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We are delighted to announce the appointment of five new thematically focused Regional Coordinators who we look forward to working with over the next few years to improve the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens. Regional Coordinator for Asia (Community) – Anoka Abeyrathne Anoka Abeyrathne is a social entrepreneur, advocate and community builder. Her work revolves around community, equity, conservation, justice, and youth empowerment. Her work in the community sector has resulted in over 20,000 people especially to empower women and vulnerable communities across the Asia-Pacific region gaining additional income as well the ability to gain upskilling through digital training and development. With a keen interest in technology and ensuring that no one is left behind, her work through the Active Citizens program as well as organizations to campaign for social causes has enabled Anoka to build strong communities which are united in their mission to support and create long-term impact for the good. A graduate of the University of Cambridge with a background in law and biology, Anoka is a Forbes 30 under 30, Asia21 Fellow, Sri Lanka’s first female World Economic Forum New Champion, Zonta Award for Environment recipient, Cosmopolitan 35 under 35 and a British Council International Climate Champion. Regional Coordinator for Africa (Literacy) – Nikita Nkese Nikita Nkese is the Founder/Creative Director of Sweetest Kiddies Empire. Having worked with children and young people, for thirteen (13) years now, she understands their psychology and how to spur them to greatness. A renowned Child’s Rights Activist, Teens' counsellor, author of a bestselling children's book that has been adopted in schools across Nigeria, a seasoned educationist and philantropreneur. She holds a PGD in Education from National Teachers' Institute, Kaduna and B.Sc. in Sociology from University of Calabar, Nigeria. She is a detailed oriented wide-read proofreader of international and national books in any study field. Nikita has been a judge for The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) since 2019, and has made self-sponsored travels and publicity to promote the QCEC and literacy in Nigeria all borne out of passion to ensure the Nigerian Child is exposed to educational opportunities beyond Nigeria. She is a member of Advisory Council of Africa Asia Scholars Global Network (AASGON). She is recognized internationally and nationally for her educational contributions in the lives of the Nigerian Child. Nikita was interviewed live by British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on 19th September, 2022 and 6th May, 2023. An arm of her Empire - Sweetest Kiddies Spelling Bee (SKSB), an annual spelling challenge has impacted 25,000 documented children between 2017 - 2023. SKSB helps children’s spelling, vocabulary and public speaking abilities. Her brand has distributed 31,500 textbooks, 1000 sandals and 750 school bags to vulnerable school children in Nigeria, within 2012 – 2023. 25 students are on Sweetest Kiddies Scholarship Scheme. Nikita was a two-time national queen, Miss Niger Delta 2011 and Miss University of Calabar 2009. She loves helping youths to grow into better versions of themselves. She collaborates with several NGOs and companies like LadyCare Nigeria, Flour Mills Nigeria, Champions Beverages Nigeria, etc, in projects promoting children’s education. Regional Coordinator for the Caribbean and the Americas (Equality) – Timothy Thompson Tim Thompson was raised in Quispamsis, New Brunswick Canada by a single mother of five. Tim currently resides in the Provincial Capital of Fredericton and serves as a full-time reservist working with the Canadian Cadet Organization. He is a graduate of the New Brunswick Community College in Miramichi and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from St. Thomas University in 2011. Tim is a member of the Cadet Instructor Cadre branch of the Canadian Armed Forces. He has dedicated over 17 years to working in Canadian communities and providing our youth with better opportunities. His leadership skills with the Canadian Armed Forces have provided him an opportunity to live and work in various locations across Canada and to visit other countries. In an effort to spread cultural awareness and to bring communities together, Tim helped to organize a Cultural Awareness Weekend and Powwow for cadets across the Maritime Provinces. He is also the Positive Space Ambassador and ensures a safe and inclusive space within his office. Tim has also volunteered to work as a civilian alongside Canadian military members in Afghanistan and Dubai. He was deployed on 3 assignments overseas to aid in the support of our troops in their missions. Tim believes that Canada and the Commonwealth of Nations have the opportunity to take the lead in renewable energy, Human Rights, literacy rates and diversity. He believes that by working together we will be able to create a more inclusive and greener society for the next generations. When Tim is not working he spends his time outdoors enjoying the natural beauty of Canada, with his partner Travis Simms, and their rescue animals. Tim enjoys travelling and learning about new cultures. Tim can often be found planning his next adventure. Regional Coordinator for Europe – Keiran Healy Having first joined the Royal Commonwealth Society as an intern in 2015, I’ve been able to see how the Commonwealth offers a platform for global connection and collaboration on key issues such as sustainability and democracy – it is this that I feel makes the organization and its potential so exciting. The Commonwealth heavily focuses on youth empowerment as a mechanism to achieve and deliver change and this is something that I am equally passionate about – in particular on key issues facing both mine and future generations across the Commonwealth such as climate change and education for all. Since 2015, I’ve continued to volunteer for the RCS including annually at the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey, as a judge for The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition and as an Associate Fellow - I’m now really excited to be taking on this new role as the RCS Regional Coordinator for Europe. I’m looking forward to the have the chance to support the delivery of some of the Society’s key programmes over the coming years, with a particular focus on the Environment. Having visited a number of Commonwealth counties and seen first-hand their natural beauty, I’m keen to play my part in building on the incredible work the RCS has already undertaken on issues such as The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy and preventing ocean plastic. Regional Coordinator for the Pacific (Environment) – Wilfred Luiramo My name is Wilfred Luiramo and I am an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society from Rarumana in Western Province, part Fataleka and Kwara'ae in Malaita Province in Solomon Islands. I am passionate to see an improved society where young and old are engaged in leadership, climate change, governance and improving lives of rural citizens. I hold a few roles at the moment and they include Chairman of Special Olympics Solomon Islands, Founder and Executive Member of Ocean Servant Foundation and also the Owner of Haleta Seaweed. My previous experience includes acting as the USPSA Regional Representative to the USP Council (2014-2016), Interim Chair of the Forum Solomon Islands International (2017-2018), Outreach Director Special Olympics Solomon Islands (2018-2021) and Prime Minister to the National Youth Parliament (2018).

