The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message, 2012
Published
The Commonwealth offers a pathway for this greater understanding and the opportunity to expand upon our shared experiences in a wider world.
One of the great benefits of today’s technology-based world is the range of opportunities it offers to understand and appreciate how others live: we can see, hear and enter into the experience of people in communities and circumstances far removed from our own.
A remarkable insight we gain from such windows on the world is that, however different outward appearances may be, we share a great deal in common.
Our circumstances and surroundings may vary enormously, for example in the food we eat and the clothes we wear, but we share one humanity, and this draws us all together. The joys of celebration and sympathy of sadness may be expressed differently but they are felt in the same way the world over.
How we express our identities reveals both a rich diversity and many common threads. Through the creative genius of artists - whether they be writers, actors, film-makers, dancers or musicians - we can see both the range of our cultures and the elements of our shared humanity.
“Connecting Cultures”, our Commonwealth theme this year, encourages us to consider the special opportunities we have, as members of this unique gathering of nations, to celebrate an extraordinary cultural tapestry that reflects our many individual and collective identities. The Commonwealth treasures and respects this wealth of diversity.
Connecting cultures is more, however, than observing others and the ways in which they express themselves. This year, our Commonwealth focus seeks to explore how we can share and strengthen the bond of Commonwealth citizenship we already enjoy by using our cultural connections to help bring us even closer together, as family and friends across the globe.
To support this theme, a special song has been composed for the Commonwealth, ‘Stronger as One’. There are any number of ways in which that single piece of music alone can be played or sung anywhere in the Commonwealth. And by sharing the same music with our own personal interpretations and contributions, the wonderful human attribute of imagination is nourished, and we gain insights of understanding and appreciation of others.
The Commonwealth offers a pathway for this greater understanding and the opportunity to expand upon our shared experiences in a wider world. A world in which paths to mutual respect and common cause may also be explored and which can draw us together, stronger and better than before.
Related content
A speech by The Queen at the Commonwealth Reception, 2013
I hope the carefully chosen words of the Charter will reinvigorate efforts, already begun, to make the Commonwealth fit and agile for the years ahead.
Commonwealth Day message 2013
let us bear in mind the great opportunity that is offered by the Commonwealth – of joining with others, stronger together, for the common good.
A speech by The Queen at the Olympic Heads of Government Reception, 2012
I hope that you will enjoy your time in the United Kingdom, and I am sure that you will find a warm reception awaiting you, your athletes and the visiting spectators.
Message of condolence following the death of the King of Tonga
A speech by The Queen to open Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, 2011
This city is known for its optimism; this state is known for its opportunity and potential; and, this country is known for its warmth, openness and generosity.
Announcement of plans for the central Diamond Jubilee weekend in 2012
The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message, 2011
Let us all give a thought to the practical ways in which we, as individuals or as groups, can provide support to girls and women – so that everyone can have a chance of a...
A speech by The Queen at the United Nations General Assembly, 2010
In my lifetime, the United Nations has moved from being a high-minded aspiration to being a real force for common good.
A speech by The Queen at the South Africa State Banquet, 2010
South Africa and the United Kingdom have long been the closest of friends.
A speech by The Queen at the opening of CHOGM, 2009
Our shared pledge to “the pursuit of peace, liberty and progress” that my father helped to enshrine in the London Declaration in 1949 means as much today as it did then.
A speech by The Queen in Trinidad and Tobago, 2009
Prince Philip and I are delighted to be back in Trinidad and Tobago after more than twenty years, renewing our happy association with your country.
A speech by The Queen in Bermuda, 2009
The United Kingdom will continue to follow and support Bermuda's progress to the very best of her ability
A speech by The Queen at the Indian State Banquet, 2009
Relations between our two countries are built on strong and deep foundations, and are set fair for the 21st century.
Visit by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh to Bermuda, and Trinidad and Tobago
The Queen's Commonwealth Day message, 2009
We can rightly celebrate the fact that the founding members’ vision of the future has become a reality.
A speech by The Queen at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting dinner, 2009
I am delighted to welcome you all here this evening.
Christmas Broadcast 2008
When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.
Christmas Broadcast 2007
The Christmas story also draws attention to all those people who are on the edge of society
A speech by The Queen at CHOGM, Uganda, 2007
Recognising that each one of us is made up of layer upon layer of identity and that each of our unique personalities has ties to culture, religion, community, country and...
A speech by The Queen at the CHOGM Dinner, Kampala, 2007
I am so very pleased to be with you again and wish you every success in your deliberations.
A speech by The Queen at the Parliament Building in Kampala
It gives me great pleasure to address this House today in recognition of the importance of parliamentary democracy to the Commonwealth as a whole.
A speech by The Queen at the Ugandan State Banquet,2007
We are so pleased to be back in Uganda.
The Queen's message to the President of the Republic of India
The Queen's message to the people of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan
A speech by The Queen at the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge
The Canadian Corps transformed Vimy Ridge from a symbol of despair into a source of inspiration.
A speech by The Queen at the Ghana State Banquet, 2007
Ghana today is a progressive, open society. The economy is buoyant, and growth and prosperity are being fostered by a pluralistic and lively political debate and by your...
Christmas Broadcast 2006
The birth of a baby brings great happiness - but then the business of growing up begins.
State Banquet in Singapore, 17 March 2006
The links between Britain and Singapore are as strong as ever, and our future relationship is bright indeed.
Australian Prime Minister's Commonwealth Games luncheon, 15 March 2006
Australia has an enviable record at the Commonwealth Games.
A speech by The Queen at the XVIII Commonwealth Games, Australia, 2006
Tonight we celebrate the value of sport as a means of bringing together people from seventy-one nations and territories.
Christmas Broadcast 2005
These natural and human tragedies provided the headline news; they also provoked a quite remarkable humanitarian response.
The Queen's speech at the opening of the 2005 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
We in the Commonwealth are our own 'world wide web'.
State banquet in Malta, 23 November 2005
We both retain a deep affection for your country and the outgoing, generous Maltese people who have always offered us the hand of friendship.
World War II commemorative event, Horse Guards Parade, 10 July 2005
An act of remembrance is an act of honour.