PM wants collective effort for summit

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi presided over a prize-giving ceremony on the occasion of Commonwealth Day, handing out prizes to sixth form students who took part in this year's Commonwealth Day Essay Competition.

Dr Gonzi said the modern Commonwealth was born out of the quest for freedom. "Today, more than ever, freedom - in all its forms - is at the core of the Commonwealth project," the Prime Minister said at the ceremony on Monday evening.

This year's Commonwealth Day theme was Education - Creating Opportunity, Realising Potential. "The theme highlights the Commonwealth's commitment to enrich Commonwealth citizens with the correct educational tools and enhance the quality of life within the communities of the Commonwealth," Dr Gonzi said.

The Prime Minister said the single-most important event for Malta this year is the Commonwealth summit to be held here in November.

"At the outset I must emphasise that CHOGM, as it is known in short, will require a collective effort not just by the government but also by a number of other stakeholders including youth and civil societies," he said.

Dr Gonzi said the theme chosen for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is Networking The Commonwealth For Development.

"The theme itself can be interpreted as a continuation of Malta's efforts to promote and enhance knowledge within Commonwealth countries," the Prime Minister said. Dr Gonzi thanked the British and Australian High Commissioners for their help with the Commonwealth Day Essay Competition.