Eman Borg, the newly appointed Coordinator of the Commonwealth Youth Gender & Equality Network (CYGEN) from Malta outlines his experience and his hopes for CYGEN moving forwards. The Commonwealth is not just a union of 56 diverse nations; it is a vibrant community that has recognised the immense potential of its young population. Youth empowerment is one of the great Commonwealth strengths, with youth involvement at center stage for shaping the Commonwealth agenda. The Commonwealth has recognised the importance of enabling young people's voices in shaping policies and decisions that affect youth lives. I had the great pleasure and honor to be one of 240 youth that were awarded The Queen's Young Leaders award. This award is recognised for my work with LGBTI+ Gozo, the first LGBTI+ organization in the small island of Gozo, as part of the Maltese archipelago. The Royal Commonwealth Society was an enabler; facilitating networks, conversations and opportunities to connect, converse and amplify my work with other Commonwealth youth. Concurrently, whilst as an Executive Committee Member of CYGEN of which RCS is the Secretariat, I was working at the grassroot level as founder of LGBTI+ Gozo and Secretary General of the National Youth Council of Malta, where I facilitated a number of social platforms for youth to enhance their capacity building skills and played a vital role in the access to sexual health medical services in Gozo. In 2022, I organized the first ever Gozo Pride March, celebration of equal love and a protest toward unjust laws. I was also the pioneer among other youths for the Maltese Parliament to call a State of Climate emergency in Malta and led the first ever Sustainable Development Goals Youth Conference in Malta. Through all this, as Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society I had the space where I could connect, share ideas and work with other youth, trips to CHOGM 2018 in London and Seychelles working on Reform 53 project were highlights of the diverse tapestry of youth. Now, as the newly appointed Coordinator of CYGEN, the aspiration is to continue the good work of my predecessor, empower the new CYGEN generation and work towards meaningful impact that can be translated into success stories. CYGEN stands out as an open space where young people are encouraged to take the lead, share their ideas and collaborate on issues that matter. This support empowers youth to develop and implement their own project addressing critical issues such as gender equality, social justice and youth transition. Moreover, CYGEN stands for mainstream gender issues on different topics such as climate change, education and employment. In conclusion, the promise and the work as Coordinator of CYGEN is that recognition and importance of youth within Commonwealth sphere should not only be a box ticking exercise, or at a minimum a seat at the table but further than that it should ensure that youth voices are heard and acted upon. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

Hari Om Dahiya, President and Youth Chairman of the Commonwealth Students Welfare Group of India and Founder & President of the Commonwealth Chambers of Commerce shares his reflections on the Commonwealth Youth Empowerment Conclave (CYEC) As India prepares to celebrate its 76th Independence Day, the role of youth in shaping the nation's future continues to be paramount. Youth are known for their energy, passion, and enthusiasm. They have a remarkable ability to question established norms, challenge injustices, and drive positive change. The Commonwealth Students Welfare Group of India, at the heart of our commitment to fostering positive change lies our dedication to empowering and engaging youth from different parts of the country. Through an array of diverse projects, we are actively shaping a generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Our commitment resonated in the recently concluded Commonwealth Youth Empowerment Conclave, a grassroot level event engaging over 200 young people. The Conclave was organised in collaboration with the Commonwealth Chambers of Commerce (CWCC). In the heart of Bihar, a transformative event took place that ignited the spirit of youth leadership and sustainable development. The Commonwealth Youth Empowerment Conclave, held on 4-5 August, 2023, at the RNAR College in Samastipur, was a resounding celebration of innovation, empowerment, and the unwavering potential of our young leaders. 'Youth Leadership for Sustainable Development' was the conclave's theme, and it captured the attention of more than 200 enthusiastic young individuals from different parts of Bihar. The Commonwealth Secretariat endorsed the event as a key component of the Commonwealth Year of the Youth 2023, emphasizing its global importance and dedication to cultivating youth leadership and promoting sustainable transformation. The Commonwealth Students’ Welfare Group of India (CSWGI), as a branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society in India has always been dedicated to empowering youth for a sutainable tomorrow. This designation marked its significance on a global scale, underlining the event's commitment to fostering youth leadership and driving sustainable change. