Our history | Commonwealth

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primary-nav__menu-item--level-1"> <a href="/our-member-countries" class="primary-nav__menu-link primary-nav__menu-link--link primary-nav__menu-link--level-1" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/30"> <span class="primary-nav__menu-link-inner">Member countries</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> <div id="main-wrapper" class="layout-main-wrapper layout-container"> <div id="main" class="layout-main"> <main id="content" class="main-content-wrap"> <a id="main-content" tabindex="-1"></a> <div class="section-banner"> <div class="banner"> <div class="region region-breadcrumb"> <div class="grid grid-tight"> <div id="block-cdstarterkit-page-title" class="block block-core block-page-title-block"> <h1 class="title page-title"> <span>Our history</span> </h1> </div> </div> </div> <div class="region region-hero"> <div id="block-entityviewcontent-2" class="block block-ctools block-entity-viewnode"> <div class="block__content"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="main-content"> <div class="region region--highlighted grid grid-tight"> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden messages-list"></div> </div> <div class="region regioncontent"> <div id="block-cdstarterkit-content" class="block block-system block-system-main-block"> <div class="block__content"> <article about="/history" class="node node--type-landing-page node--view-mode-full"> <header class=""> </header> <div class="node__content"> <div class="layout layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--50-50 grid lg-2 md-2 sm-1"> <div class="grid-col-first"> <div class="content-block--accordion block block-layout-builder custom-content-block"> <div class="content-accordion content-accordion--vertical"> <h3> <button aria-expanded="false" id="content-accordion--heading-276-0" aria-controls="content-accordion--panel-276-0" class="content-accordion--heading last"> Our history <span class="btn-more">Read more</span> <span class="btn-less">Read less</span> </button> </h3> <div role="alert" id="content-accordion--panel-276-0" aria-labelledby="content-accordion--heading-276-0" class="content-accordion--panel"> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Commonwealth is one of the world’s oldest political associations of states. Its roots go back to the British Empire, when countries around the world were ruled by Britain.</p> <h3>The early Commonwealth</h3> <p>Over time different countries of the British Empire gained different levels of freedom from Britain. Semi-independent countries were called Dominions. Leaders of the Dominions attended conferences with Britain from 1887.</p> <p>The 1926 Imperial Conference was attended by the leaders of Australia, Canada, India, the Irish Free State, Newfoundland, New Zealand and South Africa.</p> <p>At the 1926 conference Britain and the Dominions agreed that they were all equal members of a community within the British Empire. They all owed allegiance to the British king or queen, but the United Kingdom did not rule over them. This community was called the British Commonwealth of Nations or just the Commonwealth.</p> <h3>Birth of the modern Commonwealth</h3> <p>The Dominions and other territories of the British Empire gradually became fully independent of the United Kingdom.</p> <p>India became independent in 1947. India wanted to become a republic which didn't owe allegiance to the British king or queen, but it also wanted to stay a member of the Commonwealth.</p> <p>At a Commonwealth Prime Ministers meeting in London in 1949, the London Declaration said that republics and other countries could be part of the Commonwealth. The modern Commonwealth of Nations was born.</p> <p>King George VI was the first Head of the Commonwealth, and Queen Elizabeth II became Head when he died. But the British king or queen is not automatically Head of the Commonwealth. Commonwealth member countries choose who becomes Head of the Commonwealth. </p> <p>Speaking on this new association in 1953 Her Majesty the Queen said: “Thus formed, the Commonwealth bears no resemblance to the Empires of the past. It is an entirely new conception, built on the highest qualities of the spirit of man: friendship, loyalty and the desire for freedom and peace. To that new conception of an equal partnership of nations and races I shall give myself heart and soul every day of my life.”</p> <h3>The modern Commonwealth</h3> <p>Since 1949 independent countries from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Pacific have joined the Commonwealth. Membership today is based on free and equal voluntary co-operation.</p> <p>The last four countries to join the Commonwealth - Mozambique, Rwanda, Gabon and Togo - have no historical ties to the British Empire.</p> <p><a href="/about">The Commonwealth Secretariat</a> was created in 1965 as a central intergovernmental organisation to manage the Commonwealth's work.</p> <p><a class="link-button" href="/about">Learn more about the Commonwealth</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="grid-col-second"> <div class="content-block--accordion block block-layout-builder custom-content-block"> <div class="content-accordion content-accordion--vertical"> <h3> <button aria-expanded="false" id="content-accordion--heading-277-0" aria-controls="content-accordion--panel-277-0" class="content-accordion--heading last"> Library and archives <span class="btn-more">Read more</span> <span class="btn-less">Read less</span> </button> </h3> <div role="alert" id="content-accordion--panel-277-0" aria-labelledby="content-accordion--heading-277-0" class="content-accordion--panel"> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Commonwealth library and archives are available for historical research and study at Marlborough House in London.</p> <ul> <li><a href="/commonwealth-stories-archive">Stories from the Commonwealth archive</a></li> </ul> <p><a class="link-button" href="/publications-libraries-and-archives">Explore the archives</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="section-padding-top-0 layout layout--onecol-section layout--onecol-section--100 grid"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodelanding-pagefield-introduction"> <div class="block__content"> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Explore the history of the Commonwealth using the interactive timeline.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="bg-3 bg section-full-width"> <div class="layout layout--onecol-section layout--onecol-section--100 container grid"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="content-block--milestones block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockmilestones"> <div class="block__content"> <noscript>The carousel cannot be used because Javascript is turned off.</noscript> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-milestones view-id-milestones view-display-id-milestones_block js-view-dom-id-dc5d2a948263dc39e7d1f5883e4a91ab9f61001148c8a85b8154dd5d359fd1eb"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="milestones"> <div class="grid"> <div class="swiper"> <div class="swiper-wrapper"> <div about="/node/3558" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1949"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/Beginning%20of%20the%20modern%20Commonwealth_0.jpg?VersionId=j5YqhMfOQXS2igjZPM7HTPmrKkNcsCRH&itok=YsKchnbk" width="612" height="432" alt="King George VI with Commonwealth leaders at the 1949 Commonwealth Prime Ministers Meeting" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1949</div> <h2> <span>Beginning of the modern Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Eight countries come together to form the modern Commonwealth. Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom decided to reform their old association into the modern Commonwealth.</p> <p>Leaders agree that Commonwealth members are “free and equal members of the Commonwealth of Nations, freely co-operating in the pursuit of peace, liberty and progress.”</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3666" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1949"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1949</div> <h2> <span>First meeting of Commonwealth Finance Ministers</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>London, United Kingdom, 21 July 1949. Ministers reviewed the economic position of the sterling area, in light of the recent fall in the level of gold and dollar reserves.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3559" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1953"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-08/1746-21113671%20%281%29.jpeg?VersionId=ft2iT0k69O6JDdBWWWknAszbJTR196Zz&itok=U2Ov0-lR" width="612" height="432" alt="Her Majesty The Queen II's coronation at Westminster Abbey in London." typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1953</div> <h2> <span>Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>2 June 1953. Prime Ministers and leading citizens from across the Commonwealth attend Her Majesty The Queen's coronation at Westminster Abbey in London.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3627" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1957"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/ghana620.jpg?VersionId=BMjvk7TZFOnXoLkODy3CzOEX_WN3eF23&itok=b8jERV-b" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1957</div> <h2> <span>Ghana joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>6 March 1957 Ghana becomes the 9th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3689" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1957"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_0.png?VersionId=i3RFmF3bBbXV_Fg7MFw8GRCSdpoK4S_8&itok=5x-5D-Vz" width="612" height="432" alt="Malaysia" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1957</div> <h2> <span>Malaysia joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>31 August 1957. Malaysia becomes the 10th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3670" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1959"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1959</div> <h2> <span>First Commonwealth Education Conference</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>15 - 28 July 1959, Oxford, United Kingdom. The meeting of Education ministers was convened in recognition of " the great importance of education and training as an indispensable condition of development. It is an objective of Commonwealth countries that their people should be able to share as widely as possible in the advantages of education of all kinds and at all levels".</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3657" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1959"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/00001202.jpg?VersionId=C87hi7VzACfO9xIXydEYugPX0OH.4doh&itok=Sp6f4wYd" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1959</div> <h2> <span>Marlborough House becomes Commonwealth centre</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">Head of the Commonwealth HM Queen Elizabeth II places Marlborough House in London, UK, at the disposal of the British Government as a Commonwealth centre.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3628" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1960"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/nigeria.jpg?VersionId=x9M6JBHajp2zK1lrELa1maA72mgM8rbZ&itok=WljRtkgw" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1960</div> <h2> <span>Nigeria joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>1 October 1960. Nigeria becomes the 11th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3651" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1961"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1961</div> <h2> <span>South Africa withdraws from the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>South Africa withdraws from the Commonwealth, after pressure from member states against its apartheid policies.