11. There should be formal or informal understandings to allocate relevant cabinet positions, or positions on nominated advisory bodies or other high-level bodies, with responsibilities in social and economic areas to persons belonging to national minorities. The appointment of representatives of national minorities to relevant cabinet positions offers minority groups the opportunity to make substantive contributions to decision-making processes and to policy implementation. Their involvement can help reduce inequalities by contributing knowledge and perspectives on social and economic matters from the point of view of national minorities. Similarly, the representation of minorities on advisory and other high-level bodies with responsibilities in social and economic areas represents a valuable channel of communication between governments and minority representatives, creating the opportunity to exchange perspectives on social and economic matters. Such appointments can have a formal character (enshrined in law or as part of the design of a specific policy, for example) or can be done informally (for instance, as part of coalition negotiations or government formation). Regardless of whether a formal or informal approach is taken, the appointments should be made in close consultation with national minorities, should allow for a meaningful contribution to the participation of national minorities in social and economic life, and should promote the equal participation of minority women. 12. States should ensure that there is a meaningful and continuous dialogue between governmental authorities and national minorities on issues pertaining to their participation in social and economic life, such as housing, health care, education, employment, regional development, digital inclusion and the environment. Standing bodies for this purpose should have sufficient access, capacity and resources to ensure effectiveness. Governments should maintain constant dialogue with national minorities throughout all stages of the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies in the various fields pertaining to social and economic life. Policymakers should consistently acknowledge and include the experience and perspectives of national minorities in areas such as housing, health care, employment, education, regional development, language, digital inclusion and the environment. 34 Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Social and Economic Life