'Continue to serve you': King Charles shares his 2024 Commonwealth Day

Australian Community Media

King Charles shares his message for Commonwealth Day 2024.

Transcript

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]

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