WORKING ALONGSIDE 33FIFTY: THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME, DELIVERED IN PARTNERSHIP BY THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY AND COMMON PURPOSE, DE LA RUE HAS CREATED A UNIQUE HANDMADE DOCUMENT IN HONOUR OF THE QUEEN’S BATON RELAY – THE MUCH CELEBRATED OPENING TRADITION OF THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES
The ’33Fifty Baton Book’ will accompany the Baton as it travels around the world on its journey to each of the 70 nations and territories that make up the Commonwealth covering 190,000km over 288 days, before making its way to Glasgow for the Games in May 2014.
At the end of its journey, it is intended that this specially designed document will carry the words and messages of the Commonwealth’s young people – one from each stop on its way – and be given to the Commonwealth leaders of the future.
This initiative has been developed in conjunction with the Royal Commonwealth Society and Common Purpose, in support of 33Fifty: The Commonwealth Youth Leadership Programme – a leadership development programme for one hundred Commonwealth citizens aged between 18 and 25 that will run prior to Glasgow 2014. 33Fifty, so named because 33% of the world’s population lives in the Commonwealth and 50% of those are aged under 25, aims to develop leaders who bring people together, reconcile difference and lead change.
The book left London on Wednesday 9th October 2013 and on Saturday 12th October, 14 year old Abhishree Joshi, a member of the Commonwealth Students’ Welfare Group of India became the first person to sign the Baton Book. At a reception at the British High Commission in New Delhi, Ms Joshi signed the book with the message: “I wish joy and happiness throughout the Commonwealth countries and sport is the best way!”
Group Director of Communications at De La Rue, Robert Hutchison, said: “ De La Rue is proud to be part of The Baton Book initiative and looks forward to seeing the book’s pages filled by the young signatories as it travels the world.”
In the meantime though, please click here for more information on either the Baton Relay, 33Fifty or to see the locally issued press releases on the Baton Book’s signatories and all the photos on its epic journey across the globe.
Additional information;
33Fifty is a leadership programme for young Commonwealth leaders aged 18 – 25, delivered in partnership by Common Purpose and the Royal Commonwealth Society. It will form part of the official programme of cultural and educational events which runs parallel to the Games, with half of the overall funding provided by the Scottish Government, and further sponsorship provided by The Weir Group PLC.
Website: www.33fifty.org Twitter: @33Fifty Facebook: www.facebook.com/33fifty
The Royal Commonwealth Society is the oldest and largest civil society organisation devoted to the Commonwealth. Founded in 1868, it conducts a range of events, research and activities aimed at promoting international understanding. The RCS has a global membership and a presence in over 40 Commonwealth countries through a network of branches and Commonwealth societies. The RCS is a registered charity in England and Wales. (226748).
Website: www.thercs.org Twitter: @TheRCSLondon
Common Purpose: Common Purpose is an independent, international leadership development organisation. We give people from the private, public and not-for-profit sectors the inspiration, skills and connections to become better leaders at work and in society. We develop their ability to work together, innovate and to thrive in different cultures - this helps people, organisations, cities and regions to succeed. Founded in 1989 as a not-for-profit social enterprise, Common Purpose is both local and global. We run local courses for leaders in 35 cities (and growing) across the world and global programmes for leaders from over 100 countries across six continents. 4,000 leaders each year become Common Purpose alumni.
Website: www.commonpurpose.org Twitter: @CommonPurpose