She also emphasized the role of minority leaders in democratic reform, advancing human rights, strengthening institutions, and shaping public policies. Despite these essential contributions, recognition remains limited. Ricaurte called for systemic action to close this gap, including transforming narratives to view minorities as architects of society, institutionalizing meaningful participation in decision-making processes, investing in minority-led initiatives and leadership, and generating disaggregated data to ensure visibility and accountability. Together, these addresses underscore that minorities are foundational to the social, cultural, economic, political, and institutional life of societies. Interactive Dialogue In the interactive dialogue, participants highlighted the essential contributions of minority communities to the economic, social, cultural, political, and institutional life of their countries, while also drawing attention to the persistent challenges and barriers they face. Many interventions emphasized that despite minorities’ significant role in nation-building, development, and social cohesion, their contributions are often overlooked, marginalized, or actively suppressed. Participants raised concerns regarding systemic discrimination, exclusion from decision-making, denial of access to education and economic opportunities, and the erasure of minority identities in public and cultural life. Specific issues were cited, illustrating a global pattern of marginalization. Challenges include restrictions on the use of minority languages, lack of political representation, arbitrary detention of activists, denial of property rights, and barriers to public participation. Minority women, youth, and persons with disabilities were particularly highlighted as facing compounded discrimination. Several participants underscored the need to formally recognize the contributions of minorities in all spheres of society. States and civil society organizations shared examples of good practices, such as inclusive legal frameworks, financial and institutional support, and initiatives promoting cultural preservation, minority education, and political participation. Civil society organizations presented grassroots initiatives supporting minority artists, promoting minorityled governance, advancing education in minority languages, and fostering inclusive civic participation. Several Member States highlighted national measures and policies recognizing and supporting minority contributions across economic, social, cultural, political, and institutional spheres. For example, Albania shared its comprehensive legal and institutional framework, including the 2017 Law on Minorities, the National Committee on Minorities, targeted programs for Roma and Egyptian communities, and the National Minorities. Azerbaijan emphasized its longstanding multicultural policy, guaranteeing minority rights through the Constitution, mother-tongue education, and promotion of ethnic cultures via publications, audiovisual materials, and minority-language media. Canada highlighted multicultural legislation, targeted programs in education, employment, and civic participation, and support for businesses owned by women, racialized persons, and LGBTQI+ communities. Lithuania presented its Law on National Minorities, funding for cultural and language education, and support for diverse religious communities. Ukraine showcased minority contributions to national resilience and democracy while noting conflict-related challenges. Spain stressed the 8