royal commonwealth society essay

Royal Commonwealth Society  -  Ottawa

"Strengthening Communities"

The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition

An opportunity for young Commonwealth citizens to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences on key global issues and have their hard work and achievement celebrated internationally.

The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world's oldest international writing competition for schools, established in 1883.

Each year, youth under the age of 18  are asked to write on a theme that explores the Commonwealth’s values and principles, fostering an empathetic and open-minded worldview in the next generation of Commonwealth leaders. 

Recent themes have focused on the environment, inclusion, the role of youth leadership, and gender equality.  

All entrants and all participating schools receive a Certificate of Participation and one Winner and Runner-up from the Senior (aged 14-18)  and Junior (under 14) categories will travel to the United Kingdom for a week of educational and cultural activities, which culminates in a special Awards Ceremony, usually held at Buckingham Palace, that is hosted by the Society’s Patron, Her Majesty, The Queen Consort. 

Past winners have gone on to become prominent leaders, including the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Mei Fong, and the renowned author, Elspeth Huxley. 

The competition will launch during Commonwealth Week the second week in March and close in June. 

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN HOSTS A RECEPTION FOR THE WINNERS OF THE QUEEN'S COMMONWEALTH ESSAY COMPETITION 2024

On 21 November, Her Majesty The Queen, Vice-Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace for the winners and runners-up of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024. Find out more about them and read their winning pieces!

The  Royal Commonwealth Society is a network of individuals and organisations committed to improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens across the world. Find out more about our vision and how we aim to achieve this. 

OUR VISION AND MISSION

OUR HISTORY 

Founded on 26 June 1868 as a ‘literary and scientific body’ the Society was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Victoria a year later. Since our establishment the Society has welcomed speakers including Nelson Mandela and evolved to meet the changing nature of the Commonwealth. 

COMMONWEALTH VOICES

'Commonwealth Voices' is the Society's magazine containing observations on Commonwealth-wide news, developments and concerns, and includes high-profile guest contributions, research pieces and contemporary news. Read the latest edition.

Our Year in Review

A toolkit for YOUR sexual and gender-based violence advocacy by Valerie Loloju (She/Her) - Kenya – Campaign Lead

The Royal Commonwealth Society is proud to be a part of St Mary’s University’s inaugural ‘International Relations and the Commonwealth of Nations Conference’ today!

NEWS AND BLOGS

EVENTS AND CAMPAIGNS

HIGH COMMISSIONERS' BANQUET

27 NOVEMBER 2024

The Society has been the custodian of this annual event, a highlight in the Commonwealth calendar, since it held its first ‘conversazione’ in 1874. The High Commissioners' Banquet provides an opportunity to bring together the Commonwealth’s London-based diplomatic representatives and UK and Commonwealth business and community leaders.

COMMONWEALTH DAY SERVICE OF CELEBRATION

10 MARCH 2025 

​This annual event, held at Westminster Abbey, celebrates the unity, diversity, and linkages of the modern Commonwealth and seeks to foster greater understanding of the Commonwealth’s achievements and role, particularly amongst its young people.   ​ ​

THE QUEEN'S COMMONWEALTH ESSAY COMPETITION LAUNCH

14 MARCH 2025 

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools, which has been proudly delivered by the Royal Commonwealth Society since 1883. ​ ​

+1 (603) 932 7897

[email protected].

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

Competition Overview

Junior awards: under 14; senior awards: ages 14-18, may 15, 2024, competition details.

1. Competition Category  The competition is divided into two categories: the Senior category (ages 14-18) and the Junior category (ages under 14). 

Senior Category: 

• “It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.”– Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. What small steps can you take to help tackle the climate crisis?  
• Write a speech highlighting what you think is the most challenging issue facing the world today, and how Commonwealth values can be used to solve it.
• At the heart of Samoan way of life is ‘aiga’, meaning ‘family’ values including selflessness, hospitality, co-operation, respect and dignity. What core values and ideas from your culture can be used to enhance co-operation and community in the Commonwealth? 
• The Commonwealth’s London Declaration aimed to strive for peace, liberty and progress. Write a letter to your President or Prime Minister about how to achieve those aims. 

Junior Category: 

• What new habit could you adopt to positively contribute towards a greener Commonwealth?  
• Write a dialogue between yourself and a grandparent about resilience and hope. What can you share with the older generation, and what can you learn from them? 
• You are taking part in a beach clean-up and discover that you can speak to sea creatures. What are they saying, and how do you respond?
• You’re on a school exchange in a Commonwealth country different to your own. How do you make friends with people your age? (Consider similarities and differences in culture that may unite you).

2. Theme For 2024, the competition theme is ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth.’  

3. Eligibility The competition is open to students aged 14-18 (Senior Category) and under 14 (Junior Category). The competition is open to nationals or residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories, as well as residents of Hong Kong, Ireland and Zimbabwe. Residents of non-Commonwealth countries with an operating RCS branch or affiliated/partner organization are also eligible to enter; however, entries must be submitted via the local RCS branch or affiliated/partner organization.

4. Scholarships and Prizes All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation. One Winner and Runner-up from the Senior and Junior categories will win a trip to London for a week for events and workshops. Award details are below: 

Junior Awards Categories (Under 14s)

• Junior Winner
• Junior Runner-up
• Gold Awards
• Silver Awards
• Bronze Awards
• Certificate of Participation

Senior Awards Categories (Under 14-18)

• ​Senior Winner
• Senior Runner-up

Submission Details

1. Word Limit Entries must be in English, with a maximum word count of 1,500 words for Senior entries and 750 words for Junior. Only one entry per participant is accepted. 

2. Online and Offline Entries Online entries must be submitted before 23:59 BST on 15 May 2024; any offline entries must arrive at the Royal Commonwealth Society office in London by 15 May 2024. 

• Student Awards

Class Recommendation

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