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as renowned speakers, experts, and mentors graced the conclave to share their insights and experiences. RCS Branch representatives also graced the occasion with their online presence from different regions: Mr Peter Mann MBE (Hong Kong), Mr Kanti Jinna OAM (Australia), Mr Blackson Olaseni Bayewumi (Nigeria). Thought-provoking sessions spanned various domains, including Youth & Women Empowerment, Environment, Climate Change & Sustainability, Commonwealth & SDGs, gender equality and education. These sessions brought together visionaries, change-makers, and aspiring leaders to engage in meaningful dialogues that aimed to propel collective action. It was a true confluence of visionaries and change-makers. The conclave was not confined to the walls of RNAR College; its impact reverberated far beyond. Participants left with new perspectives, broader networks, and a renewed commitment to action. The connections forged during the event are poised to fuel collaborations, initiatives, and projects that will extend across regions and touch countless lives. The Commonwealth Youth Empowerment Conclave was more than an event; it was a stepping stone towards a future defined by empowered youth leaders who are committed to driving sustainable development. As participants returned to their communities, they carried with them a sense of purpose, a wealth of knowledge, and a network of like-minded individuals ready to make a positive impact. The conclave concluded with a collective promise to harness the power of youth leadership to steer our world towards a more sustainable and equitable future. The event showcased that the energy, innovation, and determination of the youth are the driving forces that can shape societies and redefine possibilities. As we reflect on the Commonwealth Youth Empowerment Conclave, we are reminded that the journey has only just begun. The true measure of success lies in how the knowledge gained, connections made, and inspiration ignited translate into concrete actions that transform communities and, ultimately, the world. In the end, the conclave was not merely an event; it was a catalyst for change. It was a testament to the fact that when youth leadership and sustainable development come together, there is no limit to what we can achieve. The journey continues, fuelled by the passion, dedication, and determination of the young leaders who will undoubtedly shape the future. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

"Pussy cat, Pussy cat, Where have you been? I've been to London to look at the Queen. Pussy cat, Pussy cat, What did you do there? Oh! I saw, and I learnt, I saw, and I explored, things like never before." I had never imagined that a few words would take me so far. The winner's week was the most exciting and illuminating experience of my life. The four days were packed with fun-filled and educative activities. I want to describe a day from the winner's week that is close to my heart. Not only was it the most exciting day but a day that I never wanted to end because it was the last day of my trip to London. It was the day we had been waiting for, for we were going to be felicitated at St James’s Palace by Her Majesty The Queen (then HRH Duchess of Cornwall) for our writings in the presence of great writers and dignitaries. As I entered the palace, I felt it was a scene out of a movie. Everything was so grand and regally decorated with plush red furniture and carpets, gold-gilded decor with impeccable silk adorning the walls and beautiful life-size paintings all around, it just felt Royal. Once inside, everything felt surreal, as I stood amongst the most famous personalities in the world whom we all dream of meeting once in our lifetime. I was touched by their humbleness, their coming to us and applauding us made me feel like a celebrity. Her Majesty personally talked with each one of us, and not only did she compliment us but also encouraged us to take our writing further. I had never imagined that in my life I would ever be able to talk and shake hands with a person of so high a stature and how I felt at that moment is something that I can never express in words. The whole thing felt unreal, a commoner going inside a PALACE, a place where Queens and Kings live. If all this wasn't enough, our writings were read by famous authors in front of us, filling each of the winners with pride (mine was read by best-selling author Susan Hill), we also received a gift in the Royal Cypher case by Her Majesty and personally signed books from RCS Ambassador David Walliams. Visiting the London Library was yet another intellectually stimulating experience planned for us on that day. Just thinking about famous authors like Charles Dickens, T.S Eliot writing their books, contributing to the library's history, and reading books in the very place I was standing made me have goosebumps. A fascinating thing that I came across in the library was that they had a copy of every newspaper publication of The Times since its publication. I was given a chance to open the edition of the newspaper of any month, of any year. It was like time travelling into your past, which was both thrilling and engrossing. Another striking feature of the library was its flooring made of iron grille It was different from anything that I had ever seen before as one could see all the floors beneath you while standing, loaded with book stacks which looked freakish. Later in that library, we talked with Mei Fong, the Pulitzer prize winner, who at our age was one of the winners of this competition. She motivated us and gave us writing tips which improved my writing skills. The last but another highlight of this exciting day was to watch Matilda. It was the first time I had witnessed a musical show, and it was way beyond my imagination. The realistic effects, props, the acting of children, their coordination was mind-blowing. It was like a movie being played in real life with no retakes of any scene. The end of the show also meant it was time for me to say goodbye and being so attached with everyone made me emotional. To everyone around the Commonwealth nations, I would just like to say do participate and don't participate to win; just participate in it because you enjoy writing and want to make your voice heard. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

