British International School of Zagreb - THE COMMONWEALTH AT 75

The Commonwealth celebrates its 75th year in an era almost as fractious as that in which it was born 75 years ago. At that time, 1949, the London Declaration established the modern Commonwealth and lit a flame of fraternity and hope for a world seeking to move on from the horror of global war and conflict. Its 56 members span the five continents and three oceans, number more than a quarter of the world’s countries and comprise more than a third of humanity, with 70% of them younger than 30 years. The launch of the Commonwealth at 75 book was held on 9th October in the Cloisters of the Westminster Abbey. It has been researched and written by a select team of academics and award-winning authors and was presented by Lord Norton, History of Parliament Chair, together with a Royal bibliographer and Commonwealth Secretary-General. The links between Westminster and the Commonwealth have their origins in British imperial rule and this book charts how many Commonwealth countries adopted and adapted aspects of the Westminster model to suit their own political cultures. The book explores the development of parliamentary democracy across the Commonwealth, and it is a complex story which reveals divergence as well as commonality. The importance of education and the exchange of ideas have always been fundamental principles of the modern Commonwealth. It is also home to some of the finest education providers and experts in the world. We are very proud that our British International School of Zagreb was invited and presented on 2 pages in a chapter dedicated to Education and Culture. Among many well known universities and schools presented in the book there are only two outside the UK and the Commonwealth. Our BISZ is one of them. Our Principal, Martin-Tino Časl and Mrs. Zdenka Časl his loving and supporting wife were among the distinguished guests. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, it was a nice opportunity to meet with old friends from previous occasions and make new friends for the future. You can also get a feeling of the atmosphere by browsing through the following photos.