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Commonwealth Day 2002 Statement by Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon

Commonwealth Day, on March 11 is a time to celebrate our diversity and the shared values that bind our people together, states a Commonwealth news release.

The Commonwealth includes countries from all continents and encompasses nearly every cultural, ethnic and religious group in the world. This diversity is at the root of our shared sense of identity. Because of the Commonwealth, schoolchildren from Tanzania to Australia, Singapore to St. Lucia are not complete strangers. They speak the same language, they experience similar school systems, they embrace shared values and, in some respects, they share the same worldview.

In a world that is becoming increasingly polarised, this inclusiveness is of particular relevance. Diversity is not only a value that we all cherish, it can also be an effective tool to combat prejudice and intolerance. Achieving unity among the multiplicity of faiths and traditions that make up the Commonwealth strengthens the influence of our organisation on the international scene. The plan of Action on combating terrorism adopted by Commonwealth leaders at their meeting in Coolum, Australia, last week is an example of how diversity adds strength to a common cause.

The many strands of cultures and beliefs that make up the fabric of the Commonwealth will also be at the centre of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. As Head of the Commonwealth, The Queen has, over the past 50 years, contributed significantly to creating a sense of stability and continuity in our family of nations. The Commonwealth Games, otherwise known as the "Friendly Games", due to be held in Manchester this summer will be another showcase of the spirit of friendship that binds Commonwealth citizens together.

Nelson Mandela once said: "the Commonwealth makes the world safer for diversity". As we look to the future, we should remember the special responsibility we bear to preserve and foster this diversity. We must bring about positive change for women and men throughout the Commonwealth by strengthening our democracies, creating better living conditions for the worst off, generating real opportunities for our young people and continuing to promote understanding and build bridges between our communities. 

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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