Schools and communities in 70 nations and territories are set to mark the day - a global citizen-led celebration of democracy and human rights - on March 13. 

The Head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, will lead the festivities with a special message issued to the two-and-a-half billion people who live in Commonwealth countries.

The 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay, described as the longest in history and the most accessible ever, will start its journey from Buckingham Palace in London, connecting communities throughout Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and finally Oceania on its way to Australia for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The Commonwealth Service, the UK's largest inter-faith celebration at Westminster Abbey in London, will be attended by The Queen.

She will be accompanied by Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, Charles and Camilla, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, The Duke of York and Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex.

Broadcast live around the world by the BBC, the service will feature musical performances, testimonies and readings, including an affirmation led by Commonwealth secretary-general Patricia Scotland.

Commenting on the theme for 2017, Scotland said: "The Commonwealth builds peace by bringing people together, and by mobilising mutual support among our member states to strengthen democracy and development.

"With respect and understanding we celebrate our rich diversity, and work alongside one another in practical ways to champion the needs of the marginalised and most vulnerable.

"Our theme this year reflects the shared determination of the whole Commonwealth family to deliver enduring peace for all."

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Louise Martin added: "Launching the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay on Commonwealth Day is a fitting start to an inspiring and inclusive event that connects our diverse global community in anticipation for the next Commonwealth Games.

"We passionately believe that the Games, and the level playing field of sport, should be a tool for building strong and peaceful communities and supporting journeys of reconciliation.

"In the spirit of 'A Peace-building Commonwealth', and for the first-time ever as part of the Queen’s Baton Relay launch, representatives of the traditional custodians of the land where the Commonwealth Games will be held, the Yugambeh people, will deliver a moving invitation to all First Nations peoples of the Commonwealth to join in the celebrations of the Games."

At the Commonwealth Service, the Prime Minister of Malta and chair-in-office of the Commonwealth, Joseph Muscat, and Cameroonian peace advocate Achaleke Christian Leke, a former victim of radicalisation and violence, will reflect on "A Peace-building Commonwealth".

Performers will include George the Poet, a British spoken word artist and social commentator of Ugandan heritage, Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman and Maltese poet and author Dr Immanuel Mifsud.

Later this week, Scotland will also launch a "Peace in the Home" initiative to tackle domestic violence.

Her aim is to build a coalition of Governments, businesses, civil society, human rights institutions and individual citizens committed to ending domestic violence.

This year’s increased programme of Commonwealth Day activities has been coordinated by the Commonwealth House - a collaborative approach that sees the Commonwealth Secretariat, The Royal Commonwealth Society, the Commonwealth Local Government Forum and the CGF join forces to support, promote and advance the values of the Commonwealth.

Gold Coast 2018 is scheduled to take place from April 4 to 15.