Commonwealth Day Message from His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam
The theme of Commonwealth Day 2011 describes women as “Agents
of Change". In doing so, it celebrates the Commonwealth's long-standing
commitment to the individuals, families and communities that comprise
our societies and nations.
Above all, it directs our attention to
the role of women in ensuring that our societies and nations are happy,
healthy and prosperous. In Brunei Darussalam, our history testifies to
the importance of that role.
For nearly five hundred years, our
local economy was centered on what we call the “Padian", a trading
concept that became our basic business model. Day-in, day-out, it drove
household budgets and strengthened whole communities. It created a
spirit of enterprise and purpose that went far beyond basic trading and
material profit. It enriched the human spirit and enhanced the cohesion
of our communities.
It was truly a dramatic “agent of change" and
the reason for this was fundamental to every family. It was very
largely inspired, managed and directed by women.
The days of the
Padian are now long gone, but the lessons it has inspired in us has
transcended the generations after it and reiterates the fact that the
talents, skills and experience of every woman are crucial in building a
successful nation.
This is why we wish to do all we can to
support the efforts currently being made at home by our Department of
Community Development and non-Government Organisations and those being
called for by ASEAN and the United Nations to assist all women to
fulfill their own professional and personal aspirations.
As in
all countries, much work remains and we greatly appreciate the lead
taken by the Commonwealth in impressing upon us the need for urgency.
We join ail our fellow members in recognising a basic fact of modern international life that is becoming increasingly clear.
No
nation can meet the rapid and extremely demanding changes of the
twenty-first century successfully unless its women citizens are fully
able to share in the task of shaping its future.
SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH OF BRUNEI
No comments:
Post a Comment