C. Participants 11. The UN Forum shall be open to the participation of States, United Nations mechanisms, treaty bodies and specialized agencies, funds and programmes, intergovernmental organizations, international and regional organizations and mechanisms in the field of human rights, national human rights institutions and other relevant national bodies and other stakeholders, including internet companies and social media platforms, civil society representatives, academics and experts on minority issues, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council. The Forum shall also be open to other NGOs and organizations representing minorities whose aims and purposes are in conformity with the spirit, purposes, and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. D. Areas of Discussion 12. The focus of discussion will address the following overarching themes: Session 1 - Challenges to Inclusion and Equality: barriers to the social and economic participation of persons belonging to minority groups Discussion areas: • • • addressing the systemic and structural challenges and discrimination that minority groups may face, including the unique obstacles for women and girls belonging to minority groups; looking at factors placing them at a disadvantage, such as language or other requirements or lack of educational opportunities or resources in regions where minority groups are concentrated; exploring policies and practices that result in or exacerbate minority exclusion or place them at a disadvantage. Session 2 – Socio-Economic Empowerment Discussion areas: • • looking at ways to amplify the economic participation of persons belonging to minority groups and emphasize equal opportunities in society, employment and entrepreneurship, with special attention given to the economic support of migrants and refugees belonging to minority groups; identifying strategies to engage and empower minority young people by tapping into educational and employment prospects, sharing examples of inclusive policies, including in the use of minority languages, in terms of promoting access to services and increased employment opportunities. Session 3 – Legal and Structural Approaches to More Inclusive Societies Discussion areas: • • exploring legislation, policies and the provision of public goods and services that respect the rights of persons belonging to minority groups to equality without discrimination. It will address access to health care and educational and economic inequalities, including through proportionate investment in infrastructure or development; examining how legislation can increase opportunities that honour and represent minority identities; 3