Celebrating the Commonwealth of Nations, a global association fostering unity, co-operation and development.
You are invited to attend Birmingham’s Commonwealth Day Dinner to be held at the Hyatt Hotel, Broad St, Birmingham on Monday 9th March 2026.
Arrival drinks will be served at 5.45 p.m.
Dinner 6.20 pm
It’s not just a meal: it’s a celebration of community, global connection and an opportunity to network.
Guest speaker: Professor Kingsley Abbott, Director of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies – an experienced international criminal and human rights lawyer with more than 20 years’ experience in international non-governmental organisations, the United Nations and domestic legal practice. Previously, for nine years, he was based in Thailand where he served the International Commission of Jurists as the Director of Global Accountability and International Justice. During this time, he developed and led numerous human rights and rule of law initiatives in Asia and around the world. Prior to that, he worked as a Senior Legal Adviser at the Khmer Rouge Tribunal in Cambodia and as Trial Counsel in the Office of the Prosecutor at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the Hague. He started his career in his home country of Aotearoa New Zealand, where he mainly practised as a criminal barrister under a leading King’s Counsel.
The Institute is the sole postgraduate academic institution in the United Kingdom devoted to the study of the Commonwealth.
The event will also include an auction of items. These will be available to bid for before and at the event including:
A fabulous 80-piece ‘Versaille’ France canteen of dishwasher safe cutlery (RRP 3000 Euros)
A baton signed by the fantastic Usain St. Leo Bolt, eight-time Olympic gold medallist and world record holder in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 4 × 100 metres relay, widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time,
An evening meal for two and overnight stay at the local Park Regis Hotel, Five Ways, Birmingham
Email: office@birminghamcommonwealthassociation.com to reserve tickets and/or place a bid.
Dress code: Lounge Suite or national dress.
Tickets: £80 non-members £70 members (limited to 1 or 2 tickets depending upon membership status)
Incorporating overseas territories
Trade and Business / Education / Communities. Maximising the benefits of networking, partnerships and collaboration for outcome-driven results.
The Birmingham Commonwealth Association comprises a network of academia, businesses, individuals and organisations from across Birmingham who are committed to improving the lives and prospects of the Commonwealth community.
The Association achieves its outcome by focusing upon three areas of Commonwealth interest, each area chaired by highly proficient individuals with relevant experience and skills.
Become a Member and receive invitations and discounts to all BCA-organised events, as well as the inclusion of your logo (if you are a representative of an organisation or business) on our website and the opportunity to include articles in our weekly newsletter.
Become a BCA Friend and receive our weekly newsletter as well as invitations to some BCA organised events.
The Birmingham Commonwealth Association (BCA) is a network of charities, organisations, associations, companies, business, academia and individuals committed to improving the lives and prospects of each other in and around Birmingham as well as those of other Commonwealth citizens across the world acting in whatever capacity. We champion engagement, partnership and collaboration and the importance of equality and inclusion, the environment, connected communities and the benefits of bi-lateral trade across the Commonwealth’s 54 member nations and UK overseas territories.
Our 2021-2024 Corporate Strategic plan evolves around our annual events held on Commonwealth Day as well as what our three focus groups of Trade, Communities, and Education will focus upon. These areas of focus are detailed further on this site. They are all intended to impact beneficially across a range of areas to improve the lives and prospects of all Commonwealth citizens.
CEO of Britasia TV &
Director of the BCA.
CBE; DL; Hon Consul for Jamaica and the driving force behind Cleone Foods Ltd.
Associate Dean, Academic Portfolio & Market Development, Faculty of Health, Education & Life Sciences, Birmingham City University