(Aditi receiving her award from Her Majesty The Queen (then Duchess of Cornwall) during an Award Ceremony at St James's Palace in 2021) Day 3 of the Winners’ Week began with a train ride to Cambridge village. I was ecstatic - have read of this place in various history books and encyclopedias. First and foremost, we headed to the Cambridge University Library, where we were able to view the Special Collection of the Royal Commonwealth Society. This included fascinating items from Queen Mary’s collection, from her Royal Visit to India in 1905-1906. Furthermore, items of great historical significance such as maps, illustrations, figurines and weapons from all corners of the world were displayed too. It felt surreal to me; viewing the past through such treasures was indeed a novel experience. I especially enjoyed poring over the gold gilded pages of a massive book of paintings, with Queen Mary’s signature at the front. Afterwards, we were fortunate enough to visit the 14th floor of the Cambridge University Library’s Tower Collection. The lift ride was particularly exciting, and seeing the tall shelves lined with books even better! These books were written on a plethora of subjects, and we were told that some were even rare books. Then after a quick lunch break, we went to King’s College and saw the College Chapel. The Chapel is famous for its mesmerising Gothic architecture, the stained glass windows and the beautiful rood screen. From the brochure handed out to us, we got to know that choirs are conducted in the Chapel and it is also used as a place of worship. The Chapel provided a quiet, relaxed ambience for all of us to either roam around or sit and absorb the history of the Chapel. The Chapel proved to be a highly informative and enjoyable experience. As the day drew to a close, we strolled around the picturesque college campus. We walked to the College Bridge installed over the River Cam, taking in the scenic beauty of the place. We saw (to our amusement!) swans and ducks swimming in the river, and people enjoying a boat ride. Then, we all headed to the train station. We stopped briefly at Platform 9 ¾, at King’s Cross station, which greatly satisfied the Harry Potter fans in our group. Inside the magical entrance to Hogwarts, we took a few photos and shopped for a bit. Sadly, the next train arrived and we had to leave. Although the day was over, we were glad to have been a part of such a fulfilling experience! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Aditi S Nair was an 11th grade student of Sanskriti School in New Delhi when she was announced as the Junior Winner of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021. She has always had a passion for writing, and ever since she was young, has enjoyed writing stories and poems. ​ Apart from writing, her hobbies include reading, dancing and gardening. A few of her favourite authors are Khaled Hosseini, Celeste Ng, Ruskin Bond and Madeline Miller. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

What’s your favourite book and why? My favourite book has to be ‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak. I’ve read it four times and it only gets better and better every time I read it! The writing style is absolutely stunning and I think Zusak is a genius for picking the personified character of Death to narrate the story. There are so many layers of complexity to all of the characters, plot and motifs, and I would love to write a book this beautiful one day. Who’s your favourite writer and why? My favourite author is Patrick Ness. He wrote my favourite book series of all time, ‘Chaos Walking’ but also other beautiful books like ‘A Monster Calls,’ and the reason he is my favourite boils down to his excellent characters. He captures humanity in such a poignant, relatable, shocking, yet sometimes even humorous way, and I always feel so challenged when finishing his books. His writing really makes me feel things. What inspired you to enter the competition? One of my legendary English teachers, Mrs Whyte, was the one who got me to enter the competition. She sent me the flyer for it and I actually ignored it at first because I was in the middle of my exam revision! But then she emailed me again and I submitted my poem because she thought I had a chance, not because I thought I did. The surprise of coming runner up was absolutely wonderful, so never underestimate yourself! What inspired you to write your piece? The prompt I chose was obviously my first inspiration (what life would have been like for a front-line covid worker), but my grandmother’s experience in a nursing home during lockdown was my other inspiration and what I based my piece off of. I wanted to capture the experience of the workers caring for my grandmother during that time. My personal experience with nursing homes was incredibly helpful for this. What was your writing process like? My writing process is quite hard to pin down because it can be quite haphazard. I often start on a blank piece of paper and write a first draft the old-school way, but I also use the notes app on my phone a lot and type out my first draft there. For this poem, I think I wrote it directly onto my laptop and edited it on the same computer document. It took a couple of days to draft and another couple of days to edit. Your experience of Winners’ Week Winners’ Week was a surreal experience in the best way possible. The days were intense but so rewarding, and it blows my mind that I’ve met so many famous people as a result of this competition. What I enjoyed most had to be the Buckingham Palace experience. Seeing Geri Horner read my poem to a room full of people including The Queen Consort, Dame Susan Hill and my parents was indescribable. My favourite activity during Winners’ Week was the House of Commons trip. For one thing, meeting Mr Speaker was nothing how I expected considering we ended up playing with his cat Attlee and chatting like friends! The tour was phenomenal and honestly, every activity was perfect, but if I had to pick one, that would be it. The experience has had a massive positive impact on me, specifically in terms of my confidence. I was never proud of the work I did before the competition. I felt like I could always do better, which is true in a sense, but my thought process made me unsatisfied with everything I did, even the beautiful writing I should’ve been proud of. The competition gave me so much validation, and it was the first time I genuinely recognised that I am a writer, and a good one at that. It was such a development in my character because it’s extended to other things as well. I no longer feel ashamed of being proud of things I’ve done! Since the competition, I’ve written bits of poetry here and there, but I’ve mostly been writing for my university degree (BA English with Creative Writing at QMUL). We’ve done poetry, performance writing and now longer fiction, which has been such an educational and fun experience because I get to experiment with genre. I’ve also started writing a blog for my university’s School of English and Drama which is both a source of income and a great outlet for my creativity. However I wouldn’t have been confident enough to do this without the competition! