Traditionally held one week to Commonwealth Day, the flag hoisting ceremony to mark the official launch of commemorative activities for the observance of the 2023 Commonwealth Day in Cameroon was organized at the Ministry of External Relations today, 6 March 2023. The ceremony was chaired by H.E. Felix Mbayu, Minister Delegate at the Ministry of External Relations in charge of cooperation with the Commonwealth.

“Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future” is the theme of the 2023 Commonwealth Day disclosed by the keynote address presented by H.E. Felix Mbayu, in which he welcomed other representatives of Commonwealth member states accredited to Cameroon such as the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and the two newest additions to the Commonwealth community; Gabon and Togo. He underlined that the event is an opportunity to raise awareness about commonwealth priorities, opportunities and the associated benefits of membership, as well as to promote joint endeavours that facilitate the implementation of various policy mandates.

Moreover, the Commonwealth week has consistently offered a platform for the consolidation of crucial relations of various segments of the population through activities that focus on youths, women and various socio-political, economic and security concerns. The activities earmarked during this week include a workshop on mental health, a roundtable conference on women entrepreneurship, and a special session on business opportunities within the Commonwealth, crowned by a mini trade fair and a sporting session which will culminate to Commonwealth day on Monday, 13 March 2023.

Being a strategic partner and pioneer adherent to the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council – business network of the Commonwealth, the Cameroon National Shippers’ Council (CNSC) was invited and represented at this prestigious gathering by its Sub-Director for Foreign Trade Promotion, Mr. Cham Etienne Bama. Through its mediation, the CNSC has been able to bring other state institutions such as FEICOM, the Port Authority of Kribi and GFAC aboard CWEIC's ship. 

It is noteworthy that Cameroon has been a member of the Commonwealth Organisation since November 1995 and has enjoyed almost three decades of seamless collaboration with other members of this timeless organisation which now has 56 member states.