A/HRC/FMI/2013/2 B. Promotion and protection of the identity of religious minorities 13. Religious identity is not only about the right to worship freely but also the right to express and enjoy aspects of one’s identity in all spheres of life and society, including in educational settings, in the workplace, in private and in public, as an individual or in community with others. The Forum will seek to identify effective practices to ensure the promotion and protection of the identity of religious minorities so that they can freely maintain and develop their unique religious and cultural practices and traditions. Full enjoyment of the right to religious identity requires first and foremost the recognition by States of the religious diversity within society, along with the fostering of an enabling environment on the part of governments, local authorities, public and private bodies, and the wider society. C. Identifying key actors and activities to promote constructive interfaith dialogue, consultation and exchange 14. Positive developments in the field of minority rights and towards protection of the rights of religious minorities and promotion of interfaith understanding require leadership and the constructive actions and initiatives of numerous different actors, including minorities themselves. All relevant stakeholders at all levels should actively promote positive messages of interfaith dialogue and understanding, and initiate and engage in activities that may include symposiums, consultations, public debates and activities proposed by different faith groups. The important role of women as agents of change and the specific challenges affecting women will be addressed by the Forum. 15. The Forum will seek to identify positive examples of interfaith dialogue and exchange and to learn how mechanisms, institutions and processes have been established and function. Efforts to build knowledge, trust and tolerance across faith groups and to build bridges of understanding and unity will be considered. Practical examples will be sought to demonstrate how such initiatives work in practice. Identifying measures to promote tolerant, inclusive, multi-faith societies will be among the objectives of the Forum. V. Participation 16. Pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 19/23, the Forum session will be open to participation by States, United Nations mechanisms, treaty bodies and specialized agencies, funds and programmes, intergovernmental organizations, regional organizations and mechanisms in the field of human rights, national human rights institutions and other relevant national bodies, academics and experts on minority issues and non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council. The Forum will also be open to other non-governmental organizations representing minorities whose aims and purposes are in conformity with the spirit, purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. 17. Given the thematic focus of the sixth session of the Forum, the participation of persons belonging to religious minorities and those who are actively engaged in or have experience with promoting the rights of religious minorities is crucial. The participation of women and young people in the proceedings of the Forum is also particularly encouraged. 18. 4 Requests to be accredited to the Forum should be sent to minorityforum@ohchr.org.