FAQs

What is the Commonwealth Theme for 2012?

The theme for Commonwealth Day 2012 is Connecting Cultures.

What is Commonwealth Day?

Commonwealth Day is an opportunity to promote understanding on global issues, international co-operation and the work of the Commonwealth’s organisations, which aim to improve the lives of its citizens. 

When is Commonwealth Day?

Commonwealth Day is held on the second Monday in March every year. Commonwealth Day 2012 will be celebrated on Monday, 12 March 2012.

What is Commonwealth Week?

Commonwealth Week is a week of festivities and events which highlight the chosen theme for Commonwealth Day. Commonwealth organisations also use this week to promote our values. The first Commonwealth Week took place between 10 and 14 March 2008.

When was the first Commonwealth Day?

During the 1975 CHOGM in Kingston, Canada proposed that a “simultaneously observed Commonwealth Day would focus attention upon the association and its contribution to a harmonious global environment.” The date was settled at the following Senior Officials Meeting in Canberra in 1976.

With the deliberate focus on reaching a young audience the second Monday in March was selected as one when all Commonwealth children would be in school. So 1977 marked the first simultaneous observance day across all the Commonwealth.

Over the past 30 years the day has been an opportunity to learn and explore both the history of our association as well as current concerns that are common to us all.

For more information read our history.

What events are taking place in 2012?

Celebratory events will be held throughout the year around the Commonwealth. For information on what’s happening, check our events calendar.