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Amaal Fawzi is an 18-year-old girl who was born in Egypt, raised in Lebanon, and now lives in East London. She has an Iraqi father and a British mother, and because of the education system in Lebanon, she has started university a year early! She studies English Literature with Creative Writing and has been writing poetry for many years, though she wouldn’t say she’s been writing poetry well for all of them. Most of the poetry and prose she likes to write is concerned with culture and identity. Her years in Lebanon formed the majority of her character and cultural experiences, so learning to interact with that in the UK has been a very interesting season. It makes for a lot of writing material, and she’d say that the way she writes is always personal and drawn somehow from her own life. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2022, leaders declared 2023 as a year dedicated to youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development. Suluafi Brianna Fruean is a Climate Activist, who has been leading projects since learning about the effects of climate change and noticing the changes to her island of Samoa as a child. At just 11, she became climate organization 350.org’s youngest country coordinator, and at 16, she became the youngest winner of the Commonwealth Youth Award. Growing up in the climate movement Brianna has been involved in all areas of climate justice, from grassroots to government. With Samoa hosting CHOGM in 2024 and becoming Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth Brianna was invited to give a reflection at this year’s Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration. Read her message in full below or watch on BBC iPlayer or the BBC YouTube channel for an international audience. “My name is Suluafi Brianna Fruean and I am from the islands of Samoa, in your neighbouring Pacific ocean. I made it here today because of the village that raised me. My parents support, my grandparents’ prayers, my mentor’s guidance, microphones passed, opportunities offered, spaces shared and the belief in my ability to voyage on a journey for change. I am neither special, nor rare. There are millions of passionate young people like me in our Commonwealth. Not waiting to be leaders of tomorrow but embracing their leadership roles as active citizens, today. Young people in my region, like tens of thousands of others across our small island states, are at the frontline of the ongoing climate crisis. But we are not simply victims of this reality, we have been fighting climate change and its causes, consumerism, pollution, and the expanding fossil fuel industry for decades. Mobilizing our communities, building resilience and leading the environmental renaissance of reviving our indigenous and symbiotic relationship with nature. Youth have shown what real climate leadership looks like. This passion and drive by our global youth can be found in all world changing spaces today. From the fight for gender equality to ending poverty. This generation is the most connected generation the world has ever seen and we have been using this connectedness to become changemakers beyond borders. It is our responsibility as a global community to give our young people the space, opportunity and investment to be the changemakers that our world so desperately needs. I am here today because people invested in me. I am not self-made, I am community-made. I am village-made. A Pacific village from a long line of voyagers. Voyagers who knew that the strongest canoe was anchored and steered by our elders but powered by our youth. Our youth are critical for harnessing energy and gifting visionary foresight. Our elders are critical for guidance and wisdom. So, for our present and past generation, you’re not off the hook. We still need you to pick up your paddles for the long voyage ahead, because only when we row together can our voyage withstand the rough seas. Now more than ever, as our global community faces challenges on multiple fronts, we need a strong intergenerational way of voyaging where youth are given the space to sit at the front of our canoe as we sail towards the future we envision.” The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

A poem to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla by winners of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition: Amaal Fawzi, Maulika Pandey, Madeleine Wood, Ethan Charles Mufuma and Esther Mungalaba. 'Woven Legacy' The years slip gently through our fingers like silk, But unfurl to reveal a beautiful blazing tapestry. Past and future gild the valleys and the hills As the sun crowns a horizon woven with legacy. Time can erode away the temporary, Time can pass you by if you stay still, But time has no power over memory – Time cannot change how hope can feel. To the future we look, A new King, a new Queen, For them, for us. Together a future will be built. Memories forged. History made. As the new dawn arises, High hopes prevail, Bright lights illuminate, Our eyes glitter with dreams, To a world that gleams. In you, communities' dreams are revealed Dreams to gain fame Dreams to be firm Communities live as one Linked objectively Connected culturally. The spirit of voluntarism That uplifts broken souls to hope Down to earth you bend To help nations stand You design the umbrella Under which we serve others Serving without tagging a price. At the nexus of past and future, this moment stands A chance to shape the world with our hands A community steeped in history A history shaped in community In majesty, in honour, in inspiration, in responsibility Ours is a tale of courage, a legacy of ability. Find out more about The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition and how to enter this year's competition.

