LAHORE, APR 12 (DNA) – The British High Commission hosted a Commonwealth Big Lunch to celebrate the Commonwealth community and build connections through food at the British Council library in Lahore on Thursday.

The Chief Guest at the Commonwealth Big Lunch was the Acting British High Commissioner Richard Crowder. The event was also attended by the Deputy Director of British Council Pakistan James Hampson, the Deputy Head of DFID Kemi Williams, members of civil society and the media as well as students from DFID and British Council supported schools in Lahore.

The focus of the lunch was to highlight the importance of 12 years of quality education for girls and boys in Pakistan. Students got the chance to participate in a number of exciting activities including a sports quiz, creative writing, sketching and a drawing workshop.

The gathering in Lahore is one of many Commonwealth Big Lunches happening across the 53 Commonwealth nations from 12 March – Commonwealth Day – until Sunday 22 April.

Launched by the Eden Project – a UK educational charity and social enterprise, in partnership with the UK Government, thousands of people from across the Commonwealth are coming together to celebrate, discover and share their Commonwealth links, stories and experiences with one another over a shared meal.

Lunches are being held ahead of and during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018. Unfolding over five days, leaders and foreign ministers from up to 53 countries and over 2,000 delegates will gather in London and Windsor, UK, from 16 – 20 April to discuss and agree how to work together to address shared global challenges.

The Acting British High Commissioner Richard Crowder said:

“We are delighted to hold our own Commonwealth Big Lunch for the students of DFID and British Council supported schools in Lahore. Commonwealth Big Lunches are about celebrating being part of the Commonwealth, encouraging people to come together and making new connections.

“I am proud of the fact that Pakistan and the UK share such a strong connection. I would like to see this connection grow even stronger in the years to come.”

Peter Stewart MVO, Executive Director of the Eden Project said:

“From Commonwealth Day onwards, we’ve been encouraging people to come together to share friendship, food and fun with people where they live. The celebration in Lahore is one of many taking place across 6 continents which is just phenomenal!”

“Commonwealth Big Lunches bring people together, show the diversity we all have and importantly celebrate the commonality we all share which showcases the true spirit of the Commonwealth.”

Commonwealth Big Lunches were inspired by the Eden Project’s annual Big Lunch, which launched in 2009, as a way to connect people with their communities over a shared meal. The Big Lunch has since seen millions of people get together, including for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The Big Lunch will take place later this year on Sunday 3 June in the UK .