Item 1: Minority representation in public spaces Participants were invited to analyse how representations of minorities in public spaces reflect and shape national narratives and identities, including in street names, monuments and architecture, symbolically important celebrations and holidays, as well as memorial policies and practices in relation to minorities, and the representation of prominent figures from minority groups. Participants were requested to place specific emphasis on the participation of minorities in decisions relating to such representation and on the incorporation of a gender perspective. Presentations on the topic under discussion were made by the following panellists: Ms. Ildikö Török, Programme Manager, Roma Rights and Citizenship Programme at Tom Lantos Institute; Ms. Ivonne González, Artist and Director of Association Noircir; and Prof. Frédéric Giraut, Professor, UNESCO Chair on Inclusive Toponomy “Naming the World” at the University of Geneva. Ms. Ildikö Török emphasized that Roma, Europe’s largest ethnic minority group, have been integral to European society for centuries but have historically faced slavery, expulsion, and genocide. Today, they continue to endure widespread and systemic discrimination which permeates knowledge-production about the Roma in Europe. Referring to the articles of the UN Declaration on effective participation of minorities and the promotion and protection of their culture, Ms. Török presented a project by Tom Lantos Institute titled "Roma Representation in Public Spaces in Hungary," which was conceptualized and implemented by Roma experts. This initiative documents and promotes public representations of Roma people, such as statues, plaques, and murals. She noted that the project identified 200 public representations across Hungary and found that most focused on Roma music or the Holocaust. Despite this, the Roma community remains underrepresented in public spaces. Ms. Török concluded by advocating for greater participation of persons belonging to minorities in research and knowledge production on issues affecting them. Ms. Ivonne González spoke about the lack of representation for minorities and marginalized groups in Swiss public spaces. She highlighted the absence of public monuments, art, or recognition for national minorities like the Yéniches, a community of 30,000 people. Similarly, non-European Swiss, Black, and Afro-descendant populations, who make up 25% of foreigners, are almost entirely invisible in public spaces. Ms. González underlined that, although Switzerland is composed of people from 180 countries, they are not represented in public spaces and cannot participate in decision-making. She proposed creating federal committees to give minimized communities a voice, partnering with associations, and developing training programs to amplify their contributions. She concluded by emphasizing her dedication as an artist to combating this invisibility through art in the public space and advocacy. 5