ACFC/31DOC(2008)001 quantitative dimensions and may be viewed differently by different actors, depending on their engagement in the processes. 19. Hence it is not sufficient for State Parties to formally provide for the participation of persons belonging to national minorities. They should also ensure that their participation has a substantial influence on decisions which are taken, and that there is, as far as possible, a shared ownership of the decisions taken. 20. Similarly, measures taken by the State Parties to improve participation of persons belonging to national minorities in socio-economic life should have an impact on their access to the labour market as individual economic actors, their access to social protection and, ultimately, their quality of life. Full and effective equality may, in this context, be seen as a result of effective participation. 21. It may be a challenge for representatives of national minorities to participate effectively in decision-making. It implies the allocation of time and resources, not only to participate, but also to try to reflect accurately the variety of views among persons belonging to their national minority. Consequently, national minorities require both capacity building and resources to ensure that their representatives can contribute effectively. d) Effective participation of national minorities and intercultural dialogue 22. Article 15 is also intended to facilitate intercultural dialogue by making it possible for national minorities to be visible, have their voice heard and participate effectively in decision-making, including participation on issues of relevance to the society at large. In fact, dialogue should not be limited to representatives of the national minorities and the authorities, but it should be extended to all segments of society. The Framework Convention intends to provide persons belonging to national minorities with increased possibilities to participate in the mainstream society and at the same time for the majority population to become better acquainted with the culture, language and history of the national minorities, in a spirit of intercultural dialogue.6 6 See also Article 6.1 of the Framework Convention. 13