King Charles shares his message for Commonwealth Day 2024.
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00:00 The 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth is a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey
00:08 that our unique family of free and independent nations has made since 1949.
00:15 Last year, the Bahamas celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence, as Grenada has
00:22 this year and Papua New Guinea will next year.
00:27 Each of these milestones, and many others like them, represent the fulfilment of countless
00:33 aspirations and the achievement of such remarkable potential.
00:40 And the Commonwealth's growth, with new members continuing to join our family of nations,
00:46 demonstrates clearly that whilst we may not all have a shared history, we have common
00:52 ambitions for a better future, working together to build resilience and respond to global
00:59 challenges.
01:02 The Commonwealth family is strongest when we are connected through friendship.
01:08 As I've said before, the Commonwealth is like the wiring of a house, and its people, our
01:15 energy and our ideas are the current that runs through those wires.
01:22 Together and individually, we are strengthened by sharing perspectives and experiences, and
01:29 by offering and borrowing the myriad ways we have each tackled the challenges of our
01:34 time.
01:36 This is true both at the level of nations and indeed at the local level.
01:44 We recognise today that our diversity is our greatest strength.
01:50 The Commonwealth represents a third of humanity from all regions of the world, with all the
01:58 different experiences, knowledge and aspirations that this brings.
02:04 Wherever we live, we are united by the many challenges we face, whether it be climate
02:11 change, the loss of nature, or the social and economic changes that new technologies
02:17 are bringing.
02:20 Our diversity means that these challenges affect us all differently, and that we experience
02:26 their impacts in different ways.
02:30 Their seriousness, however, is common to each one of us.
02:36 All of this means that we must work together to understand each other's perspectives, including
02:43 the inequalities and injustices which still resonate to this day.
02:49 We must find ways of healing, and to support each other to pursue solutions.
02:56 I cannot say often enough that it is by coming together that we create the best chances to
03:02 improve our world and the lives of people everywhere.
03:08 Indeed over the years, countless people across the Commonwealth have been inspired to form
03:13 their own Commonwealth associations, from lawyers and accountants to business and trade
03:21 networks and many more besides.
03:25 The work they do is absolutely vital, sharing professional knowledge, experience and expertise
03:32 across the continents for the betterment of each one of us.
03:38 The Commonwealth above all retains a particular focus on our young people, who make up two
03:45 thirds of the entire Commonwealth population.
03:49 Whether in Kenya or Malaysia, Vanuatu or Dominica, Malta or Canada, I never cease to be impressed
03:58 by their creativity, innovative skills and hard work, often in the most challenging circumstances.
04:07 Their energy is transforming approaches to development, technology and preserving and
04:13 restoring nature, and will, I hope, help to shape and safeguard our common future.
04:21 Having recently celebrated my own 75th birthday, it warms my heart to reflect on the way the
04:28 Commonwealth has been a constant throughout my own life, a precious source of strength,
04:34 inspiration and pride.
04:38 In recent weeks I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good
04:43 wishes for my health, and in return can only continue to serve you to the best of my ability
04:52 throughout the Commonwealth.
04:55 My belief in our shared endeavours and in the potential of our people remains as sure
05:01 and strong as it has ever been.
05:05 I have no doubt that we will continue to support one another across the Commonwealth, as together
05:12 we continue this vital journey.
05:14 Thank you.
05:15 [BLANK_AUDIO]