"Partners in Development - Working together to create a better future for all" is the theme of Commonwealth Day 2003, to be observed on 10 March 2003
The Commonwealth is a family of nations working together and sharing values, skills, experiences and ideas to achieve positive results for today and tomorrow. This year's Commonwealth Day theme reflects one of the Commonwealth's key priorities. Most of the Commonwealth's members are developing nations.
The Commonwealth is home to more than 1.7 billion people in 54 countries [in 2003], rich and poor, large and small, spread across every continent and ocean in the world. The dynamic and vibrant networks of partnerships that exist among its people give the Commonwealth its unique strength in promoting peace, democracy, development and co-operation.
Development is about people, their quality of life and the choices available to them as they strive to reach their full potential. It is about finding new ways to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, education, jobs, healthcare, transport, safe living conditions, good government and a stable economy.
It is only through partnership that these goals can be achieved. Partnerships can be of many different kinds - between people, communities, governments, businesses and civil society organisations. People and organisations working together in partnership produce results - whether it be building a school or an irrigation system, raising awareness of HIV/AIDS, malaria and other health threats, opening new markets for goods and services or providing loans to young men and women to start businesses. .