To mark World Creativity Day 2023, Sawooly Li, Senior Winner of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2022 shares her experience of entering the competition. What is your favourite book and why? One of my all-time favourite reads is Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, a graphic memoir depicting her childhood during the Iranian revolution. As a little girl, Marjane’s love for her religion and her country’s history is so sweet and touching. Persepolis really opened my eyes up to the beauty of a different culture and the strength of its people. As Satrapi explains, “I believe that an entire nation should not be judged by the wrongdoings of a few extremists.” Who is your favourite writer and why? Recently, I’ve been reading a lot of Jane Austen novels. Whether it be Pride and Prejudice or Emma, her vivid characters and storylines are gripping, and her ideals ahead of their time. From a more modern age, Ocean Vuong has been a great source of inspiration—he has such a powerful way with words and evoking strong emotions. What inspired you to enter the competition? As I’m sure many of you can relate to, reading and writing has always been a passion for me. The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition was something that I stumbled across online, but immediately knew I wanted to try. I remember reading several featured entries from past years and being inspired by their creative responses and captivating story-telling. Soon after, I decided to enter a piece of my own! What was your writing process like? I spent quite a while brainstorming and planning out my essay. For 2022, the prompt I chose to answer was related to service during the pandemic, so I read online about frontline workers and their stories to draw inspiration. The actual essay writing, however, only took me three days! I find that once I get in the flow, the story begins to shape itself. What inspired you to write your piece? Here in New Zealand, we are really lucky to have all this lush indigenous flora and fauna, so I knew I wanted to incorporate these elements into my writing. We also have a rich Māori culture with some beautiful concepts like Manaakitanga, which I centred my piece around. I thought it was a unique but insightful way to reflect on service and the prompt. My Winner’s Week Experience Last November, I was fortunate enough to attend a week of activities and celebrations with other talented prize winners from all around the world. From visiting Shakespeare’s birthplace to meeting Mr Speaker’s cat, our trip would have so many amazing experiences and surprises. One of my favourite activities during Winner’s Week was touring Westminster Abbey, the final resting place of kings, queens, notable scientists and famous writers. Whilst standing a few feet above Sir Isaac Newton, or beneath the busts at Poets’ Corner, I was awestruck by the sheer history the Abbey contained. I was mere fingertips away from some of the most influential figures the world had ever seen. My favourite aspect of the week, however, was not any physical place, but instead being able to share these experiences with other young writers from all across the world. Riding in the underground, I loved hearing about life in Singapore or the culture and traditions of India. Walking between one place and the next, we would listen curiously to details on the political turmoil in Uganda and the inflation crisis in Lebanon. This opportunity has truly shifted the perspective with which I view the world—I have learned so much from my peers, and have been inspired by their creativity and passion. Since then, I’ve been determined to continue improving my work. In her speech at Buckingham Palace, The Queen Consort touched on the power of the written word—its ability to evoke emotion and connect people together. In light of this, I hope many more students write and continue to write, and are unafraid to voice what is important to them. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

Leading up to the International Women’s Day 2023, I had the wonderful opportunity to catch up with three amazing women: Associate Fellows of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Christina Dymioti and Valentina Hynes, and a member of the Royal Commonwealth Society Gibraltar Branch, Denise Matthews. I hope you will be inspired by their breadth of experience, passion for community empowerment and success. Front left to right: Valentina Hynes, Denise Matthews, and Christina Dymioti Tell us about yourself and your work. Christina Dymioti (CD): I am the director of Fashion Heritage Network Cyprus, a project I developed through my participation in the Royal Commonwealth Society and Clarion Future’s Commonwealth Youth Exchange Programme between Cyprus and UK. We work with a growing inter-communal group of young Cypriots, especially fashion designers who aspire to promote Cypriot heritage through sustainable fashion. Our work is showcased through fashion exhibitions, fashion shows, workshops, and participation in various local and international cultural events. Valentina Hynes (VH): I am the founder and CEO of SVH Inc. CIC - which stands for Strong Vibrant, Happy, and Incorporated. SVH Inc. provides workplace wellbeing solutions for organisations as part of their employee onboarding, employee experience management and transformation process through mental health training and workshops, speaking engagements and away day experiences. As a specialist in wellbeing and happiness at work, I see myself as a connector who helps people build bridges from diversity adversity to inclusion, from poor mental health to happiness, and disengagement to engagement. Denise Matthews (DM): I come from a fiercely entrepreneurial family. My entrepreneurial journey started at the age of 22, when I launched my first company in PR and promotional work. After taking time out to start a family and living abroad, I returned to Gibraltar in 2016 to set up One Media and Events. I also became an award-winning City Chapter Director for the global organisation, Startup Grind (SG). For over two decades, I have been dedicated in launching successful business events in the local community to foster entrepreneurship, advocate for social responsibility, and leverage networks to achieve exposure for Gibraltar. Valentina Hynes is a mental health first aid instructor, an accredited and certified DiSC psychometric profiler, an author, speaker and an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society. How do you promote gender equity in your personal lives and at your workplace? VH: Being the eldest of four children in an African family, especially amongst the Igbos of Nigeria, gender equity is very much part of the culture. I was brought feeling empowered to not only dream big, but to work hard. This upbringing shaped my unique view of the world. If