seeks to focus on how to explore, share and strengthen the bond of Commonwealth citizenship by using cultural connections.

The Queen said this will help bring the members even closer together as family and friends across the globe.

"‘Connecting cultures', our Commonwealth theme this year, encourages us to consider the special opportunities we have, as members of this unique gathering of nations to celebrate an extraordinary cultural tapestry that reflects our many individual and collective identities," she said.

Queen Elizabeth said circumstances and surroundings may vary enormously such as food and clothes, but "the members share one humanity" which draws them together.

She said the joys of celebration and sympathy of sadness may be expressed differently but that they felt the same way the world over.

"How we express our identities reveals both a rich diversity and many common threads. Through the creative genius of artists, whether they be writers, actors, film makers, dancers or musicians, we can see both the range of our cultures and the elements of our shared humanity," Queen Elizabeth said.

She added that the Commonwealth offers a pathway for a greater understanding and the opportunity to expand upon shared experiences in a wider world.

"A world in which paths to mutual respect and common cause may also be explored and which can draw us together, stronger and better than before," said Queen Elizabeth.

And British High Commissioner to Zambia James Thornton says his government contributes 30 million pounds about K250 billion a year to Commonwealth institutions and programmes.

High Commissioner Thornton said the Commonwealth is about much more than a group of nations.

He said it is a series of links between people embodied in over a hundred organisations as diverse as the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth.

High Commissioner Thornton stated that the Commonwealth is active in many specific areas such as strengthening democratic processes and institutions.

"For example it sent an observer mission to ensure that the elections here last year were free and fair," he stated. "Another is assisting members in the adoption and implementation of international human rights."

He said the Commonwealth also works towards the Millennium Development Goals, being particularly active in education, gender and health.

High Commissioner Thornton further said the Commonwealth further works to support and empower young people.

The Commonwealth Day is commemorated on the second Monday of March each year to mark the start of a week of Commonwealth activities.

Labels: COMMON WEALTH, QEII

posted by MrK @ 5:25 PM