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3629" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1961"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Cyprus620.jpg?VersionId=RDtu4gFTzUwcAbyE3ECCYPL3I5vHikDy&itok=PWFENeUO" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1961</div> <h2> <span>Republic of Cyprus joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">13 March 1961 Cyprus becomes the 12th country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3695" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1961"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Sierra_Leone620.png?VersionId=mt4RLkeLQidna4WEFwkR2E_g62EJm6vw&itok=qxqTeXdu" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1961</div> <h2> <span>Sierra Leone joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">27 April 1961 Sierra Leone becomes the 13th country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3702" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1961"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Tanzania%20%283x5%29.png?VersionId=T9MJvR_hE5mqxtAqUFKRL.WdAwDZFs7j&itok=NP2CpqME" width="612" height="432" alt="United Republic of Tanzania" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1961</div> <h2> <span>Tanzania joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>9 December 1961. United Republic of Tanzania becomes the 14th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3630" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1962"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Jamaica%20%283x5%29.png?VersionId=KkwuX3brtyUeSD0Tbv5qPkQ3HPbBGcr7&itok=eSQ_75sV" width="612" height="432" alt="Jamaica" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1962</div> <h2> <span>Jamaica joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>6 August 1962. Jamaica becomes the 15th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3699" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1962"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Trinidad_and_Tobago620.jpg?VersionId=tJL6mgDrFs4U2dj.jl5ccH_zYxc3.ms9&itok=RzEoaML7" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1962</div> <h2> <span>Trinidad and Tobago joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>31 August 1962. Trinidad and Tobago becomes the 16th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3701" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1962"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/flag_0.png?VersionId=PTvFTuy0mTPFid4vLtrpIMYlxD9o2QuH&itok=cUN4ZhMB" width="612" height="432" alt="Uganda" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1962</div> <h2> <span>Uganda joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>9 October 1962. Uganda becomes the 17th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3631" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1963"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/kenya.jpg?VersionId=pjiveLFm3U6sULtuFcT6YHb_QiaGARLZ&itok=tivlo19l" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1963</div> <h2> <span>Kenya joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">12 December 1963 Kenya becomes the 18th country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3632" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1964"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Malawi620.jpg?VersionId=N.4d9j9HTUayvphb6pMUz2Rt5u6hQZjI&itok=tlKlOLRa" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1964</div> <h2> <span>Malawi joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">6 July 1964 Malawi becomes the 19th country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3690" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1964"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Untitled%20design_11.png?VersionId=HvEHEFK3ecqw13rAZLJiNqYOUzrfavql&itok=Z1PANuiQ" width="612" height="432" alt="Malta" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1964</div> <h2> <span>Malta joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>21 September 1964. Malta becomes the 20th country to join the Commonwealth</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3703" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1964"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Zambia.jpg?VersionId=YhYHiEAMv7PPspuZhHtXidQn8OrZtbwp&itok=d4FJ4QlM" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1964</div> <h2> <span>Zambia joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">24 October 1964 Zambia becomes the 21st country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3561" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1965"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1965</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Secretariat is established</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Housed in Marlborough House in London, UK, the Commonwealth Secretariat was set up to be at the service of all Commonwealth Governments and as a visible symbol of the spirit of co-operation which animates the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3633" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1965"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/The_Gambia.jpg?VersionId=Z8Qa0Pim76fRxHQIop1csIwZXWu2CYfj&itok=64Rnl5UO" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1965</div> <h2> <span>The Gambia joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">18 February 1965 Gambia becomes the 22nd country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3562" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1965"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/arnold%20smith.jpg?VersionId=BmREoe83B73y4p0Csmw4.MUep6RtXFaY&itok=L8-aXmdy" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1965</div> <h2> <span>Arnold Smith becomes the first Commonwealth Secretary-General</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Arnold Smith of Canada becomes the first Commonwealth Secretary-General and served from 1965 to 1975.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3671" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1965"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1965</div> <h2> <span>First Commonwealth Medical Conference</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>4 - 13 October 1965, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Ministers concluded that "adequate medical services are an essential foundation of social and economic progress in developing countries. The Conference therefore took as its purpose a thorough review of the existing co-operation between Commonwealth countries in the fields of medicine and health and an examination of how this co-operation can be strengthened and extended."</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3707" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1965"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/singapore620.jpg?VersionId=fyvXqYmJKKJj0utX0wdAsAezdAzktFZA&itok=OW_0KM_j" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1965</div> <h2> <span>Singapore joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">15 October 1965 Singapore becomes the 23rd country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3667" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1966"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/Commonwealth%20Foundation%20logo.png?VersionId=rGRRElLxgRHfS1sDZS4.Gvqf_pWYsYoP&itok=1XNoZfx7" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth Foundation logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1966</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Foundation is established</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Housed in Marlborough House in London, UK, the Commonwealth Foundation was set up to administer the interchanges between Commonwealth organisations in professional fields throughout the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3673" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1966"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/Law%20Ministers%20Meeting%201966.jpg?VersionId=RmDoz_keGXhQ_F.VVwMbvewOkSOl83yI&itok=3GuCI7bq" width="612" height="432" alt="Delegates at the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting 1966" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1966</div> <h2> <span>First Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>26 April - 3 May 1966, London, United Kingdom. The meeting reviewed arrangements for the extradition of fugitive offenders within the Commonwealth and recommended the creation of a Legal Section within the Commonwealth Secretariat.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3687" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1966"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Guyana%20%283x5%29.png?VersionId=vbsDS904SfeCA1zr9ZvbxXu5vnz4wbee&itok=FG0_P2Nk" width="612" height="432" alt="Guyana" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1966</div> <h2> <span>Guyana joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>26 May 1966. Guyana becomes the 24th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3672" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1966"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1966</div> <h2> <span>First meeting of Commonwealth Trade Ministers</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>13 - 16 June 1966, London, United Kingdom. "It was agreed that Commonwealth countries should act in concert wherever possible in wider international organisations concerned with international trade and trade policy."</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3686" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1966"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Botswana_620.jpg?VersionId=Yka34OdGK8RztzPPIoRKpvEhZDGbeMYx&itok=EL4AsWpp" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1966</div> <h2> <span>Botswana joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">30 September 1966 Botswana becomes the 25th country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3688" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1966"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Lesotho620.jpg?VersionId=fDakYv25SCPDiBpjRliteAaqjT8xNR2s&itok=6UyRTtZP" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1966</div> <h2> <span>Lesotho joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">4 October 1966 Lesotho becomes the 26th country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3634" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1966"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Barbados620.jpg?VersionId=W06E1WfRywLdWYSjHV9mE5aXtdCmDKG3&itok=Q49j_37R" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1966</div> <h2> <span>Barbados joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">30 November 1966 Barbados becomes the 27th country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3635" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1968"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Mauritius620.jpg?VersionId=CP.ftriBUTEw3DZEEH5EmLf.roUGjbiT&itok=Kepsc4_5" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1968</div> <h2> <span>Mauritius joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">12 March 1968 Mauritius becomes the 28th country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3697" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1968"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_4.png?VersionId=SJJA0r3rEuJmkBxYY3vHt4jMnwHVAC1f&itok=5lWnQVeQ" width="612" height="432" alt="Kingdom of Eswatini" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1968</div> <h2> <span>Swaziland joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>6 September 1968. Swaziland (now Kingdom of Eswatini) becomes the 29th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3705" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1968"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Nauru620.jpg?VersionId=6SI8JVi5YXlV3ngUwKte.oS3OzlOEjSS&itok=BNnZ_lYq" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1968</div> <h2> <span>Nauru joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">29 November 1968 Nauru becomes the 30th country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3698" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1970"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Tonga620.jpg?VersionId=fnmsNBVR45dGOdTZ0PT_7ov9c.ZY2qA7&itok=zuRpy4sB" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1970</div> <h2> <span>Tonga joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">4 June 1970 Tonga becomes the 31st country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3694" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1970"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/flag%20%288%29.png?VersionId=DjvjLk_DuuUZhfVrY3p2as3wWh6UXA9X&itok=Uem11TH9" width="612" height="432" alt="Samoa" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1970</div> <h2> <span>Samoa joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>28 August 1970. Samoa becomes the 32nd country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3636" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1970"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Fiji.png?VersionId=5W8qixeD9tAMwaUnnMUE2shK_EhZ4wYS&itok=kCvcRTW6" width="612" height="432" alt="Fiji" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1970</div> <h2> <span>Fiji joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>10 October 1970 Fiji becomes the 33rd country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3563" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1971"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/cftc.jpg?VersionId=pVfI0i6Ckgc1VHUXY0oWwVI0zw6AXrt0&itok=n3My0JY0" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1971</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC) set up</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Fund puts the skills of Commonwealth member countries at each other's disposal.