Asia-Pacific Conference

Key Takeaways:

• Brought together Asia Pacific RCS branches to strengthen collaboration and shared purpose

• Education, equity, and democratic resilience identified as central Commonwealth priorities

• Strong emphasis on youth engagement, leadership development, and intergenerational renewal

• Environmental responsibility and community education highlighted as critical global challenges

• Branches shared innovative ideas for revitalization, partnerships, and modern engagement

• RCS Edmonton strengthened international relationships in preparation for hosting a future conference

The Full Summary:

The 2025 Asia Pacific Conference opened with a welcoming evening at the Gables on Finch, the home of the Royal Commonwealth Society Victoria Branch.

Delegates were received in an atmosphere that balanced formality and warmth, setting the tone for a conference built on respectful dialogue, shared values, and collaboration. From the outset, participants were encouraged to exchange ideas and strengthen the bonds that unite Commonwealth members across regions and cultures.

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Conference sessions explored some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the Commonwealth today.

Education emerged as a central theme, with discussions addressing access, equity, rural–urban divides, democratic resilience, and skills for the future. Speakers highlighted the unique role the Commonwealth plays in fostering stability and opportunity through shared language, cooperation, and people-to-people connections. Youth empowerment, gender equality, and support for vulnerable states were repeatedly underscored as essential to long-term resilience.

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Later sessions examined unity and diversity across the Commonwealth’s 56 member states, emphasizing leadership rooted in respect, inclusivity, and grassroots engagement. Environmental responsibility and climate change were also addressed, with speakers distinguishing between misinformation and disinformation and reinforcing the importance of community-based education.

The conference concluded with forward-looking discussions on strengthening the Royal Commonwealth Society itself, through collaboration between branches, renewed purpose, modern engagement strategies, and shared initiatives.

RCS Edmonton was honoured to participate, and extend an invitation to its upcoming conference, and build relationships that will support future collaboration across the Asia Pacific region.