equality between persons belonging to both national minorities and to the majority but also underscores the necessity for their active participation in the socio-cultural, economic and political life of their country. However, while these conventions and treaties provide a foundational understanding, the depth of guidance on the nuances of supporting and promoting social and economic participation for national minorities is sometimes found wanting in certain documents, notably some from the OSCE. These Recommendations presented here aim to close this gap. What is more, the interconnectedness between conflict prevention, national minorities, and social and economic inclusion is a well-established fact. It is something that my predecessors as High Commissioner on National Minorities and I have observed in our work. Therefore, this document aims to offer practical tools to the OSCE participating States so they can facilitate social and economic participation at different levels and in various settings. Overall, this document is built on an understanding that derives from the successive High Commissioners’ observations that the economic inclusion of national minorities is a crucial element of democracy, particularly in multi-ethnic societies, as it fosters unity and breaks down societal divisions. This inclusion is essential for three main reasons, which are aligned with the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security: the politico-military, economic-environmental and human dimensions. First, from a security standpoint, equal economic opportunities for minorities enhance peace and security, preventing the escalation of inter-ethnic conflicts. Second, the legal argument stresses that while discrimination based on identity is prohibited both nationally and supra-nationally, it is imperative that we aim to ensure more than just formal non-discrimination but go further to create actual economic participation, as highlighted in the Council of Europe’s FCNM. Third, from an economic perspective, harnessing the potential of minorities contributes to overall economic growth. As seen in successful practices in different participating States, diverse societies that fully utilize the capabilities of all their members experience prosperity and higher living standards for all. Furthermore, at the international level there is a discernible gap in addressing gender and age discrepancies in the realization of social and economic rights. This lapse demands urgent attention. Therefore, because gender equality contributes to the OSCE’s notion of comprehensive security, these Recommendations mainstream gender perspectives in all dimensions. The Recommendations also emphasize the involvement and empowerment of youth. Youth belonging to national minorities Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Social and Economic Life 3