you can dream it, you can achieve it. If you support the girl child and woman, you empower progress and wealth. I am proud that my organisation is 80% is female-led. I also teach my boys that equity is not about giving equal opportunities to everyone, but meeting people at their level, and providing them the necessary resources to level up. DM: Being an example for change and challenging gender stereotypes and biases is part of my day-to-day life, personally and professionally. I will find ways to encourage and support women and gender minorities to achieve their goals and ambitions, also by supporting women-owned businesses and organisations. It is a requirement that the events we host are inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of gender or other characteristics, and ensure that our discussions include advocating for diversity in hiring practices, offering flexible work arrangements and are family friendly. Denise Matthews won the 2018 “Rookie of the Year” Award in San Francisco during the director’s retreat organised at the SG Global Conference for being the best new chapter in a city with a population of only thirty thousand. In February 2020, at the SG Global Director’s Retreat event in San Francisco, again Denise picked up four awards including Director of the Year won for the first time by a female director from a total of 600 other city chapters worldwide. How do you think the Commonwealth can play a role in promoting gender equity? CD: The Commonwealth is a great platform to raise awareness, advocate for change, and facilitate collaborations with civil society organisations and stakeholders across member countries. As a social entrepreneur, I believe more funding should be provided for young women’s projects. Investing in young women empowers them to take charge of their lives and to become changemakers in their communities. Supporting their projects is a powerful way to address the structural and cultural barriers that prevent them from achieving their full potential. DM: The Commonwealth is a diverse community of nations with a shared commitment to democracy and human rights. It has the potential to be a powerful force of change and can leverage its unique position to advocate for gender equity on a global scale by ensuring the participation of women from all spheres of life in decision-making processes and campaigning for gender equitable and sustainable international policies. Christina Dymioti is an active member of the Greek & Cypriot diaspora community in the UK. She is a member of the Greek Orthodox Community of Sheffield, NEPOMAK UK and the Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change in Cyprus. Promoting gender equity is a top priority for her in her personal life and in the various organisations she is involved in. If you have a magic wand, what would you wish for the next generation of girls and women? VH: I would remove travel barriers for girls and women, affording them opportunities to experience the world, so they grow exponentially in a multi-dimensional way. When people are exposed to different cultures and societies, they become empowered. Developing and supporting exchange programmes ranging from fashion design, music, tech, literature etc. would empower more women to aspire for more and to pay it forward. CD: To live in a world where gender equality is the norm, where girls and women have the same access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities as their male counterparts. I wish for girls and women to have a stronger voice in their communities, to be able to participate fully in decision-making processes and have their opinions and ideas taken seriously. Society benefits when women are empowered to lead and contribute to their communities. DM: Equal access to education, healthcare, safe and supportive environments, equal pay for equal work and representation in leadership positions. Also, women tend to put their needs last. We must take good care of ourself first because to meet the needs of others with good mental health. Lastly, I wish for strong body image positivity and self-love. One piece of advice to younger girls and women Finally, all three advised the importance of believing in oneself, surrounding oneself with positive influences, and to be fearless in taking on challenges. Denise Matthews also advised to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow; to become an even stronger and more resilient version of oneself. Valentina Hynes advised to not limit one’s growth to one aspect, to try “a little bit of this, a little bit of that, until you find your own purpose”. Christian Dymioti emphasised the importance of keeping pushing forward and never giving up, as well as staying true to oneself and one’s values, and never let anyone feel like you’re not capable of greatness.

On Wednesday 11th January, I travelled with five other participants from across the UK, passionate about social action, to Tas Sliema, Malta on a residential programme as part of the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Programme (a partnership between the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) and Clarion Futures). Clarion Housing Group’s charitable foundation, Clarion Futures, is transforming lives and improving communities delivering one of the UK’s biggest social investment programmes. As part of the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Programme (CYEP) we have been working closely our counterparts in Malta (another six young leaders) to deliver projects that will positively impact our Commonwealth environment and strengthen our communities. My groups project is seeking to influence public policies and regulations around eco-friendly sustainable travel and greener housing. The CYEP is an important opportunity and journey to each of us because we are learning and displaying that working on a small, local scale can influence global and national policies. On arrival in Malta, we met Nathan McKenzie, RCS Chief Operating Officer and Geraldine Noel, RCS Malta Branch lead who reminded us of the importance of this journey. The programme began at the Malta Youth Council where CYEP participants and Youth Council Members, Jacob Callus (Advocacy Officer) and Yacopo Baldacchino (President) outlined the aims, work and some of the campaigns that the Council had recently been involved in. This was followed by a meeting with representatives from the Office of the Minister, Ministry for Social and Affordable Housing. We discussed the recent expansion of private homeownership, hidden homelessness, the important term ‘roofless’ and the environmental effects of construction sites. I learnt hidden homelessness is an individual without a home, who is staying with family and friends, sofa surfing or living in unsuitable housing and may not be rough sleeping or declared homeless. A