Since emerging from the colonial era as a voluntary grouping of independent nations 60 years ago, the modern Commonwealth has done a great deal to promote democracy, international understanding and the interests of vulnerable states. Yet, at least in the UK, if more is not done to raise its visibility and relevance the Commonwealth risks disappearing from the consciousness.

In 1969, a Gallup poll found that 34% of British people identified the Commonwealth as the most important part of the world for Britain, on a par with those who said America, and one and a half times those who said Europe. An RCS/YouGov survey published the other day finds that only 14% of British do so now, well behind America and Europe. More worrying for those at the abbey today will be the fact that, although many Brits feel warmly about the Commonwealth, only one in five respondents could name any of its activities. Levels of awareness among young people are poor.

Invisibility does not, of course, equate to irrelevance. Some of the Commonwealth’s best work is done behind the scenes. The secretariat has helped some of the world’s most delicate peace negotiations and democratic transformations. A vibrant network of Commonwealth civil society organisations promotes interaction between its peoples, but usually away from the limelight. However, relative invisibility may explain the downward spiral in British attitudes to the Commonwealth. In the 70s and 80s, when the association took strong stances on white rule in Rhodesia and apartheid in South Africa, it was regarded as brave and effective. Without similar high-profile successes in recent years, popular support has fallen, and it becomes ever more difficult to convince incoming foreign secretaries it should be a priority. A voluntary association of states committed to democracy, development and diversity should have huge potential. Yet the Commonwealth has recently seemed unable or unwilling to flex its muscle. Just last week Fiji was allowed to stay a member (in suspension) despite the military government’s failure to meet deadlines for elections.

A more fundamental long-term challenge for the Commonwealth in the UK is to become relevant to a new generation who may not remember colonial ties. But this is where its greatest potential lies. If the Commonwealth applies its unique brand of diplomacy and collaboration to the issues of the day, it can transform itself into a true agent of progress. On climate change, for instance, it offers the opportunity for non-binding but useful conversations between countries that are rich, poor, big and small.

On education, the networks, scholarships and exchanges across Commonwealth countries are unparalleled. On peace-building, Commonwealth organisations

run wonderful projects among young people in conflict situations. Very few people in Britain seem to hate the Commonwealth, but unless many more are given reason to start loving it, it risks becoming a relic. — The Guardian