By bringing together different actors from within and outside of the United Nations system, the Forum has proven essential in providing valuable guidance not only to the work of the Independent Expert on minority issues but also to actors at international, regional and national levels. Such exchange of inspiring experiences can and will indeed assist Governments, political actors, the judiciary, social partners, minority groups and civil society in their efforts to promote equality by replicating or adapting practices to local conditions anywhere in the world. This gathering is a reminder of the need to continue our work towards greater minority women empowerment and building on the progress achieved so far. I urge every single one of you to take full advantage of this unique Forum where, while we will hear about remaining challenges and obstacles faced by some minority women in their daily lives, we shall also—and I wish to emphasise this—hear about positive measures that have proven successful towards improving the situation of some minority women. Finally, I want to call on all participants to adopt and to keep a positive, human rights based approach to the issues that will be discussed during the next two days. Let us not forget about the work that still has to be done for equality to become a reality for every minority woman and girls, but, at the same time, let us be inspired in this endeavour by the success stories that we will be privileged to hear and to share today. It is an honour to Chair this fourth session of the Forum on Minority Issues and I’m sincerely looking forward to our constructive, respectful, inspired and indeed positive discussion.