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  1. Home
  2. The Commonwealth

The Commonwealth

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states encompassing many ethnicities and faiths. Each is committed to upholding shared values and principles to promote and protect Democracy, Human Rights, the Rule of Law and Equality for all citizens in accordance with the Commonwealth Charter. 

The modern Commonwealth spans the six regions of Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific. Thirty-one members are small states, many of which are island nations. The total population is assessed at 2.4 billion people, approximately one third of the world, of which 1.5 billion are under 30 years of age. 

The relevance and strength of the modern Commonwealth lies in its network of diaspora, cultural and sporting links, the widespread use of a common language and a strong shared legal heritage. These values, characteristics, and interests have endangered a common interest and trust between the peoples and communities of this unique and widely diverse association of independent countries. 

Outside of the core of inter-governmental agencies, the Commonwealth benefits from a number of civil society and professional bodies that represent the evolution of the modern Commonwealth and the many links between peoples, communities and interests upon which it is built. The Royal Commonwealth Society is a leading body within this group of independent organisations. 

The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message 2021

The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message 2021

Listen to, read or download Her Majesty The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message 2021. In this year's Commonwealth Day Message The Queen pays tribute to the way in which communities across the family of nations have come together in response to the pandemic. Read more

Published: 6th March, 2020

Updated: 9th April, 2021

Author: Elizabeth van der Valk

Commonwealth Theme

Commonwealth Theme

Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming Read more

Published: 7th March, 2020

Updated: 26th March, 2020

Author: Elizabeth van der Valk

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Latest

  • Statement on the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    Statement on the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

  • Elizabeth Kasujja - Uganda

    Elizabeth Kasujja - Uganda

    Meet RCS Associate Fellow, Elizabeth Kasujja and find out more about how she is using technology to transform the lives of people living with mental health issues in Uganda.

  • Shadrack Frimpong

    Meeting Shadrack Frimpong, an RCS Associate Fellow from Ghana.

  • AF News and Stories

    AF News and Stories

Most read

  • Become a Judge!

    Become a Judge!

    We are currently recruiting volunteer judges for the 2021 QCEC. You can be instrumental in our efforts to amplify the voices and innovations of young writers so take a look at what's involved and apply here!

  • View the 2021 topics and enter the Competition

    View the 2021 topics and enter the Competition

    The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021 is now live! The theme for 2021 is 'Community in the Commonwealth'. View the topics and find out how to enter the Competition.

  • The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition

    The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition

    The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021 is now live! Watch as HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, Vice-Patron of the Society announces the 2021 theme, 'Community in the Commonwealth' with the 2020 winners and runners-up.

  • Anthony Joshua and Lewis Pugh appointed Ambassadors

    Anthony Joshua and Lewis Pugh appointed Ambassadors

    World heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, OBE, and UN Patron of Oceans, Lewis Pugh, OIG, have been appointed Ambassadors of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

  • HRH The Duchess of Cornwall Encourages Entries To The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2020

    HRH The Duchess of Cornwall Encourages Entries To The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2020

    The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition has been gathering English language entries of aspiring young writers' thoughts on key issues of the day since 1883. With children across the Commonwealth out of school, we are delighted to share a message from our Vice-Patron HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, inspiring children and young people to enter The Queens Commonwealth Essay Competition 2020.

  • Statement on the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    Statement on the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

  • Vacancies

  • Regional Co-ordinators for 2020-2022 appointed

    Regional Co-ordinators for 2020-2022 appointed

    We are delighted to welcome Regional Co-ordinators for Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific and look forward to working with them to improve the lives and prospects of all Commonwealth citizens.

  • Accessibility

  • 2020 Winning Pieces and Awards Ceremony

    2020 Winning Pieces and Awards Ceremony

    From more than 11,000 entries, four pieces were selected as the Winners and Runners up of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2020. Read them here and watch the Awards Ceremony.

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Royal Commonwealth Society is a registered charity in England and Wales (226748), incorporated by Royal Charter.
Registered office: 40-41 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5JQ

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