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3608" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1971"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/singaporeCHOGM.jpg?VersionId=3Iug_cFssLL7ZLBviJZfRLyMoRGz31kw&itok=mZa36tzi" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1971</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Singapore, Singapore </span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>14 – 22 January 1971 First meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM).</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3609" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1971"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/singapore-declaration.jpg?VersionId=1ussn8vCuGs0vpXbe0mobedpCb9lkKnb&itok=xiC2vrLl" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1971</div> <h2> <span>Singapore Declaration of Commonwealth Principles</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">Commonwealth Heads of Government issued the Singapore Declaration of Commonwealth Principles at their summit in Singapore in 1971</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3564" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1972"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Pakistan.png?VersionId=YqQBg9BwTlqNoVtEWF47jkmC1W5HC5N3&itok=trGRGvf7" width="612" height="432" alt="Pakistan" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1972</div> <h2> <span>Pakistan withdraws from the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>  </p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3637" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1972"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Bangladesh.png?VersionId=UEMBoIyh7QTM2N7nMV6f49ylSD4XkZVg&itok=15gHEjZ2" width="612" height="432" alt="Bangladesh" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1972</div> <h2> <span>Bangladesh joins The Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>18 April 1972 Bangladesh becomes the 34th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3674" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1972"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/Senior%20Officials%20Meeting%201973.jpg?VersionId=fIC8SXEAemMHd1fcnIaQ4yEfaAbbjqj2&itok=tuMWYIxU" width="612" height="432" alt="Senior Officials Meeting 1973" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1972</div> <h2> <span>First Commonwealth Senior Officials Meeting </span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>16 - 19 October 1972, Ottawa, Canada. The meeting considered comparative techniques of government across the Commonwealth and tasked the Secretariat with establishing procedures for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings which would ensure 'flexibility, informality and the opportunity to engage in frank discussion of common problems, even from opposing standpoints.'</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3595" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1973"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/monwealth_Youth_Parliament_at_the_8252462278_l.jpg?VersionId=MA6xH8FrNcyk.ec_4C.Ya3rWQncHXY7r&itok=ueyy3m7q" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1973</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) fund established</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">CYP works to engage and empower young people (ages 15-29) to enhance their contribution to development.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3681" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1973"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/Youth%20Ministers%20Meeting%201973_0.jpg?VersionId=M7wOxcyd57.ICMH0juXvUJKXfTFFuWyy&itok=V7f4Nuo9" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting, Lusaka, Zambia, January 1973" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1973</div> <h2> <span>First meeting of Commonwealth Youth Ministers</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>29 January 1973, Lusaka, Zambia. Ministers met to consider the creation of a Commonwealth Youth Programme.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3638" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1973"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/bahamas.jpg?VersionId=Tpnbmqdx4OZG2_wfEKaBuxqx8G089a_f&itok=hBWoImAW" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1973</div> <h2> <span>The Bahamas joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">10 July 1973 The Bahamas becomes the 35th country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3610" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1973"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/canadaCHOGM.jpg?VersionId=8oa5ZMweA.Y246RHvkT.P6d7qj5I4uy9&itok=8fUgTUsk" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1973</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Ottawa, Canada</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>2 – 10 August 1973 The second meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government. The summit issued a Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and Under Water.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3639" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1974"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Grenada.png?VersionId=qF67Up2eZHMarj2nfh9JNQiFyVuyqKC8&itok=NmDu2SwY" width="612" height="432" alt="Grenada" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1974</div> <h2> <span>Grenada joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>7 February 1974 Grenada becomes the 36th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3611" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1975"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/KingstonCHOGM.jpg?VersionId=ba8y2KVu9ud1Ehq5tSAl619zCg8mbusu&itok=TDiKxXnA" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1975</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Kingston, Jamaica</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>29 April –6 May 1975</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3565" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1975"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Ramphal.jpg?VersionId=2AONniFF5l01E315lNLxM1wKgPfY5J93&itok=0zkt6138" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1975</div> <h2> <span>Sir Shridath Ramphal becomes second Commonwealth Secretary-General</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal QC of Guyana served as Commonwealth Secretary-General from 1975 to 1990.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3640" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1975"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/png.jpg?VersionId=MlOhtiD0gfgOfRiv2tS2xiqXCu0RAHLV&itok=R2t-Kiai" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1975</div> <h2> <span>Papua New Guinea joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">16 September 1975 Papua New Guinea becomes the 37th country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3641" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1976"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Seychelles.png?VersionId=hKJxtmuGklIvt6jQe31W4Wlp8oFe.sGc&itok=5GsXkPaZ" width="612" height="432" alt="Seychelles" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1976</div> <h2> <span>Seychelles joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>28 Jun 1976 Seychelles becomes the 38th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3725" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1977"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Invitation1977.jpg?VersionId=vaYwLrze05B9UdFiPKYo3rwKywVPQRNr&itok=8q82rOjo" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1977</div> <h2> <span>First simultaneously observed Commonwealth Day </span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Canada proposed that a “simultaneously observed Commonwealth Day would focus attention upon the association and its contribution to a harmonious global environment”.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3612" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1977"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/LondonCHOGM.jpg?VersionId=olGitYkibiTsr95NZCItnkh6tkIM1dRc&itok=Ssw2E4Kq" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1977</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, London, UK</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>8 –15 June 1977</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3566" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1977"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/gleneagles.jpg?VersionId=JzUk.s3YOjTLiVPgz2T1AiXOAlqeFMkJ&itok=f_2ao7vx" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1977</div> <h2> <span>Gleneagles Agreement starts apartheid South Africa's sporting isolation</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">Commonwealth Heads of Government issued the Gleneagles Agreement on apartheid sport at their summit in Gleneagles, Scotland on 15 June 1977.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3696" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1978"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Solomon.png?VersionId=BNmpqncJTMu7sPB2nN9cXy6gmLREhRIb&itok=2c4aiZom" width="612" height="432" alt="Solomon" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1978</div> <h2> <span>Solomon Islands joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>7 July 1978 Solomon Islands becomes the 39th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3700" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1978"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Tuvalu.png?VersionId=jTKd1zzoWjrcZ2gUkID8w0r34frsRe1B&itok=q-nP5SjQ" width="612" height="432" alt="Tuvalu" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1978</div> <h2> <span>Tuvalu joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>1 October 1978 Tuvalu becomes the 40th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3642" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1978"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/dominica-hi.jpg?VersionId=VlOPCntPESaBLM07i5.qRn1.xxBy.Icu&itok=Yv4F_9VJ" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1978</div> <h2> <span>Dominica joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">3 November 1978 Dominica becomes the 41st country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3692" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1979"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Saint_Lucia620.jpg?VersionId=gVQ9QUYCCfnBJ034YdUHlrZYU88Lc_71&itok=F-tYd1bJ" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1979</div> <h2> <span>St Lucia joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">22 February 1979 St Lucia becomes the 42nd country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3643" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1979"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Kiribati620.jpg?VersionId=2pRCXsVZZB_ghhRLjbTcyJUKhP09T_3Q&itok=CvlxvpSv" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1979</div> <h2> <span>Kiribati joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">12 July 1979 Kiribati becomes the 43rd country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3613" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1979"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-04/1979%20CHOGM.png?VersionId=E0ahfXsz..X21TU2By729HEcQFNQvNHV&itok=sD8KS1Tv" width="612" height="432" alt="Family photo of leaders at the 1979 CHOGM in Lusaka, Zambia" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1979</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Lusaka, Zambia</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>1 – 7 August 1979</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3606" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1979"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/lusaka.jpg?VersionId=CR9ETqNAo3cKxyIWL0bFArQ.510KQCpY&itok=KB7hnwPb" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1979</div> <h2> <span>Lusaka Declaration on Racism and Racial Prejudice</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">Commonwealth Heads of Government issued the Lusaka Declaration on Racism and Racial Prejudice on 7 August 1979 at their summit in Lusaka, Zambia.