Commonwealth Day marks the beginning of a week-long series of events and activities around the globe. On Monday 9th March, Torridge Councillors and Officers gathered at Riverbank House to raise the Commonwealth Flag with Councillor Doug Bushby, Chair of Torridge District Council leading the event.
The Commonwealth represents over 2.7 billion people or about a third of the world’s population, and almost a quarter of the world in size. It remains a voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign states constituted by the London Declaration of 1949 as the Commonwealth of Nations but continues to be open for any country to join.
Commonwealth Day is an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to the principles of unity, peace, and equality. This year’s theme, ‘Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous commonwealth,’ highlights how as a network of nations we work together to develop and deliver transformative, equitable and high impact opportunities across the Commonwealth.
Councillor Doug Bushby – Chair of Torridge District Council said: “Commonwealth Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the strength of our connection and reminds us that we are stronger when united. This year, Commonwealth Day calls us to action, to rally together to face today’s challenges and unlock opportunities that can deliver shared and lasting prosperity for all our people – a sentiment that we fully support at Torridge District Council.
The Commonwealth has evolved over the years, but its foundations are firmly rooted in shared values such as prosperity, democracy, peace, and mutual respect. This core principle of the Commonwealth is especially relevant today, as conflicts continue to occur around the world.”
