Excellencies, UNDP on the ground are well aware that the shrinking of civic space, the curtailing of freedom of speech and exclusionary practices of political power-sharing, discrimination of women, minorities, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities or persecution of LGBTI persons — all have the potential to fuel grievances that break down social cohesion in communities and easily escalate conflict. In UNDP we believe that as development actors our role is to address the root causes of conflict and these are often connected to the enjoyment of basic and fundamental human rights. The focus on sustainable development, development that is resilient and endures, would imply that humanitarian actors must appreciate the need to connect protected populations to longer term development outcomes. Equally, in this new way of working, it also requires development actors to be more present in crises settings, among those furthest behind. As has been recognized by the Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Ms. Rita lzsak-Ndiaye; alongside efforts to address discrimination and ensure the realization of minority rights - good and inclusive governance is a vital factor in preventing conflict, violence and atrocities against minorities, now firmly established also by SDG 16 on just, peaceful and inclusive societies. Through our constructive partnership with the previous Independent Expert on Minority Issues, OHCHR and Minority Rights Group International, UNDP has made efforts to equip our staff to offer more targeted, inclusive and contextualized support with the Resource Guide and Toolkit on Marginalized Minorities in Development Programming. It reviews programming opportunities 4