Positive examples of initiatives promoting trust and coexistence were also presented.
Civil society organizations highlighted grassroots projects that build dialogue across
communities, provide education in minority languages, support leadership development, and
combat hate speech. Several initiatives demonstrated how intercultural dialogue, inclusive
governance, and recognition of minority contributions can strengthen social cohesion and
prevent conflict. Participants emphasized the need for comprehensive, multi-level approaches
to address barriers to coexistence. This includes embedding minority perspectives in
policymaking, ensuring representation in political and public institutions, and creating safe and
participatory spaces for dialogue. Many underscored that building trust requires sustained
recognition of minority identities, proactive protection of cultural and linguistic rights, and
systemic measures to address historical and structural inequities.
Several Member States highlighted good practices and concrete measures to strengthen
minority inclusion, trust, and social cohesion. For example, Uruguay shared experiences in
promoting cohesion through local governance, municipal capacity building, citizen
participation, alignment with national policies, and the use of education, media, arts, and data
to combat stereotypes and support vulnerable groups. Pakistan emphasized constitutional
safeguards and guaranteed minority representation in Parliament, Government, the military,
and the arts, supported by the National Commission for the Rights of Minorities, which
provides a quasi-judicial mechanism to address violations. Kazakhstan underscored the
Assembly of the People and networks of ethnocultural associations and ethnic media in
fostering dialogue and protecting minority rights. Other examples included Lesotho’s reforms
enhancing access to justice, inclusive education, and community dialogue; North Macedonia’s
institutional framework ensuring minority participation and education and language rights;
Greece’s model of the Muslim Minority schools, quotas, and transparent religious leadership;
South Africa’s constitutional protections combined with education and dialogue; Venezuela’s
legal framework promoting equality and inclusion; Slovenia’s support for Italian, Hungarian,
and Roma communities; and Austria’s National Minorities Act with funding for organizations,
intercultural projects, and multilingualism.
Overall, the dialogue highlighted that fostering trust and social cohesion is not only a
moral and legal imperative but also essential for sustainable peace and inclusive development.
Recognition, visibility, and meaningful participation of minorities were consistently identified
as foundational for building resilient, peaceful, and cohesive societies.
ITEM 2: RECOGNIZING THE FULL CONTRIBUTION OF MINORITIES TO
THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, CULTURAL, POLITICAL AND INSTITUTIONAL
FABRIC OF SOCIETY
The theme of this session, “Recognizing the full contribution of minorities to the
economic, social, cultural, political, and institutional fabric of society,” emphasizes the
importance of acknowledging, valuing, and including minority communities as integral actors
in building inclusive, resilient, and peaceful societies. Item 2 highlights that without
recognition and protection, the substantial contributions of minorities remain invisible, and
societies fail to benefit from their economic, cultural, political, and institutional roles.
6