Canada Thank you Madame Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates. Canada welcomes the opportunity to participate in this forum. As a multicultural and multi-ethnic society, Canada recognizes that the strength of our country lies in its diversity and that minority communities are central to our economic prosperity, cultural richness and democratic vitality. The contributions from Canada's diverse communities span every sphere, from entrepreneurship and innovation, to arts and culture, to public service and political life. But recognizing these contributions requires more than an acknowledgement. It demands action. This is why Canada has policies that promote inclusion and equity. Canada's Multiculturalism Act affirms the value of diversity as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian society. Targeted programs in education, employment, and civic participation aim to remove barriers and ensure that minorities can thrive and lead. Based on our national experience, Canada would encourage others to promote equitable economic participation by ensuring that the benefits and opportunities of trade and investment are more widely and equitably shared at all levels of society. For example, in addition to the support provided to Indigenous peoples, our Trade Commissioner Services Export Support Programs offer tailored assistance to businesses owned by women, Black, and other racialized peoples, as well as members of the LGBTQI +community. Canada affirms our commitment to advancing these priorities, believing that recognizing and amplifying the contributions of minority communities is not only the right thing to do, but is also a foundation for resilient, peaceful, and sustainable societies. I thank you. .