13 Mar 2016

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Botswana will commemorate the Commonwealth day at Parliament Buildings today (March 14).

A press release from the National Assembly states that the day will be commemorated under the theme: Inclusive Commonwealth.

Members of Parliament, diplomatic corps and other dignitaries are expected to grace the event.

Schools in Gaborone are also expected to participate and provide entertainment aligned to this year’s theme.

The theme, the release says, is approved by The Queen as the head of the Commonwealth in consultation with the Commonwealth secretary general and the Council of Commonwealth Societies.

It also states that the aim of the commemoration is to promote understanding on global issues, international cooperation and the work of the Commonwealth to improve lives of its two billion citizens.

It further states that the CPA is the parliamentary wing of the Commonwealth and pursues its objectives by organising or sponsoring a number of conferences, seminars, workshops, study groups and other activities for parliamentarians.

Initially, its membership comprised all countries which had allegiance to the Great Britain government during the colonial era.

However, it states that of recent, some countries which practice democracy have been allowed to join the organisation.

Its mission is to promote advancement of parliamentary democracy by, among others, enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance, building an informed parliamentary community able to deepen the Commonwealth’s democratic commitment as well as furthering cooperation among Parliaments and Legislatures. 

On one hand, Commonwealth member states aim to support member countries to prevent or resolve conflicts, strengthen democracy and rule of law and achieve greater respect for good governance, accountability and transparency.

 Their objectives and aims also include increasing awareness of and respect for human rights in the Commonwealth, enhancing ability of member countries, especially small states and less developed countries to formulate, manage and implement trade policies at national, regional and multilateral levels and to benefit from such changes.

 Member states are also to alleviate poverty and promote global economic development. 

Meanwhile, all 53 Commonwealth countries commemorate the day every second Monday of March every year. ENDS