How? By creating an online global platform that would allow civil society organizations
to connect, to be informed about existing initiatives, and ultimately to create
opportunities to build solidarity so that we can avoid working in silos.
2) Reform requires Innovation. Julian, Viola,Cristina, Istvan all had to be innovative to fill in
the gaps that left them behind.
This leads me to my second recommendation: Innovate
As we heard yesterday, because of the barriers that exist, not everyone has the
opportunity to enter this room and engage with the different UN mechanisms as they
are not always accessible. Many people here today had to resort to innovation to be in
this room, but it is not up to them to do so. It is up to us collectively.
How? To member states, by contributing to the voluntary fund on minorities which
would give an opportunity to organizations and individuals with limited means to attend
the forum and it allow for initiatives such as the minority fellowship programme and the
regional forums to continue, to flourish and to expand.
How? To the UN By creating a dialogue series which would take place online 4 times a
year and would bring government officials, donors, civil society organizations and
business leaders together to discuss issues, commit to implementing solutions and
monitor progress.
3) It took a lot of courage for the people here today to stand up, to testify and share their
lived and personal experiences. It required courage and vulnerability. I want to
challenge our colleagues from the private sector to to have the same courage to come
to this room to see the people standing up, to listen to the stories being told and
contribute to changing their ending.
How? By binging the Business and Human rights Forum and the minority forums
together for a joint discussion.
In other words,
Build solidarity rather than competition
Innovative rather than repeat
Chose courage over comfort