Programme of Work 16th session of the UN Forum on Minority Issues “Minorities and Cohesive Societies: Equality, Social Inclusion, and Socioeconomic Participation” (30 November – 1 December, 2023 - Geneva, Room XX) THURSDAY, 30 NOVEMBER 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM (local time in Geneva) Opening Meeting 1. Statement by the President of the Human Rights Council, H.E. 2. 3. 4. 5. Václav Bálek Statement by the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Ms. Ilze Brands Kehris (pre-recorded video) Statement by the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Mr Kairat Abdrakhmanov (pre-recorded video) Statement by the Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Mr. Nicolas Levrat Statements by the Co-Chairs of the Forum, Ms. Elena Lazar and Ms Petra Roter 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM (local time in Geneva) Item 1: Challenges to inclusion and equality: barriers to the social and economic participation of persons belonging to minority groups Under this item, the Forum will address the systemic and structural challenges and discrimination that minority groups may face, including the unique obstacles for women and girls belonging to minority groups, look at factors placing them at a disadvantage, such as language or other