E/2004/43 E/C.19/2004/23 Chapter VIII Organization of the session A. Opening and duration of the session 1. The Forum held its third session at United Nations Headquarters from 10 to 21 May 2004. It held 17 formal meetings (1st to 17th) and a number of informal meetings. 2. At the 1st meeting, on 10 May, the session was opened by the UnderSecretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat. During the inauguration ceremony, the floor was given to the Tadodaho Chief and Elder. 3. At the same meeting, a statement was made by Ole Henrik Magga, Chairperson of the Forum. 4. Also at the same meeting, the Secretary-General made a statement. 5. At the same meeting, the President of the Economic and Social Council made a statement, and representatives of the indigenous women delivered a special message. 6. Also at the same meeting, the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs made a statement. 7. At the same meeting, the observer for the Russian Federation made a statement. 8. At the 17th meeting, on 21 May, the President of the fifty-eighth session of the General Assembly addressed the Forum. 9. At the same meeting, the Director of the Division for Social Policy and Development made a statement. 10. B. Also at the same meeting, the Chairman made a concluding statement. Attendance 11. Members of the Forum and representatives of Governments, United Nations bodies and intergovernmental organizations, as well as of non-governmental organizations and indigenous organizations, attended the session. The list of participants is contained in annex II. C. Election of officers 12. At its 1st meeting, on 10 May, the Forum elected the following members of the Bureau by acclamation: Chairperson Ole Henrik Magga 41