as how to use new technology and social networking as a means to reach new audiences and communicate information more effectively about minority rights and the Declaration. So as we go into our discussions, I say to them and to you all, let us think creatively, let us learn from each other and let us use this important session of the Forum as the beginning of a much wider and ongoing dialogue towards implementation of minority rights for all those groups who face challenges globally. Having taken over the mandate of Independent Expert on minority issues in 2011, I was also privileged to take on the responsibility to guide this Forum and prepare its annual meetings. In fulfilling this dual role, my job was made much easier by my predecessor, Gay McDougall, who joins us at this session of the Forum and whom I would like to pay a special tribute to. We owe Gay a debt of thanks for shaping the Forum into the vibrant, dynamic and inclusive mechanism that it is today and for helping us to be able to say with confidence in this 20th anniversary year that we now have a body of the United Nations system on and for minorities that is worthy of the Declaration and the challenges that face minorities globally. Thank you.