The Queen's Commonwealth Day message, 14 March 2016

Published

Being inclusive and accepting diversity goes far deeper than accepting differences at face value and being tolerant.

Wherever we live in the Commonwealth, we can always benefit from being open to the ideas and encouragement of those around us. Each of us can also make a positive difference in the lives of others by being willing to contribute and offer support.

This is an essential ingredient of belonging to the Commonwealth: the willingness to share, to exchange and to act for the common good. By including others, drawing on collective insights, knowledge and resources, and thinking and working together, we lay the foundations of a harmonious and progressive society. The greater the diversity of those included in such a shared enterprise, the greater the gains. Each of us has cause to celebrate the sense of belonging expressed in our 2016 theme: 'An Inclusive Commonwealth'.

Our recognition of this value, and the wisdom of mutual respect for each other, is set out in the Commonwealth Charter. Its opening words, “We the people of the Commonwealth” convey the conviction that individuals, as well as governments, build and shape our success.

Being inclusive and accepting diversity goes far deeper than accepting differences at face value and being tolerant

True celebration of the dignity of each person, and the value of their uniqueness and contribution, involves reaching out, recognising and embracing their individual identity.

At the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, there were forums for women, youth, business and civil society. These forums were a place for reflection on how to contribute collectively to achieving positive global change, for which the Commonwealth is widely respected.

Today, and in the year ahead, the theme 'An Inclusive Commonwealth' is an inspiration for us all.

Let us give it practical effect by supporting those in need and those who feel excluded in all walks of life. By doing so, we will continue to build a truly representative Commonwealth community.

Related content

The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message 2021

Stirring examples of courage, commitment and selfless dedication to duty have been demonstrated in every Commonwealth nation and territory.

07 March 2021
News

Commonwealth Day 2020

09 March 2020

The Queen's 2020 Commonwealth Day Message

Such a blend of traditions serves to make us stronger, individually and collectively, by providing the ingredients needed for social, political and economic resilience

09 March 2020

A speech by The Countess of Wessex celebrating the work of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust

On behalf of the people The Trust has helped thank you to each and every one of you for all your incredible support, and to Your Majesty thank you for choosing to give the...

29 October 2019
News

International Youth Day 2019

12 August 2019
Feature

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018

Find out more about Royal events at this year's meeting, which is being held in London
News

Commonwealth Day 2018

12 March 2018

A Message from Her Majesty The Queen on the opening of the 2017 Commonwealth Science Conference

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the Commonwealth Science Conference in Singapore following the success of the Bangalore Conference in 2014. I am very grateful...

13 June 2017

A message from Her Majesty The Queen to the people of Barbados on the 50th Anniversary of Independence

Since you became an independent country in 1966, you have continued to flourish and grow into a strong and confident nation.

30 November 2016

A speech by Prince Harry on the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy dedication in St Lucia

On behalf of my grandmother, The Queen, I am grateful to the Government and the people of St. Lucia for this most generous contribution.

27 November 2016
Feature

Remembrance 2016

The Queen and the Royal Family attend engagements to mark Remembrance 2016
Feature

The Queen's Young Leaders

The Queen’s Young Leader Award celebrates exceptional people from across the Commonwealth

The Queen's Message to the Athletes

The baton relay represents a calling together of people from every part of the Commonwealth.

23 July 2014

Commonwealth Day message 2008

In the Commonwealth, governments, businesses, communities and individuals should each strive to match words and good intentions with deeds. Every contribution has its part to...

10 March 2008

Christmas Broadcast 2015

I have been warned I may have Happy Birthday sung to me more than once or twice.

25 December 2015

Commonwealth Day message 2007

Despite its size and scale, the Commonwealth to me is still at heart a collection of villages.

12 March 2007

Opening the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Nigeria, 5 December 2005

The Commonwealth is one of the great partnerships of the world where rich and poor, large and small, work together for the common good.

05 December 2015

A speech by The Queen at the CHOGM Dinner, Malta, 2015

Thank you, Mr Prime Minister of Canada, for making me feel so old!

27 November 2015

A speech by The Queen at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta, 2015

Ladies and gentlemen, I feel enormously proud of what the Commonwealth has achieved, and all of it within my lifetime

27 November 2015
Press release 28 October 2015

The Queen will open the Commonwealth Games

Read more
Press release 27 October 2015

State Visit to Malta and CHOGM

Read more
News

Rugby World Cup 2015

13 October 2015
Press release 09 August 2015

The Queen's message to the President of Singapore

Read more

The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message, 2015

One simple lesson from history is that when people come together to talk, to exchange ideas and to develop common goals, wonderful things can happen.

09 March 2015
Press release 25 November 2014

The Queen's message to the Commonwealth Science Conference

Read more
Press release October 2014

Singapore State Visit Programme

Read more
Press release 27 March 2014

Singapore State Visit announced

Read more

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.

11 March 2013

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.

11 March 2013
Press release 20 December 2012

Christmas Broadcast to the UK and the Commonwealth

Read more
Press release 12 August 2012

The Queen's Olympic Message

Read more

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.

27 July 2012
Press release 05 June 2012

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Message

Read more
Press release 05 June 2012

Text of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Message

Read more