Sixteenth Session on Minority Issues “Minorities and Cohesive Societies: Equality, Social Inclusion, and Socio-economic Participation” H.E. Václav Bálek 30 November 2023 10h00-10h06 Co-Chairs, Excellencies, Distinguished delegates and participants, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my honour to open this sixteenth session of the Forum on Minority Issues on the theme of “Minorities and Cohesive Societies: Equality, Social Inclusion, and Socio-economic Participation”. I welcome everyone who is participating in this Forum in person here in Geneva as well as those who will intervene through pre-recorded video messages. I look forward to your rich interactions. Allow me to congratulate Ms. Elena Lazar and Ms. Petra Roter, who have kindly accepted the important task of co-chairing the Forum. Ms. Lazar and Ms. Roter bring with them a wealth of academic and practitioner experience in the field of minority issues and will undoubtedly lead this Forum with excellence. I also wish to welcome Mr. Nicolas Levrat, the Special Rapporteur on minority issues and congratulate him for his new appointment. Excellencies, Colleagues, This Forum provides a unique venue where all stakeholders can engage in dialogue and cooperation and reflect on issues pertaining to the enjoyment of all human rights by minorities. And the theme of this year’s Forum could not be more relevant as it encourages us to look at 1