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3693" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1979"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines620.jpg?VersionId=SJBNPRYg7XGskIShYqWEdVrvk_zCLp5.&itok=ZCd3Cpmb" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1979</div> <h2> <span>St Vincent and The Grenadines joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">27 October 1979 St Vincent and The Grenadines becomes the 44th country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3567" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1980"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/zimbabwe%20election%20observers.jpg?VersionId=1Q4M86pv8KPGrsSBMH4YkZyrzJwfQzoV&itok=OF_9MWwg" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1980</div> <h2> <span>First election observation by Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">Commonwealth group observes elections for the first time in newly independent Zimbabwe</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3704" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1980"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Zimbabwe.png?VersionId=7myzS1qFLvpDaphGQpBIokG7xRcQ3M15&itok=yTKCuD0I" width="612" height="432" alt="Zimbabwe" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1980</div> <h2> <span>Zimbabwe joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>18 April 1980 Zimbabwe becomes the 45th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3644" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1980"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2021-10/vanuatu620.jpg?VersionId=.zSWisz_FrNLlgthwd.gGqSeBwJGM983&itok=sYDykZGv" width="612" height="432" alt="vanuatu" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1980</div> <h2> <span>Vanuatu joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">30 July 1980 Vanuatu becomes the 46th country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3568" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1981"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/un_headquarters_620.jpg?VersionId=k33FEHG3buxrjHUYon.KYrHv9wvcNrBD&itok=sxRaWcPq" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1981</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth establishes 'Small States Office' in New York</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Commonwealth sets up a 'Small States Office' in New York, so that small states can take part in UN negotiations.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3685" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1981"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Belize.png?VersionId=wkyt3wTMZIf2kowsNTznmLk0e6XubXlr&itok=WZPQjZu3" width="612" height="432" alt="Belize" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1981</div> <h2> <span>Belize joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>21 September 1981 Belize becomes the 47th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3614" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1981"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/AusCHOGM.jpg?VersionId=daScjUnK.nj.3zPrU8c5KqlYPlo1hG3H&itok=-Ku_-7TJ" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1981</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Melbourne, Australia</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>30 September – 7 October 1981</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3645" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1981"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/aanb.png?VersionId=_AVOdih7jbyzL.wHG.EB7QgoWkJEmgU4&itok=gYLBoT5c" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1981</div> <h2> <span>Antigua and Barbuda join the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">1 November 1981 Antigua & Barbuda becomes the 48th country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3675" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1982"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1982</div> <h2> <span>First Commonwealth Employment / Labour Ministers Meeting</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>1 June 1982, Geneva, Switzerland. Meeting in Geneva in the wings of the International Labour Conference ministers discussed the effect of the world recession on employment, particularly its impact on young people and women who were disproportionately affected.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3646" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1982"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/maldives.jpg?VersionId=ESsqNRhvaZ6mXU1vPCjw5fHD0TayMOa6&itok=nA9FdRXe" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1982</div> <h2> <span>Maldives joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">9 July 1982 Maldives becomes the 49th country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3647" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1983"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/stkitts.jpg?VersionId=1P284pKTxZbdCd2vRNyoDeoKi3crgJNE&itok=ddrkR2M3" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1983</div> <h2> <span>St Kitts and Nevis joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">19 September 1983 St Kitts & Nevis becomes the 50th country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3615" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1983"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/IndiaCHOGM.jpg?VersionId=bIax_JO997pJHmM6CZlJbCxcU_XnErlr&itok=zEb2Z7l3" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1983</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, New Delhi, India</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>23-29 November 1983</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3569" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1983"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/cyrpus%20president%2080s.jpg?VersionId=8rQDTq2aOb_Ul5j5AGA.wHM9yuutfWtn&itok=yWmQzeuB" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1983</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Action Group on Cyprus</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Commonwealth Action Group on Cyprus set up to assist UN Security Council efforts to resolve hostilities in Cyprus.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3648" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1984"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/brunei.jpg?VersionId=zHbkZsKrb24ctzVteSVhv5MslNbPhMiO&itok=bujOCRbE" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1984</div> <h2> <span>Brunei Darussalam joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">7 May 1984 Brunei Darussalam becomes the 52nd country to join the Commonwealth.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3676" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1985"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1985</div> <h2> <span>First Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>13 July 1985, Nairobi, Kenya. Ministers considered means to empower national machineries and the bodies responsible for ensuring government policies and programmes addressed the needs of women.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3616" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1985"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/BahamasCHOGM.jpg?VersionId=xV4_C68ahwy_ulkz_3hRqNWZfqh9YgSi&itok=J56Icq00" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1985</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Nassau, Bahamas</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>16-22 October 1985</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3570" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1986"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/nelson%20mandela.jpg?VersionId=d5aw9ZSA5Ob_BTpkRmUBhB2ptezJYSs8&itok=HJuoMWWs" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1986</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group visits Nelson Mandela</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group visits Nelson Mandela in prison and sets out negotiating concept to end apartheid in South Africa peacefully.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3721" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1986"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/1986.jpg?VersionId=vyxInyDq6aY0hzG7QUQatFDINwaaxZ5Z&itok=4b0QosKp" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1986</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Mini Summit, London</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>3-5 August, 1986 The leaders of seven Commonwealth member countries gathered to consider the report of the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group, Mission to South Africa. They concluded that there had not been adequate progress and agreed a programme of economic sanctions against apartheid-era South Africa.   </p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3617" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1987"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/CanadaCHOGM2.jpg?VersionId=qrCE0gbARv276taVlgB6qfVHco6zZ2Lw&itok=rem-ZJ3R" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1987</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Vancouver, Canada</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>13-17 October 1987</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3571" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1987"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Fiji.png?VersionId=5W8qixeD9tAMwaUnnMUE2shK_EhZ4wYS&itok=kCvcRTW6" width="612" height="432" alt="Fiji" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1987</div> <h2> <span>Fiji's membership of The Commonwealth lapses</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Fiji's membership of the Commonwealth lapses after it declares itself a republic following a military coup.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3572" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1988"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/commonwealth%20of%20learning.jpg?VersionId=s8VaNrD8vSA1RQVyx4et4bNbJ975SFyZ&itok=YqR71I96" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1988</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth of Learning established</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">Commonwealth governments sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of The Commonwealth of Learning on 1 September 1988. Set up in Canada, its purpose is to encourage the development and sharing of open learning/distance education knowledge, resources and technologies.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3573" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1989"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Pakistan.png?VersionId=YqQBg9BwTlqNoVtEWF47jkmC1W5HC5N3&itok=trGRGvf7" width="612" height="432" alt="Pakistan" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1989</div> <h2> <span>Pakistan rejoins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Pakistan rejoins the Commonwealth after an absence of 17 years.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3618" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1989"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/KLCHOGM.jpg?VersionId=4iPZM2XhlW79GG.OSmriCKJQYSJQIn0k&itok=SAQCg2rq" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1989</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>18-24 October 1989</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3574" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1990"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/emeka-anyaoku1.jpg?VersionId=l.u09cPGO37GCe56CONZBv76txNrnkXO&itok=lozwz44N" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1990</div> <h2> <span>Emeka Anyaoku becomes the third Commonwealth Secretary-General</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">Emeka Anyaoku of Nigeria served as Commonwealth Secretary-General from 1990 to 2000.