E/2005/43 E/C.19/2005/9 Chapter VIII Organization of the session A. Opening and duration of the session 1. The Forum held its fourth session at United Nations Headquarters from 16 to 27 May 2005. It held 16 formal meetings to consider items on the agenda and a number of informal meetings for consultations among members of the Forum. 2. At the 1st meeting, on 16 May, the session was opened by the Assistant Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women. During the inauguration ceremony, the Ceremonial Leader and Holy Man from the SHIPAVLOVI HOPI Community in Second Mesa, Arizona, United States of America, offered words of blessing to the Forum. 3. At the same meeting, statements were made by the Deputy Secretary-General, the Acting President of the General Assembly, the Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council, and the Assistant Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women. 4. At the same meeting, a statement was made by Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Chairperson of the Forum. B. Attendance 5. Members of the Forum and representatives of Governments, United Nations bodies and intergovernmental organizations, as well as of non-governmental organizations and indigenous organizations, attended the session. The list of participants is contained in annex I. C. Election of officers 6. At its 1st meeting, on 16 May, the Forum elected the following members of the Bureau by acclamation: Chairperson: Victoria Tauli-Corpuz Vice-Chairpersons: Hassan Id Balkassm Otilia Lux de Coti Ida Nicolaisen Pavel Sulyandziga Rapporteur: Michael Dodson D. Agenda 7. At its 1st meeting, on 16 May, the Forum adopted the provisional agenda contained in document E/C.19/2005/1. 34