Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, in a message marking Commonwealth Day, falling on every second Monday in March, described the Commonwealth as a unique international organisation which binds its members together, with 54 independent states spanning six continents and oceans as members, having populations adding up in all to two billion people.

The last Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Trinidad and Tobago recognised the importance of science and technology and its contribution to development.

Conscious of the current global challenges facing society at large, the Commonwealth countries are expected to enhance their focus on science and technology in view of bettering the quality of life for their citizens. The Millennium Development Goals, the key targets set 10 years ago to reduce poverty, hunger and illiteracy, have made only adequate progress; however through an investment in science and technology, the Commonwealth shall strive further to fully achieve these aims, the Prime Minister said.