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3649" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1990"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/namibia.jpg?VersionId=F09HqMlQyxcTm0VqyZSn9ZbTcR7QcJpK&itok=_5vghVwv" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1990</div> <h2> <span>Namibia joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>21 March 1990</p> <p>Namibia becomes the 52nd country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3619" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1991"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/HarareCHOGM.jpg?VersionId=Oe.DLACvdrJDT9zNMsogS0xlqmDNPgCA&itok=yQgdERyE" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1991</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Harare, Zimbabwe</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>16 - 21 October 1991</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3575" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1991"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/hararechogm2.jpg?VersionId=rrNXf.Xj_S95ZgLhrJ972Uli15B8YYF4&itok=MpEOHy19" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1991</div> <h2> <span>Harare Commonwealth Declaration</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">The Harare Commonwealth Declaration sets the association's priorities for the 1990's and beyond. Strengthened emphasis on Commonwealth contribution to democracy, human rights and equality.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3665" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1992"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1992</div> <h2> <span>Regular meeting of Commonwealth Youth Ministers begin</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Male, Maldives, 10 -12 May 1992. The discussions explored ways in which Ministries of Youth could be strengthened and the effectiveness of youth literacy and community service schemes improved.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3677" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1993"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1993</div> <h2> <span>First Commonwealth Consultative Group of the Environment meeting</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>New York, Unites States of America, 22 June 1993. The Secretary-General convened the meeting of Environmental officials at Ministerial level to strengthen Commonwealth dialogue and cooperation on sustainable development.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3620" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1993"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/cyprusCHOGM.jpg?VersionId=Vby8bjdIoSwzvRcgAxFfP_a.wHKeNWAn&itok=HX5JZX6G" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1993</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Limassol, Cyprus</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>21-25 October 1993</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3602" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1994"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/00008973_0.jpg?VersionId=58J_0j2G.pRT32wZhbVR9.u3iGKxQWH9&itok=D0qVGnhJ" width="612" height="432" alt="Victoria Falls" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1994</div> <h2> <span>The Victoria Falls Declaration</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Victoria Falls Declaration of Principles for the Promotion of the Human Rights of Women.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3576" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1994"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/mandela%201994.jpg?VersionId=.tdgZDrf.1M.pss52gOsRjddgGmZGRsd&itok=kUaZStqV" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1994</div> <h2> <span>South Africa rejoins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>South Africa rejoins The Commonwealth following the end of apartheid.  “The Commonwealth was proud to have been so closely associated with the cause of ending apartheid, for which Nelson Mandela sacrificed so many years of his life in prison," - Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma in a speech that marked the 20 year anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release from incarceration.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3650" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1995"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Cameroon620.jpg?VersionId=UKvwT4yplpQb8rdb.49j64RZlh7PACGW&itok=8YDqRiAv" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1995</div> <h2> <span>Cameroon joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>1 November 1995. Cameroon becomes the 53rd country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3709" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1995"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/CHOGM%201995.jpg?VersionId=bknExzUn5.V0nZxslcL0UMj9UmqGNoO2&itok=O4lQoLVF" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1995</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Auckland, New Zealand</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>10-13 November 1995</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3578" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1995"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/nigeria_0.jpg?VersionId=m1eoPVTMo9OUTQ3U_6bkFWaL4xQCn5mL&itok=6LRjY7JT" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1995</div> <h2> <span>Nigeria suspended from the Commonwealth </span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">Military ruled Nigeria suspended from the Commonwealth after a 'serious violation of the principles set out in the Harare Declaration', including the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and ten others.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3605" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1995"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/milbrook.jpg?VersionId=u1Uzb70_Y4nBovDe4LYz_kBDKTpVr.sM&itok=gevWPUmT" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1995</div> <h2> <span>Millbrook Commonwealth Action Plan on the Harare Declaration</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>12 November 1995. Heads of Government issued the Millbrook Commonwealth Action Plan on the Harare Declaration in New Zealand.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3577" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1995"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/nwealth_Ministerial_Action_Group_CMAG_Meeting_.jpg?VersionId=6qdX5ibX7ecl9JGmQtdmax9xfpO5XY3D&itok=ovOYg3Py" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1995</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) established</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) set up by Commonwealth Heads of Government in New Zealand to "deal with persistent and serious violators of the Commonwealth's shared principles".</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3691" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1995"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Mozambique.png?VersionId=uQGtACWXgrr4TYcxwtlfEo62Rvyj_xyf&itok=s2pgGOZn" width="612" height="432" alt="Mozambique " typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1995</div> <h2> <span>Mozambique joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>13 November 1995. Mozambique becomes the 54th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3579" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1997"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Fiji.png?VersionId=5W8qixeD9tAMwaUnnMUE2shK_EhZ4wYS&itok=kCvcRTW6" width="612" height="432" alt="Fiji" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1997</div> <h2> <span>Fiji rejoins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>"The Commonwealth responded warmly to the wish of the people of Fiji that their country resume its membership of the Commonwealth now that a new constitution has been approved which enjoys national consensus and which conforms with the Commonwealth's Harare principles." - Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3621" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1997"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/EdinburghCHOGM.jpg?VersionId=EZMm0g7bs1A0SS6uWNFiaZ9n.T4DEFao&itok=38LbG64n" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1997</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Edinburgh, UK</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>24-27 October, 1997</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3596" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1997"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1997</div> <h2> <span>New criteria for Commonwealth membership</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>At their Edinburgh meeting Heads of Government received and endorsed a report from the Intergovernmental Group on Criteria for Commonwealth Membership.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3600" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1999"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1999</div> <h2> <span>Chair-in-Office position created</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Created at the 1999 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in South Africa, the Chairperson-in-Office plays a representational role in intergovernmental organisations, during periods between Heads of Government meetings. In 2002, the role was extended to include Good Offices of the Secretary-General.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3580" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1999"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1999</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth celebrates 50 years</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>26 April 1999 marked the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of London where leaders agreed that Commonwealth members are “free and equal members of the Commonwealth of Nations, freely co-operating in the pursuit of peace, liberty and progress”.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3581" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1999"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/nigeria_1.jpg?VersionId=qqgyWrCGDqHkKKh77FVWe1mX57q6BQfx&itok=QGpaxHre" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1999</div> <h2> <span>Nigeria's suspension from the Commonwealth lifted</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>"The Commonwealth rejoices with the Nigerian people as they enter this new era. This fresh start is a victory for democracy, a victory for Nigeria - and a victory for a fundamental principle of the Commonwealth." - Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3583" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1999"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Pakistan.png?VersionId=YqQBg9BwTlqNoVtEWF47jkmC1W5HC5N3&itok=trGRGvf7" width="612" height="432" alt="Pakistan" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1999</div> <h2> <span>Pakistan suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>CMAG unanimously condemn the unconstitutional overthrow of the democratically elected Government of Pakistan as a serious violation of the Commonwealth's fundamental political principles.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3622" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="1999"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/DurbanCHOGM.jpg?VersionId=bowIqZysJvfCiUyIkz2LZsuY7Ym0gy4X&itok=xxRYnWYT" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">1999</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Durban, South Africa</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>11-20 November, 1999. Theme: Globalisation & People-Centred Development</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3584" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2000"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Don-McKinnon620.jpg?VersionId=tpoZdlmnwlUiau9APlZtW2atywiLaetU&itok=Yv3czgIQ" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2000</div> <h2> <span>Don McKinnon becomes fourth Commonwealth Secretary-General</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Sir Don McKinnon of New Zealand served as Commonwealth Secretary-General from 2000 to 2008.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3585" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2000"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/fiji_3.jpg?VersionId=3KD4tbcLUk9557oG0zMppzT5pf67190y&itok=mnnY5KXL" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2000</div> <h2> <span>Fiji suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Following the overthrow of the elected government, Fiji Islands suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth pending the restoration of democracy and the rule of law.