stereotypes, fostering recognition of their significant contributions to society. The President recalled that the Council has taken significant action to ensure that minority issues and minority rights remain firmly on the Council’s agenda, including annual discussions on progress promoting the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to Minorities, the extension of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on minority issues, and the establishment of the Forum on minority issues. He encouraged participants to engage actively over the two days, contributing to shape and strengthen recommendations that advance the promotion and protection of minority rights. The High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Volker Türk emphasized the fundamental role of diversity in enriching life, comparing it to biodiversity, which strengthens ecosystems and sustains human existence. He noted that diversity fosters progress in science, art, and society, while homogeneity leads to stagnation. Minorities, integral to this diversity, must be protected, a mission the United Nations Forum on Minority Issues has championed for 17 years. He underlined that the Forum focuses on essential questions: how minorities are represented, who tells their stories, and how societies can give them a voice. The High Commissioner highlighted the dangers of denying minorities representation, which leads to invisibility, prevents them from participating in society, perpetuates stereotypes, fuels prejudice, and incites hostility. He condemned scapegoating minorities as counterproductive and part of the politics of distraction, stressing that minority rights are human rights and that we must listen to persons belonging to minorities. The High Commissioner urged States to ensure minority groups’ effective participation in public spaces and their fair representation. He called on traditional and social media platforms to enable minorities to share their stories while prioritizing human rights and combating hate speech. He emphasized that inclusive societies are more vibrant and creative, diverse economies are more prosperous and resilient, and States that protect the rights of minorities are more peaceful and stable. Protecting minority rights benefits everyone. To conclude, the High Commissioner urged participants to maximize the Forum’s potential and lead the way towards more inclusive, just, and equal societies. The Special Rapporteur on minority issues Prof. Nicolas Levrat expressed gratitude to the Chair, Ms. Anastasia Crickley, for accepting the challenging role on short notice. He also acknowledged the President of the Human Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for their support. With 790 registered participants this year, the highest ever, he praised the Forum’s role in engaging diverse voices while lamenting the limited time for comprehensive discussions and the unmet demand for an extended or permanent Forum. He highlighted the alarming global rollback of human rights, emphasizing the increased vulnerabilities of persons belonging to minorities, who often face discrimination and scapegoating during such crises. Against this grim backdrop, he noted that the Forum’s focus on “Minority representation and self-representation in public spaces and discourses” was framed as essential for shaping perceptions that guide actions and policies. The Special Rapporteur stressed that fair representation is crucial, encompassing both state-driven equitable measures and strengthened self-representation of minorities to counter 3