Commonwealth Day 2022
Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations held on the second Monday in March, and marked by a multi-faith service in Westminster Abbey, normally attended by HM Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, with the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Commonwealth High Commissioners in London. The Queen delivers an address to the Commonwealth, broadcast throughout the world.
Commonwealth Day is also celebrated in many member states. New Zealand marks the day with a National Observance ceremony at Wellington's Cathedral of Saint Paul, and with a service at Auckland's Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Board Chair Madison Burgess-Smith was the MC for the event. Executive Director Kaya Selby delivered the Youth Reflection, touching on climate change, the war in Ukraine, and youth governance.
British High Commission Roundtable
To celebrate Commonwealth Day 2022, CYNZ partnered with the British High Commission in Wellington to host a roundtable session with students, foreign policy specialists, and Deputy High Commissioner H.E Sam Pass.
The driving theme for the discussion was "what does the Commonwealth mean to you?" It was discussed that Commonwealth is meaningful in that it unites nations under shared values, and therefore a shared purpose, and it facilitates important economic, social and cultural development.
Other topics discussed included cultural inclusion in the education system, what the Commonwealth can do to fight discrimination, the importance of upholding the rights of indigenous populations, and how to get those in power to listen to young voices.
Special thanks to Her Excellency and staff, and board member Wendy Hart.