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3586" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2001"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Fiji.png?VersionId=5W8qixeD9tAMwaUnnMUE2shK_EhZ4wYS&itok=kCvcRTW6" width="612" height="432" alt="Fiji" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2001</div> <h2> <span>Fiji suspension lifted</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon warmly welcomed the completion of the parliamentary elections held in Fiji Islands from 25 August to 5 September 2001.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3654" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2002"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Zimbabwe.png?VersionId=7myzS1qFLvpDaphGQpBIokG7xRcQ3M15&itok=yTKCuD0I" width="612" height="432" alt="Zimbabwe" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2002</div> <h2> <span>Zimbabwe suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Zimbabwe is suspended from Commonwealth councils following the presidential election, which was marred by a high level of politically motivated violence and during which the conditions did not adequately allow for a free expression of will by the electors.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3587" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2002"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2002</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Chairpersons' Committee on Zimbabwe set up</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Commonwealth Chairpersons' Committee on Zimbabwe set up by CHOGM "to determine appropriate Commonwealth action on Zimbabwe" after a highly adverse report on the Presidential elections by Commonwealth observers.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3679" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2002"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2002</div> <h2> <span>First Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>24 July 2002, Manchester, United Kingdom. Government ministers responsible for sport in the Commonwealth met on 24 July 2002 in Manchester on the eve of the XVIIth Commonwealth Games. Participants affirmed their commitment to the development of sport and sporting co-operation in three key areas: Anti-doping, social cohesion and women in sport.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3678" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2002"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2002</div> <h2> <span>First Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting </span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>14 September 2002, New York, United States of America. Secretary-General Don McKinnon stated that "with more than half of the Commonwealth's membership made up of small states, there was concern among foreign ministers about the increasing vulnerabilities of these countries and their ability to compete in the globalised world."</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3623" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2002"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/ausCHOGM2.jpg?VersionId=hzo016ZMcHkVViBx2pesuHXUJJIPEq7d&itok=ViyKzl1b" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2002</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Coolum, Australia</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>6-9 October, 2002. Theme: The Commonwealth in the 21st Century: Continuity & Renewal</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3655" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2003"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Zimbabwe.png?VersionId=7myzS1qFLvpDaphGQpBIokG7xRcQ3M15&itok=yTKCuD0I" width="612" height="432" alt="Zimbabwe" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2003</div> <h2> <span>Zimbabwe withdraws from the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Following the CHOGM Statement on Zimbabwe, the Government of Zimbabwe withdrew from the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3663" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2003"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/CHOGM%20leader%202003.jpg?VersionId=raGhdrNeqkDmt4mymX52xMpKPmd8y.7I&itok=xktlMYtj" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2003</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Abuja, Nigeria</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>5-8 December, 2003. Theme: Development & Democracy: Partnership for Peace & Prosperity</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3603" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2004"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/latimer.jpg?VersionId=inOE2F5tJGTJV0wjE1RHS84Bvk7WFcxp&itok=k350_XpJ" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2004</div> <h2> <span>Latimer House Principles </span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Commonwealth (Latimer House) Principles govern issues such as the harmonious balancing of power and the interaction between parliament, the executive and the judiciary in democratic societies. They set out in detail the consensus arrived at by representatives of the three branches of government in the Commonwealth on how each of their national institutions should interrelate in the exercise of their institutional responsibility.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3653" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2004"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Pakistan.png?VersionId=YqQBg9BwTlqNoVtEWF47jkmC1W5HC5N3&itok=trGRGvf7" width="612" height="432" alt="Pakistan" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2004</div> <h2> <span>Pakistan suspension lifted</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Pakistan's suspension from the councils of the Commonwealth in 1999 is lifted.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3604" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2005"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/observers.jpg?VersionId=LthTSqBdnbpEkied7tFmcwueIpYBuUd3&itok=Dd3ypyzj" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2005</div> <h2> <span>Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>"Genuine democratic elections are an expression of sovereignty, which belongs to the people of a country, the free expression of whose will provides the basis for the authority and legitimacy of government."</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3607" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2005"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2005</div> <h2> <span>Declaration on International Humanitarian Law</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>21 July 2005. Declaration of the Nairobi Meeting of Commonwealth National Committees on International Humanitarian Law.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3729" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2005"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2005</div> <h2> <span>Revised Agreed Memorandum</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Revised Agreed Memorandum on the establishment and functions of the Commonwealth Secretariat was first published at the conclusion of the 1965 meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers in London. Later amended by member governments following the 2002 meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government in Australia, it was most recently revised following the enactment of the International Organisations Bill in the United Kingdom.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3662" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2005"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Untitled%20design%20%283%29.png?VersionId=59Co39B4eDOzWDjETbx9i1qLfFtFIltm&itok=_0D0bgdP" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Valletta, Malta" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2005</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Valletta, Malta</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>25-27 November, 2005. Theme: Networking the Commonwealth for Development</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3680" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2006"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2006</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Ministers' Forum on Public Sector Development</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>26 - 27 October 2006, Sydney, Australia. The aim of the Forum was to advance public sector development in the Commonwealth, modernise governance for integrated service delivery, renew human resources for leadership development and bridge the digital divide for networked government.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3597" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2007"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/MicrosoftTeams-image.png?VersionId=QvGiS8MykMmib3RA5IPzxNy1vSaujq3j&itok=WzMNH886" width="612" height="432" alt="The Commonwealth" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2007</div> <h2> <span>'Civil Paths to Peace' launched</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>‘Civil Paths to Peace’ is the result of a mandate from Commonwealth leaders to look into the causes of conflict, violence and extremism in Commonwealth countries.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3582" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2007"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Pakistan.png?VersionId=YqQBg9BwTlqNoVtEWF47jkmC1W5HC5N3&itok=trGRGvf7" width="612" height="432" alt="Pakistan" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2007</div> <h2> <span>Pakistan suspended from the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Pakistan was suspended from the Commonwealth, following a decision of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), 22 November 2007 in Kampala, Uganda. The decision follows CMAG’s statement of 12 November to suspend Pakistan if it failed to fulfil its obligations in accordance with Commonwealth principles.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3661" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2007"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Uganda2007.jpg?VersionId=9S4rrd1zDYrmEfuFScpGsjwxlNXmTe.w&itok=G4W9cc-u" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2007</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Kampala, Uganda</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>23-25 November 2007. Theme:  Transforming Societies to Achieve Political, Economic and Human Development</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3598" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2007"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2007</div> <h2> <span>Criteria for Commonwealth membership revised</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Heads of Government reviewed the recommendations of the Committee on Commonwealth Membership from 1997 and agreed on core criteria for Membership.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3723" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2008"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CW_STACKED_BLUE__HI_9_1.jpeg?VersionId=aUDJyJqBfPYe3lPIj7W5sHg4KIteRLvC&itok=VjMfmDnN" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2008</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Day - Our Environment, Our Future.</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>10 March 2008. Secretary-General Don McKinnon said that "A far-reaching Commonwealth report in the 1980s led to the 1989 Langkawi Declaration on the environment, in which our Heads of Government said that ‘any delay in taking action to halt this progressive deterioration will result in permanent and irreversible damage’.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3589" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2008"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/sharma.jpg?VersionId=iq2piQsfVyBfi7lfLKKjgDve7tU54fGq&itok=5ox5LutU" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2008</div> <h2> <span>Kamalesh Sharma becomes fifth Commonwealth Secretary-General</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>1 April 2008. Kamalesh Sharma of India becomes the fifth Commonwealth Secretary-General.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3590" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2008"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Pakistan.png?VersionId=YqQBg9BwTlqNoVtEWF47jkmC1W5HC5N3&itok=trGRGvf7" width="612" height="432" alt="Pakistan" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2008</div> <h2> <span>Pakistan's suspension from councils of the Commonwealth lifted</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), which addresses serious or persistent violations of the Commonwealth’s values and principles, said on 12 May 2008 that it had lifted Pakistan’s suspension from the councils of the Commonwealth with immediate effect.