We are delighted to announce that The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) is now open for submissions. The theme for this year’s competition is Our Commonwealth Journey.
Journeys are a fundamental aspect of our lives, helping us to explore, to learn, and to grow. Throughout history, nations, communities, and individuals have undertaken their own journeys, navigating the tides of an ever-changing world.
Since its founding in 1949, the Commonwealth has undertaken many journeys to evolve into its current form, with 56 member countries, and recently celebrating its 75th anniversary.
There are also many great journeys to be had within the Commonwealth, which spans five continents, is responsible for a third of the world’s oceans and has a hugely diverse population of 2.7 billion people.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025, therefore, asks entrants to consider the relevance of journeys in a Commonwealth context, whether geographical, historical or personal. What journeys the Commonwealth has taken or may take in the future, as well as to reflect on their own individual journeys.
We are honoured that this year's launch video includes a special message from Her Majesty The Queen, Vice-Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society, as well as contributions from the Prime Minister of Samoa and Commonwealth Chair-in-Office, The Honourable Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, and Chetna Makan, chef, author and Final Panel Judge of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024. The video also features contributions from two RCS Associate Fellows, Kingsley Sintim, the co-founder of Nigeria Reads, a non-profit organisation focused on literacy and Rickisha Terry, a primary school teacher based in Antigua and Barbuda, as well as QCEC 2023 Junior Runner-up Mitali Ragtah from India.
Launching The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025, Her Majesty shared this special message:
“As we launch this year’s Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, please pick up your pens and let them take you on a magical journey across the world! Good luck and I look forward to reading the winning entries!” CAMILLA R.
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