E/2016/43 E/C.19/2016/11 Recommendations of the Permanent Forum International expert group meeting on the theme “Indigenous languages: preservation and revitalization (articles 13, 14 and 16 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples)” 4. This expert group meeting, held at United Nations Headquarters from 19 to 21 January 2016, was the second international expert group meeting on indigenous languages. The meeting built upon the findings and recommendations of the expert group meeting on the principles of cultural diversity and indigenous languages as a way to promote intercultural dialogue and affirm indigenous peo ples’ identity, held in 2008. 5. Indigenous languages form the bedrock of continuity for the survival and well being of indigenous cultures from one generation to the next. This important intergenerational responsibility has been severely disrupted by colo nialism and colonial practices, laws, policies and practices of discrimination, assimilation, forced relocation and residential and boarding schools, among others. 6. There is a growing crisis of indigenous language loss and in many cases an urgent, even desperate, need to preserve and revitalize languages. It is estimated that more than half of the world’s languages will become extinct by 2100 (see E/C.19/2005/7). The vast majority of languages under threat are indigenous languages. It is in this context that the expert group meeting on indigenous languages was convened. The outcome of the meeting was the report (E/C.19/2016/10), which provided significant and pertinent recommendations to indigenous peoples, funds, programmes and specialized agencies of the United Nations system and States. 7. A significant underlying objective of all preservation and revitalization efforts is the absolute necessity of producing ever-growing numbers of fluent language speakers. The 35 recommendations contained in the report, together with the substantive recommendations on indigenous languages contained in the report of the international expert group meeting on indigenous languages held in 2008 (see E/C.19/2008/3), provide considerable expert opinion and guidance on the preservation and revitalization of indigenous languages that require careful consideration and effective implementation by indigenous peoples, funds, programmes and specialized agencies of the United Nations system, in particular the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and States. This will require a considerable depth of political will by the United Nations system, States and civil society, in addition to the infusion of the financial commitments necessary to realize significant gains in preservation and revitalization efforts. 8. There are successful examples, but too few, of indigenous-led efforts on language preservation and revitalization, such as those by native Hawaiians. The Permanent Forum welcomes the new Indigenous Peoples Language Caucus, established by indigenous peoples to ensure ongoing guidance on initiatives for the preservation and revitalization of indigenous languages and to provide for the development of the necessary mass of public knowledge and support. The caucus needs to be supported by the United Nations system, States and c ivil society. The Sustainable Development Goals demand that no one should be left behind. In this 6/23 16-08740