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3722" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2008"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/2008%20Group.jpg?VersionId=pMTlOa8cBm4_Fpfn_R8Vv0Dhqce7VjC4&itok=69LcXhVA" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2008</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Mini Summit</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Heads met in London from 9-10 June 2008, and then again In New York on 24 September 2008. They aimed to "identify underlying principles and the actions that should be taken, as a global priority, to achieve reform of international institutions and lead to new institutions where necessary."</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3599" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2009"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/CHOGM%202009%20official%20photo_4138633127_l.jpg?VersionId=HIMh86IhLNjfveqj2VpFBAvg5tguJkDm&itok=guNSKVAY" width="612" height="432" alt="Chogm 2009" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2009</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government establish the Eminent Persons Group</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Eminent Persons Group was established by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their summit in November 2009. The group’s goals are to sharpen the impact, strengthen the networks, and raise the profile of the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3717" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2009"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/2009CWDay.jpg?VersionId=7UDhjXhVcAxyEHSnDc4tVheKLEw5OrhH&itok=rXVbB3jX" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2009</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Day - Commonwealth at 60</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>9 March 2009. Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said that "the essence of a team is that – like the Commonwealth – its members know the advantage of working together and the strength of mutual support. The essence of a team also is that it has shared aspirations and a sense of common purpose, and relies on the range of contributions and different strengths of each of its members."</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3591" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2009"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/celebrating_the_Commowealth_60_3479577129_l.jpg?VersionId=HQMY4o0h_TVzP.DYLvInmMslEddijXXr&itok=LuR6QREH" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2009</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth celebrates 60th anniversary</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">Commonwealth celebrates 60th anniversary since the London Declaration was signed and the modern Commonwealth was born.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3669" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2009"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Fiji.png?VersionId=5W8qixeD9tAMwaUnnMUE2shK_EhZ4wYS&itok=kCvcRTW6" width="612" height="432" alt="Fiji" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2009</div> <h2> <span>Fiji suspended from the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>  </p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3660" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2009"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=O0EaPWdMSCq8FcBzvGM34RsLgs_5r7SF&itok=JGjeLopO" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2009</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>27 - 29 November 2009. Theme:  Partnering for a more Equitable and Sustainable Future</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3592" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2009"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Rwanda.png?VersionId=7rX.VP1f3UcjJ6haJzQYTvqD_q.ykIG_&itok=76Lr09oN" width="612" height="432" alt="Rwanda" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2009</div> <h2> <span>Rwanda joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>29 November 2009. Rwanda becomes the 55th country to join the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3716" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2010"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/2010%20sci%20and%20tech%20620.jpg?VersionId=mGhs5iYK2mQjDE_L1BgodMv7bxXZk3PR&itok=CB4SHnif" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2010</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Day - Science, Technology and Society</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>8 March 2010. Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said that "In the Commonwealth, we place great emphasis on ensuring that progress embraces all. It is well recognised that science and technology are integral to our future as a global community, and that future possibilities are beyond our present imagining."</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3715" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2011"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/2011%20Women%20as%20Agents%20of%20Change%20620.jpg?VersionId=LdagQSbA6mhzqray4ODcIWNYUFzY8gO2&itok=k4uzXRDo" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2011</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Day - Women as Agents of Change</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>14 March 2011. Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said that "Women are the barometers of society: they are an indication of its internal pressure levels, and their fortunes can be the clearest forecasts of good or bad things to come. Where women prosper, societies prosper; and where women suffer, so too do the societies in which they live."</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3652" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2011"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/DSC_3166.JPG?VersionId=ZHdg8YCzfdtV2gXdRF6NbFlLPBpoj_ej&itok=oeaP20HO" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2011</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth sets up a 'Small States Office' in Geneva</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item">The Commonwealth Small States Office provides subsidised office space for diplomatic missions of Commonwealth small states, as well as a business centre for tenants and visiting small states delegations attending multilateral meetings in Geneva.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3708" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2011"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/CHOGM2011.jpg?VersionId=U3vI.AuDtirXKDqLFqn0hSNASFk6TtDV&itok=_Y8GEXu-" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2011</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Perth, Australia</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>28 - 30 October 2011. Theme:  Building National Resilience, Building Global Resilience</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3714" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2012"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/2012%20CConnecting-Cultures620.jpg?VersionId=FlKg.PMd7rfa30RsTDR7cHnOvkP9QRIX&itok=KMb0bbQj" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2012</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Day - Connecting Cultures</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>12 March 2012. Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said that "'Connecting Cultures’ is about appreciating and celebrating these ways in which others live their lives and express themselves. It is about exploring how we can bring cultures together, how we can connect them in order to learn, to deepen the appreciation we have of one another."</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3601" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2013"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/_II_Head_of_the_Commonwealth_signs_the_charter.jpg?VersionId=bV.g.XUrp_1oMu6MKVkb0O7SIuqJOsAy&itok=r3qeiqIM" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2013</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Charter, signed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Charter expresses the commitment of member states to the development of free and democratic societies and the promotion of peace and prosperity to improve the lives of all peoples of the Commonwealth. The Charter also acknowledges the role of civil society in supporting the goals and values of the Commonwealth.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3713" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2013"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/CW%20Day%202013.jpg?VersionId=IRnSFUDLVrR2qUWS3IY.wBOwOeXJAMeD&itok=9cMJT9Ey" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2013</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Day - Opportunity Through Enterprise</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>11 March 2013. Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said that "The Commonwealth is a unique enterprise. We work together to open up new prospects for individuals and communities, and through national, regional, and international endeavour."</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3656" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2013"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/The_Gambia_0.jpg?VersionId=gdrmJAE2vgqYkBjdzR9UuP777uy8Q9Er&itok=ekqXvxWG" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2013</div> <h2> <span>The Gambia withdraws from the Commonwealth</span> </h2> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3659" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2013"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Untitled%20design_4.png?VersionId=t3n_6PXjmyz1Z4FGToIWwnsr4Zv5_l9O&itok=LzuADFqk" width="612" height="432" alt="Sri Lanka" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2013</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Colombo, Sri Lanka</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>15 - 17 November 2013. Theme:  Growth with Equity; Inclusive Development</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3712" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2014"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_2.png?VersionId=myw6P0LrBRWD_cnf06AuYW9t6LFXHmg0&itok=XYO2qu-y" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth Day - Team Commonwealth" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2014</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Day - Team Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>10 March 2014. Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said that "the essence of a team is that – like the Commonwealth – its members know the advantage of working together and the strength of mutual support. The essence of a successful team – such as the Commonwealth – is that together it achieves more than the sum of its parts."</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3664" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2014"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Fiji.png?VersionId=5W8qixeD9tAMwaUnnMUE2shK_EhZ4wYS&itok=kCvcRTW6" width="612" height="432" alt="Fiji" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2014</div> <h2> <span>Fiji's suspension from membership of the Commonwealth lifted</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Fiji was reinstated as a full member of the Commonwealth following a decision by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) at their 44th meeting in New York.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3711" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2015"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Commonwealth_Day_2015_poster.jpg?VersionId=MUFkCwaedlzMK1l8tyJJT21H7HgwTzhP&itok=PEfRuqwZ" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2015</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Day - A Young Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>9 March 2015. Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma stated, "Youth and progress through innovation are at the heart of the Commonwealth. New approaches and fresh thinking help us to realise our potential, and continually to replenish the collective wisdom that is our shared Commonwealth inheritance, and a rich resource adding global value."