E/2003/43 E/C.19/2003/22 Chapter IX Organization of the session A. Opening and duration of the session 1. The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues held its second session at United Nations Headquarters from 12 to 23 May 2003. It held 19 formal meetings (1st to 19th) and a number of informal meetings. 2. At the 1st meeting, on 12 May, the session was opened by the Assistant Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women. During the inauguration ceremony, the floor was given to Tadodaho Chief and Elder, and a representative of indigenous youth, for a traditional indigenous welcome. 3. At the same meeting, a statement was made by Ole Henrik Magga, Chairperson of the Forum. 4. Also at the same meeting, the Assistant Secretary-General made a statement on behalf of the Secretary-General. 5. At the same meeting, the Director of the New York Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights made a statement on behalf of the High Commissioner. 6. At the same meeting, statements were also made by the Director of the Division for Social Policy and Development, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, and the Chairperson of the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations. B. Attendance 7. Members of the Forum and representatives of Governments, United Nations bodies and intergovernmental organizations, as well as of non-governmental organizations and indigenous organizations, attended the session. The list of participants is contained in annex I. C. Election of officers 8. At its 1st meeting, on 13 May, the Forum re-elected the following members of the Bureau by acclamation: Chairperson: Ole Henrik Magga Vice-Chairpersons: Njuma Ekundanayo Antonio Jacanamijoy Parshuram Tamang Mililani Trask Rapporteur: Wilton Littlechild 36