imbalances, exclusion and dehumanization have fueled fear, hatred and false narratives. He highlighted the disproportionate impact of poverty, displacement, cultural suppression, police violence, statelessness and underrepresentation on minorities, noting that minority rights are under pressure in both autocratic and democratic contexts. Türk also drew attention to the digital dimension, where most online hate speech targets minorities and often translates into real-world violence, particularly affecting women, LGBTIQ+ persons, youth and persons with disabilities. He called for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, meaningful inclusion in governance and peace processes, human rights education, protection of defenders and better data systems. Concluding, he emphasized that with political will and inclusive strategies, diversity can become a source of dignity, cohesion and shared prosperity. The Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Prof. Nicolas Levrat, expressed appreciation for the strong engagement of participants and noted that the Forum continues to grow as a space for minority voices to be heard amid global pressure on the human rights system. He highlighted the Forum’s expanding role and the challenges of accommodating diverse voices, while stressing complementary initiatives such as the International Contest for Minority Artists, the Student Minority Challenge and the OHCHR Minority Fellowship Programme. The Special Rapporteur reaffirmed that the Forum served as a unique platform for dialogue, cooperation and the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, bringing civil society voices directly into UN processes. Explaining the choice of the 2025 theme, he emphasized that minorities, when respected and included, strengthened social cohesion, cultural richness and resilience. He outlined the Forum’s focus on trust-building, recognition of minority contributions and inclusion in peacebuilding and transitional justice. Prof. Levrat criticized the marginalization of minorities within the UN system, called for a World Summit on Minority Issues before 2030, and urged participants to advance concrete, inclusive solutions. As Chairperson of the 18th session of the Forum on Minority Issues, H.E. Ms. Caroline Ziadeh opened the Forum by underscoring the central importance of inclusive institutions, meaningful participation, and respect for diversity in fostering peaceful, resilient, and cohesive societies, drawing on her extensive experience within the United Nations system. She emphasized that minority communities are not only custodians of culture, language, and tradition, but also active and indispensable contributors to economic development, innovation, environmental stewardship, and social cohesion. Stressing that peace cannot be achieved or sustained without the full recognition, participation, and agency of minorities, H.E. Ms. Ziadeh highlighted that the Forum serves as a vital platform for constructive dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of experiences among States, civil society, and other stakeholders. She noted that the objective of this year’s Forum was not only to examine existing challenges, but also to affirm minorities as co-creators of peaceful societies and to identify practical and actionable pathways forward for States and the international community to strengthen inclusion, trust, and long-term coexistence. 3