Global celebrations mark Commonwealth Week

Commonwealth Week kicked off this week with leaders around the world praising the theme of ‘Science, Technology and Society’. The annual event is intended to promote understanding on global issues, international co-operation and the work of the Commonwealth.

Nigeria’s Acting President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, speaking on Commonwealth Day on 8 March 2010, said this year’s theme was “most apt” due to the role that science and technology plays in improving the lives of Commonwealth citizens: “Many of the scientific issues we face today are rooted in challenges around energy – having enough supply to meet the needs of an ever-growing world economy and mitigating effects of its consumption.”

"We need to broker partnerships that combine the benefits accruing from scientific and technological advancement with the capacity to deliver positive influence in favour of those living in developing countries," Dr Jonathan said.

In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Gordon Brown wished Commonwealth citizens a “very happy Commonwealth Day”, adding: “This year’s theme of science, technology and society has been chosen to... [raise] awareness of the essential role science plays in all areas of society and its fundamental importance to development throughout the Commonwealth.

"It plays a role in everything from sanitation and health to digital communications and climate change. Crucial issues which are currently affecting the two billion citizens of the Commonwealth."

In the Caribbean, in St Kitts and Nevis, 20-year old Azard Gumbs, a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, encouraged his fellow citizens to “think more creatively and competitively” in embracing science and technology. “We should not underestimate the importance of education and the advantages of having a technologically sound educational background,” he said. “In order to combat the global challenges we face, greater focus must be placed on educating our human resource in specialised areas within the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics and computer science, agriculture and medicine.

In Dominica, Bishop Gabriel Malzaire called on Commonwealth nations to improve their caretaking of the planet. “The face of the Earth is changing so rapidly that it brings into question our stewardship towards it despite our scientific and technological capabilities,” he said.

In Toronto, Canada, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney, said: “On this day, I encourage everyone to reflect on and learn about the immense contributions of the many scientific and technological fields to the spread of progress, development, and modernity throughout the globe.

“The observance and celebration of Commonwealth Day provides the opportunity for almost one billion people around the world to reflect on their common heritage and to appreciate the contributions that the Commonwealth has made to our freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law – the fundamental values that underpin Canadian society,” Mr Kenney continued.

Bangladesh’s President Zillur Rahman used this year’s theme to claim that the future will rely on improvements in technical education. "We have to acquire knowledge which is practical and applied. We should emphasise field education as well as academic," the president said at the first convocation of the Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology at Gazipur.

In Australia, the Commonwealth Day Council of New South Wales kick started Pacific celebrations on Commonwealth Day with a lecture and awards ceremony in Sydney. Janet Stewart, President of the Council, said: “This day is a great way to celebrate the achievements of young people and their contribution to the Commonwealth. Our guests all look forward to this annual event - a highlight on their calendar.”

“We have guests from all walks of life including Members of Parliament, Commonwealth Societies, members of the Consul-Generals and Business Executives,” she added. As part of the celebrations, science journalist and broadcaster Mr Robyn Williams gave a presentation on the theme of science. A grant of Aus$5,000 for laptops for school children in Samoa was accepted by the Samoan High Commissioner.

Nicole Kuepper, a 24-year-old PhD science student at the University of New South Wales, was presented with a special award for citizenship by the Commonwealth Day Council. Ms Kuepper was selected for her work in developing and patenting a revolutionary solar cell. “It could enable people to read at night, keep informed about the world through radio and television and refrigerate life-saving vaccines,” she said.

Secretariat Links:

• What is Commonwealth Week?