fail to benefit from the contributions to wider society that members of minorities can make. In these times of economic hardship and uncertainty, members of the most disadvantaged groups, frequently minorities, risk suffering the most. They are likely to be the first to lose their jobs and the last to regain them. They are exposed to stigmatization and singled out as the cause of economic or social problems. It is of critical importance as countries face the global challenges of financial crises and recession that efforts to combat discrimination and achieve effective and full equality for all does not lose momentum. The Independent Expert and others have helped to establish that minorities have been neglected or utterly failed by development and poverty alleviation processes that did not recognize their unique needs and circumstances. These unique conditions are often created and fueled by discrimination and exclusion which, in turn, exacerbate poverty. In recent months attention has once again been focused on the Millennium Development Goals and how to achieve them, most recently last September at the global summit held in New York. While progress has been made and many countries are on track to reach some of the Goals, I am among those who emphasize that we must strive to achieve the Goals for all, especially the poorest of the poor and those who are left on the margins of society - many of them minorities. The effective economic participation of minorities is essential for them to emerge from poverty and for States to meet MDG commitments. Let me conclude by thanking you all for being here for this important Forum and offering your experiences, knowledge and energy to these proceedings. I am confident that your active participation will contribute to further promoting policies and strategies towards a better and more effective participation of minorities in economic life. I wish you a fruitful debate and a successful session. Thank you. 3