Today across the Commonwealth nations, people observed celebrations in honour of Commonwealth Day. Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration that brings together citizens of its 56 member countries in shared moments of reflection and celebration under the theme “Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth”.
In London, the Honourable Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo, Minister of Finance represented the Prime Minister as Chair in Office at the celebrations held in London for Commonwealth Day.
Flag Raising Ceremony hosted by the Speaker
The Speaker of the United Kingdom House of Commons, Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, hosted a flag raising ceremony of the Commonwealth flag at Portcullis House which the Hon. Minister attended accompanied by Her Excellency, Francella Strickland, Samoa High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. The ceremony was attended by representatives from across the Commonwealth including Parliamentarians and Ministers who attended the Commonwealth Meetings that Samoa chaired.
Commonwealth Day Service
The Honourable Minister joined members of the Royal Family, Prime Minister and members of the Government of the United Kingdom and distinguished guests from around the world at the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey. Minister Mulipola provided reflections from Romans 12: 9 -18 for the service. The event is one of the most significant moments in the Commonwealth calendar. It is a celebration of the shared values, culture and creativity of its member nations.
Professor Selina Tusitala Marsh of Samoan and Tuvaluan descent performed her commissioned poem on ‘How to make a Commonwealth Quilt’.
Mr. Sam Asotasi a rugby player based in Cambridge was Samoa’s flag bearer at this year Service.
Commonwealth Day Reception
As her last engagement for the Commonwealth Day celebrations, the Honourable Minister attended the official reception to celebrate Commonwealth Day which was held at the St. James Palace.
She also met with Minister Chris Elmore MP, UK Minister responsible for the Commonwealth at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, where she acknowledged and thanked the UK for hosting CFAMM and for the support given to Samoa in our journey as Chair in Office. She also highlighted important commonwealth priorities for Samoa as a Pacific Small Island Developing State.
Minister Elmore, in turn acknowledged the work that Samoa has done in the past two years as Chair in Office, and discussed with Minister issues of mutual concern for Samoa and the UK. He also thanked Samoa for the role and work that has been done to support the reform of the Commonwealth. The Samoan government was commended for its commitment and drive to ensure a successful and resilient Commonwealth.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade press release, 9 March 2026.
