stigmatization and promote their contributions to society. Representation in public spaces, education, media, and arts and culture was underscored as vital to fostering recognition of minorities as integral to cohesive, diverse societies. He called for a dual approach: on the one hand, States must ensure that persons belonging to minority groups enjoy equal rights; on the other hand, the portrayal of minorities in public spaces and discourses is indispensable for acknowledging the positive contribution of minorities to society as a whole. Drawing on the self-representation of minorities, he argued, would ensure respect and combat racism, stigmatization and inferiorization. The Special Rapporteur urged participants to provide clear, actionable recommendations to the Human Rights Council. While acknowledging the Forum’s role as a platform for all minority voices to be heard at the UN, he stressed the importance of balancing this with producing impactful recommendations to strengthen the Forum’s relevance within the UN human rights framework. Opening the Forum, the Chair of the seventeenth session of the UN Forum on Minority Issues Ms. Anastasia Crickley said that it was her privileges to be in the role and to hear the perspective of people from around the world on the challenging issues facing minorities and those who seek to progress their rights as articulated in UN treaties, national laws and regional and multi-lateral arrangements. She emphasized that the commitment to aligning the human rights agenda with minority protection is a foundational principle of the UN, referencing the foundational role of the 1992 UN Declaration. She noted the Forum’s crucial role, supported by the work of the Special Rapporteurs on minority issues, in promoting respect for minorities in all their diversities, which means respect for all and ultimately benefits all. Ms. Crickley underlined that the Forum sets out a dialogue where minorities can articulate how they want to be portrayed and to have their rights articulated and realised. While there are no simplistic solutions, progress can be achieved through practical actions grounded in human rights principles which UN member states should also adopt nationally. She highlighted the importance of intersectionality, especially regarding women, and stressed that access, participation, and representation must lead to targeted outcomes, enduring policies, and explicit inclusion of minority rights. Achieving this demands political will at all levels, including within the UN. A holistic approach is essential, involving minorities in at all levels in decision-making processes, supported by effective community development, clear targets, and timelines. While acknowledging the challenges, Ms. Crickley expressed optimism for the Forum’s discussions on this year’s theme, "Minority Representation and Self-Representation in Public Spaces and Discourses". To conclude, she drew attention on practical matters regarding the smooth running of the Forum. 4