This Forum has now established itself as a unique opportunity for all
stakeholders, including Member States, representatives of civil society, the
United Nations, its specialized agencies and other international and regional
organizations to share experiences and promote good practices with regard to
the rights of persons belonging to minorities.
Let me reiterate at this stage that such a dialogue between all actors is
particularly essential in light of the fact that there are clearly no easy answers or
one-size-fits-all solutions in this field.
Since its very first session, this Forum has multiplied efforts and successfully
given a voice to minorities from everywhere in the world and from totally
different backgrounds, from the grassroots level to high level positions in
Government.
I am once again this year looking forward to hearing the voices of minority
women and benefitting from their specific experiences in their overall struggle
for equality.
One key word to be kept in mind during the discussions will certainly be
diversity. Diversity in society at large but also within minority groups. We must
indeed ensure that the diverse views within all groups, including minority
groups, shall be heard and taken into account.