</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3658" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2015"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_1.png?VersionId=SllJHvGPy1JWcJY8R3idyBGod.093hCS&itok=NBVmm6Jn" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Malta" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2015</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Malta</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>27-29 November 2015. Theme:  Adding Global Value</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3720" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2016"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Untitled%20design_3.png?VersionId=ZuJnRLgi5qANSZHb3We8tbBv2dSaiK9X&itok=-pkgaM-F" width="612" height="432" alt="Office of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform established" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2016</div> <h2> <span>Office of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform established</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Commonwealth Office of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform (OCCJR) supports Commonwealth countries in delivering access to justice and sustainable development through the creation of fair and effective national laws.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3683" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2016"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/theme2016.jpg?VersionId=S3a0_UtkgeWVsZzvuG4AHoh6YsnG.X75&itok=rfwlAeae" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2016</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Day - An Inclusive Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>14 March 2016. In his Commonwealth Day message Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said that "taking strength from its diversity, the Commonwealth succeeds in creating common ground on which to stand together in answering the challenges of our times."</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3684" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2016"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/SGMilestone.jpg?VersionId=f1aPEGxX61pJsvb0QfNt.s0UYUZ0bWls&itok=5RhwdpWw" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2016</div> <h2> <span>Patricia Scotland becomes sixth Commonwealth Secretary-General</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>In a breakthrough for gender equality in the Commonwealth, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC of Dominica was selected new Secretary-General - the first woman to hold the post.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3718" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2016"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-01/9M8A4350.jpg?VersionId=c.GbW1C8gkudm5ufNTGcC0l.3MSYCMRy&itok=2fh8GOM0" width="612" height="432" alt="Hub" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2016</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Hub launched</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Launched by Her Majesty The Queen the Commonwealth Hub brings Commonwealth organisations together in the same location to create a collaborative, dynamic and innovative way of working.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3668" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2016"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Maldives_0.jpg?VersionId=FBpNo2X0pW7Ty2y5QhJFMoecPN9VZGY9&itok=ZU8f2W5U" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2016</div> <h2> <span>Maldives withdraws from the Commonwealth</span> </h2> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3719" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2017"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/CVE%20Timeline%202.jpg?VersionId=hxfTxLRzEolH0VMS6Hwo7qAWkvtfUEyq&itok=jU8yOOJF" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2017</div> <h2> <span>Countering violent extremism unit established</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>In line with the mandate given by leaders at their Malta summit, a dedicated unit was established within the Commonwealth Secretariat in 2017 to support national strategies to counter violent extremism (CVE).</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3682" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2017"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/Theme2017_620_0.jpg?VersionId=0647u3He9qM4Ysq96MloXWLaVQT3ElH2&itok=7XCguiSm" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2017</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Day - A Peace-building Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>13 March 2017. "Deep-rooted and resilient, Commonwealth solidarity bears us up individually and collectively. It helps us in troubled and troubling times to make the world a safer place." - Secretary-General Patricia Scotland.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3724" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2018"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_3.png?VersionId=tPQe1_TqppFHp1VdclUH6grkrH1Kcuih&itok=UYrg1TRv" width="612" height="432" alt="Gambia" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2018</div> <h2> <span>The Gambia rejoins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>8 February 2018. The Gambia today rejoined the Commonwealth, almost five years after leaving the organisation. The West Africa nation’s return was marked by a flag-raising ceremony at Marlborough House, the London headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3710" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2018"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Untitled%20design_2.png?VersionId=rnVAwXAW7YZ1_EK9dLdmXbN0YU7JaB8z&itok=CCTes1Qq" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth Day - Towards a Common Future" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2018</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Day - Towards a Common Future</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>12 March 2018. Secretary-General Patricia Scotland stated, “By agreeing to protect the health of oceans and marine life, and to use the precious resources they yield in responsible and sustainable ways, we will be sharing more fairly the benefits they bestow, and preserving these for future generations.”</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3726" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2018"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_0.png?VersionId=h6bEMSwrojWt0b8WaSQSD3c.zGqpBBSl&itok=XDJE4Cdq" width="612" height="432" alt="CHOGM London 2018" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2018</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, London</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>16-20 April 2018. Theme: Towards a Common Future</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3727" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2019"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Untitled%20design_1.png?VersionId=n6ryXKW9bPehKxzf70LyJO7mAauIxiPL&itok=Yk-T0Znr" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth Day - A Connected Commonwealth" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2019</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Day - A Connected Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>11 March 2019. The Secretary-General Patricia Scotland recalled how “From its earliest beginnings, and through successive stages of expansion and development, the Commonwealth has been a pioneer of invention and innovation, with diversity and inclusiveness as watchwords.”</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3728" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2019"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Untitled%20design_0.png?VersionId=cvyljbp4tyAnvP2E_L2TOU84I2rwQmGn&itok=6wNZ1pJs" width="612" height="432" alt="70 Years" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2019</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth at 70</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The modern Commonwealth came into being 70 years ago with the London Declaration, signed on 26 April, 1949. Across the Commonwealth, organisations are celebrating the 70th Anniversary with a series of events, conferences, competitions and workshops throughout the next year.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3732" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2020"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/images/maldives_0_0.jpg?VersionId=NNSU2AzCjdy8LSWD9fkkoMNefMMxJxg2&itok=RfVLDa-w" width="612" height="432" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2020</div> <h2> <span>Maldives re-joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said: “We are delighted to welcome the country and its people back to the Commonwealth. The reform process underway in Maldives aligns with the values and principles of the Commonwealth and we encourage the nation to continue on this path.”</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3730" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2020"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=HVCjwhxktsIO5V.1GerMRMqNrO6SXTNj&itok=4IjapcAg" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth Day - Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2020</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Day - Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The theme for the 2020 Commonwealth Day, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), and for the work of the Commonwealth more generally is 'Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming'.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/3731" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2022"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-02/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=6JXjmstOJj7X91VIB.IhWdcudp2DTXua&itok=vzHerLwx" width="612" height="432" alt="Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Kigali, Rwanda" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2022</div> <h2> <span>Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Kigali, Rwanda</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2022 took place during the week of 20 June 2022, in Kigali, Rwanda. </p> <p>CHOGM was due to take place in June 2020 but was postponed twice due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more: TheCommonwealth.org/CHOGM</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/4680" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2022"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-08/Gabon%20flag.png?VersionId=7rRyfBO7sm_xbKU3roAwLqmSDOWmNb7h&itok=jKJ4HAFb" width="612" height="432" alt="Gabon flag" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2022</div> <h2> <span>Gabon joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Gabon becomes the 55th country to join the Commonwealth in June 2022 after the country's application was approved by Heads of Government at the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Kigali, Rwanda.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div about="/node/4681" class="node node--type-milestone node--view-mode-milestone swiper-slide" data-year="2022"> <div class="m-content"> <div class="m-content-img"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/milestone/public/2022-08/Togo%20flag.png?VersionId=y15F6hDShnF8.I7C21IrNphu9sca.fvg&itok=qYYs-QJW" width="612" height="432" alt="Togo flag" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> <div class="m-content-txt"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">2022</div> <h2> <span>Togo joins the Commonwealth</span> </h2> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Togo becomes the 56th country to join the Commonwealth in June 2022 after the country's application was approved by Heads of Government at the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Kigali, Rwanda.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="swiper-pagination"></div> <div class="swiper-button-prev"></div> <div class="swiper-button-next"></div> <div class="swiper-scrollbar"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--threecol-section layout--threecol-section--33-34-33 grid lg-3 md-3 sm-1"> <div class="grid-col-first"> <div class="content-block--linked-block block block-layout-builder custom-content-block without-image"> <a title="/about" class="content-block--linked-block--wrapper pink" target="_self" href="/about"> <h3>Learn more about the Commonwealth</h3> </a> </div> </div> <div class="grid-col-second"> <div 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