On Monday afternoon at Westminster Abbey, the Commonwealth Day service took place led by the royal family and leaders from 56 nations.
Present in the service was Prince William, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Technology leading experts such as professor Chris Imafidon, Rt Hon David Cameron, Sir Ben Okri, Sir Ken Olisa, Secretary-General – Baroness Scotland, and the Ghetto kids. His Excellency Johnston Busingye, gave the biblical reading after a recorded video message from king Charles III. Therefore, generate a 900-word editorial piece on this historic occasion which is the first since the coronation of King Charles III.
In a statement about the event, Dr Linda Yueh CBE, Executive Chair, Royal Commonwealth Society, said: “This year marks 75 years since the signing of the London Declaration in 1949 that established the Commonwealth as a network of equals united by values and a shared aspiration for a better future. Now as then, the Commonwealth is pledging to strive for peace, liberty and progress. Reflecting those aspirations, the theme of this year’s Heads of Government Meeting and of Monday’s Commonwealth Day Service is resilience. Even as we celebrate our progress, particularly highlighting the role of young leaders, we also recognise that more must still be done.
“The Society is honoured to organise the Commonwealth Day Service each year. We are deeply grateful to Their Majesties The King and The Queen, as well as the other Members of the Royal Family, for their steadfast support and that of our partner, Westminster Abbey, in delivering this special event. Through his commitment to this event, and that of his family, The King, Head of the Commonwealth, reminds us all of the considerable dedication required to serve great causes, and the Commonwealth of peoples and nations in particular.”
Organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society, the oldest charity dedicated to the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration is the world’s premier public event to celebrate the Commonwealth. The Service provides an annual opportunity to promote the value and values of this voluntary association of nations bound together in common endeavour.
This theme of resilience is evident throughout the performances, spanning all five regions of the Commonwealth. From the extraordinary story of the Ugandan Ghetto Kids to the all-female Indian Dhol drummers to the Samoan opera singers, today’s music celebrates the hope that emanates from all corners of the Commonwealth, even and particularly during challenging times.
The Ghetto Kids are a social media phenomenon born from a passion to give as many Ugandan orphans an equal opportunity to education, accommodation, food, resources and a home. The group represents positivity and garners hope for deprived communities all over the world to overcome difficult circumstances. Reflections were given by Earthshot Prize-winner Notpla which specialises in creating alternatives to plastic, and by Sir Ben Okri OBE who read a specially commissioned poem for the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth.
Professor Chris Imafidon is a Keynote speaker and chair, ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk, an alliance of inner-city educational charities and institutions that mentors youths, women and professionals in the commonwealth. He is a multi-Guinness World record holder; internationally renowned adviser to monarchs, governments, presidents and corporate leaders; Mentor to multi-millionaire tech entrepreneurs & many world record holders. His Artificial Intelligence, and other research or innovation have been recognised internationally, winning multiple awards. Professor Imafidon is 5X International Bestselling author; Mentor to New York Times Bestsellers and a Sunday Times Op-ed author, a Wall Street Journal BestSelling author and a regular contributor to British and international media;. [Twitter @ChrisImafidon; Instagram @CoImafidon; Facebook/Linkedln/ClubHouse –Professor Chris Imafidon
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