few Maltese participants shared that although we may not see homelessness in the form of rough sleeping, this does not mean people are not facing homelessness. Before lunch in Mdina our group stopped off at the Dingli Cliffs, the highest point on the Maltese islands, offering a stunning panoramic view! Onto the University of Malta and a lecture from Dr Rachael Scicluna on social housing and urban planning. This was particularly helpful in light of my group’s green housing project, Sows Seeds Urban. The Professor also kindly recommended Leslie Kern’s Feminist City, to further our own learning on innovative housing models, urban planning that prioritise people and modern social dynamics. This is helpful in making the accommodation sector accessible. Once back at the hotel each of us had the chance to revisit our social action projects, critically assess our plans and catch up since we met last year at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor. Day two began at the Pembroke nature reserve. This was an opportunity to visit and discuss the green landscape of Malta with Vincent Attard CEO of Nature Trust, FEE Malta. The dedicated volunteers there are working on habitat restoration projects and are seeking to grow more local protected trees. They are also delivering a series of educational workshops for young students; this helps local families understand the damage of litter and vandalism. On our visit, a few participants took part in an impromptu litter pick-up at the nature reserve and we all hope to support with this in the future. Onto the British High Commission, where we had the opportunity to meet with Tristan Gilchrist, Deputy High Commissioner and other members of his team to discuss our social action, learn about the work of the High Commissioner and also had the chance to hear from a representative of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in Malta. After a fantastic morning, we met His Excellency Dr Geroge Vella KOM KCMG, President of the Republic of Malta at the San Anton Palace. I was enlightened to discuss the President’s political journey, background and receive empowering advice about maintaining hope and a strong work ethic. Our collective aim remains to raise awareness of climate and environmental issues locally, support changes in individual action and highlight implications of high-carbon lifestyles and carbon intensive activities. The contribution of local people is indispensable; this was a key theme throughout our entire trip. A dedicated team gave a tour of the Verdala Palace, a 16th century building overlooking the island. The interior of the palace is very ornate, with frescoes and an example of renaissance architecture. The team also showed us around the Verdala Palace rehabilitation project, Malta’s commitment to The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, where they are working to rehabilitate and preserve the existing woodland area of approximately 6.8 hectares. On Saturday, we embarked on a tour of the megalithic stone temples at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The prehistoric monumental buildings constructed during the 4th millennium BC and the 3rd millennium BC rank amongst the earliest free-standing stone buildings in the world and are incredibly remarkable. Each monument is believed to be prearranged and built using sophisticated construction techniques. This led to many insightful conversations about geology, prehistoric culture and historic preservation. As part of our cultural visit programme to the island of Gozo, arranged by the Malta Tourism Authority we were also treated to a Maltese lunch feast! On the last day of our trip we visited Valletta, the capital city of Malta. Many of us were left stunned by the history and cultural and architectural influences from Sicilian, Arabic, and Baroque customs. Many of us dispersed eagerly trying to capture and document the beauty of the entire city. We experienced a traditional boat ride and local residents shared that a diverse group of Maltese people from socio-economic backgrounds live and access the waterfront. Some residents attend science school and public ceremonial events between the Three fortified Cities of Malta: Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. I consider it a privilege to come together, learn and organise to advance our social action efforts with the support of the Royal Commonwealth Society and Clarion Futures. A few of my trip highlights: - Meeting with the President, British High Commission and the Youth Exchange Participants - Seeing the Mediterranean sea, nature reserve and marine life Maltese housing system - Informative tour of Neolithic era at UNESO World Heritage Site - Social housing and Urban Planning Lecture at University of Malta - Speaking to local residents about their lived experiences and Maltese history Find out more about the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Programme.

On the evening of Thursday, 9 February 2023, four Associate Fellows of the Royal Commonwealth Society were invited by Master Educator, Caroline Haines CC to join the annual Franklin Lecture at Mansion House in the presence of the Lord Mayor, Alderman Nicholas Lyons and guests from the world of education and wider Livery. This lecture titled, ’Teacher, Tutor, Scholar, I: A metaverse of education or conundra of confusion’, was given by Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, Professor Emeritus of Commerce at Gresham College and focused on the impacts of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, the metaverse and virtual learning. Professor Mainelli used the Franklin Lecture to explore new technology challenges from neuroscience to the ‘persistent’ Metaverse. He shared his thoughts on where radical institutions could overcome ‘the establishment’, and how the establishment could reform its own economics to deliver superior performance for society and its own benefit. Engaging and often fun at times, the lecture included a reference to Monty Python and guests were invited to hold their breath for a minute, whilst Professor Mainelli explained the many different systems that were going on within our body, before being allowed to breath out. A Q&A session followed, with RCS Associate Fellow, Jackie Yu Hon Lam, amongst those invited to contribute. Jackie referenced his own educational background in Canada, the importance he attributes to the opportunities and training he received from the cadets and commented on the state of education in other Commonwealth countries such as Canada. Following the lecture, Associate Fellows had the opportunity to network with members of the wider Livery during a drinks reception in Egyptian Hall. The Royal Commonwealth Society is very grateful to the Worshipful Company of Educators for the opportunity offered to Associate Fellows of the Society to attend.