to enable the functioning of the Forum. I truly hope that there will be more States from all regions, attaching increased importance to this important gathering and demonstrating their commitments to minority rights also by contributing to funding so we can ensure the Forum’s sustainability and see it progress. It will be important in the future to give considerations of bringing the Minority Forum into the various regions so those minorities and NGOs who can not afford to travel to Geneva (and we know that only very few actually can) will be able to contribute to the Forum’s deliberations in their respective localities. It would also be desirable to extend the 2 days into a longer session so more people can take the floor and the discussions can go deeper and more into the heart of important minority issues and the recommendations that emanate from this Forum. At the end, all I have left to say is to thank you for all your active participation and support, not only during this 9th session but during my tenure as mandate holder. I was truly privileged to serve in my capacity as Special Rapporteur to guide this Forum. I trust that you will grant my successor the same respect and spirit of cooperation that you so graciously extended to me. Thank you.