Citizens of Commonwealth countries gathered to commemorate the 76th anniversary of Commonwealth Day in Windhoek.
The Commonwealth consists of most of the former colonies of the British Empire.
The 10th of March marks the annual commemoration of Commonwealth Day, a day observed by 2.5 billion people across the world from 56 countries that are referred to as Commonwealth nations.
The day celebrates the milestones Commonwealth nations have reached over the years.
It also highlights the importance of building strong communities that support Commonwealth nations to work together to achieve common goals of unity, peace, democracy, and prosperity.
"This is also significant for Namibia in the Commonwealth with next week's inauguration of elected President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who will become the fourth serving female in the Commonwealth, and clearly, Namibia can teach the Commonwealth a thing or two about leadership and gender equality. So a new chapter begins in the Commonwealth and in Namibia; together we strive," said Dean of the Commonwealth Missions in Namibia, Charles Moore.
The day also highlighted the importance of building strong communities that support Commonwealth nations as they work together to achieve common goals that will benefit Commonwealth citizens.
"We also acknowledge the contribution of and thank the Commonwealth for its support towards the strengthening of Namibia's democratic processes and institutions over the years. As I conclude, allow me to take this opportunity to inform you that Namibia will be pleased to host the Commonwealth Trade Ministers' meeting in Windhoek this year from the 16th to the 20th of June 2025. Therefore, to the High Commissioners here, we would like to request the trade ministers to participate in person to ensure the success of this meeting," said Avalon Kalomoh, Deputy Director for Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation.
The Head of the Commonwealth, King Charles III, said the Commonwealth brings together people from around the world.
In his speech read by National Assembly Speaker Professor Peter Katjavivi, King Charles said peace and human rights are important, as well as the restoration of the environment on land and sea.
"As we mark this Commonwealth Day together, there is no more important task than to restore the disrupted harmony of our entire planet. For the sake of our younger generations' threatened future, I can only hope that the Commonwealth will continue its vital work to restore that harmony."
King Charles also reflected on the 18th anniversary of the end of World War II, when more than 1.5 million men and women came from across the Commonwealth to support the United Kingdom and its allies.