At launch of Commonwealth Week: Minister Mbayu reaffirms nation’s adherence to Commonwealth core values.

He was speaking during the flag hoisting ceremony, which marked the launch of 2025 Commonwealth Week in Cameroon. The ceremony held at the esplanade of the Ministry of External Relations Monday. 

It was attended by some members of government as well as heads of some diplomatic institutions of Commonwealth Member States accredited to Cameroon.

In his speech during the ceremony, Minister Mbayu thanked the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Paul Biya, for authorising a military contingent to be present at the flag-hoisting ceremony.

He noted that the hoisting of the Commonwealth and Cameroon flags together with those of member States with resident missions in Yaounde, symbolises the truism that diplomacy and defence are two-sides of the same coin. 

“This flag hoisting ceremony is our own way of launching the activities and it is an eloquent demonstration of the profound bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation that the 2.7 billion population of the Commonwealth share,” Minister Mbayu stated. 

Commonwealth Week theme

As Cameroon prepares to join other 55 member States of Commonwealth to celebrate 2025 Commonwealth Day next Monday March 10, yesterday’s ceremony set in motion an array of activities that resonate with this year’s theme: “Together we thrive”. 

According to the minister, this year’s theme conveys the unwavering commitment to the fundamental principles of family, peace, and unity. He said it further underlines the importance of strong and resilient communities that support and empower their members, enabling meaningful progress.

“This year’s theme encapsulates the strength of commonwealth family, a network of nations working together to uplift all citizens and build a future defined by opportunity and resilience,” Mbayu added. 

Three decades of adherence to Commonwealth values

According to Minister Mbayu, this year’s edition offers Cameroon the opportunity to extoll the enduring principle of unity, peace and fraternity and highlights the numerous dividends that Cameroon has remitted since it became a member of the Commonwealth in November 1995.

“It is important for us to continue exhibiting the hallmarks of our three decades membership through a captivating illustration of our engagement with the organisation. It is with this in perspective that this year should offer us a platform for engagement between and amongst stakeholders in demonstration of our unwavering adherence to the Commonwealth virtues,” he stressed. 

In a world that is increasingly becoming besieged by unpredictable and tumultuous events that threaten the very fabric of international cooperation and the international order, Mbayu reiterated that this year’s theme assumes even great significance as it reminds of the imperative to stand in solidarity while fostering mutual progress amidst contemporary challenges. 

Array of commemorative activities

Commemorative activities of the 2025 Commonwealth Week are said to be planned across the national territory, from Sunday March 2 to Monday March 10.

The activities are said to focus on Commonwealth opportunities, support and actions, as stepping stones, for national, community, and personal development, and the empowerment of Cameroonians, especially youth, in key sectors of activity.

Activities earmarked include the annual Commonwealth Radio Quiz on Luncheon Date over CRTV from March 3 to 7, the 2025 Commonwealth Day Exhibition Village from March 5 to 6, and the Inclusive Fitness Walk.

During this week, endeavours geared towards consolidating and enhancing cooperation with the diplomatic family of Commonwealth Member States accredited to Cameroon will be on the limelight. 

Activities will involve celebrating excellence, promoting inclusion, and raising awareness on Commonwealth initiatives to encourage the democratisation and integration of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, across key sectors of activity.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3382 of Tuesday March 04, 2025