thematic priorities, including producing thematic reports and convening seminars and consultations. A key thematic priority in 2006 and 2007 was highlighting the fact that many minorities are failing to benefit from poverty alleviation policies and strategies to achieve the MDGs. In 2007, the Independent Expert also convened an expert consultation focusing on the discriminatory denial or deprivation of citizenship as a tool for excluding national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. In 2008, the Independent Expert worked extensively with UNDP to strengthen its engagement with minorities in development processes. The Forum on Minority Issues In 2007, the Human Rights Council, by resolution 6/15, established the Forum on Minority Issues to provide a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues pertaining to persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. The Forum provides thematic contributions and expertise to the work of the Independent Expert on minority issues; identifies and analyses best practices, challenges, opportunities and initiatives for the further implementation of the United Nations Minorities Declaration. The Independent Expert on minority issues guides the work of the Forum, prepares its annual meetings and includes the thematic recommendations of the Forum in his/her report. The Forum is also expected to contribute to the efforts of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to improve cooperation among United Nations mechanisms, bodies and specialized agencies, funds and programmes on activities related to the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities, including at the regional level.17 The inaugural session of the Forum took place on 15 and 16 December 2008. Its thematic focus was on minorities and the right to education. The participants included representatives of Member States, United Nations mechanisms, bodies and specialized agencies, funds and programmes, intergovernmental organizations, regional organizations and mechanisms in the field of human rights, national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and other national bodies, academics and experts on minority issues, and NGOs. The spotlight was on the views of experts and participants from minority communities. Several experts from each region were invited by OHCHR, for instance because they belonged to a minority group or because of their professional expertise in education, particularly as it relates to the rights and experiences of minorities. The Forum adopted a set of recommendations on the theme, which were included in the annual report of the Independent Expert on minority issues 17 For more information about the Forum, see www.ohchr.org. 22