Remarks at a High-Level Event on: ‘‘The Role of education to address the root causes of hate speech and advance inclusion, non-discrimination, and peace’’

Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly

17 June 2022

Excellencies, friends,

I am honored to participate in this High-Level Event on the role of education to address the root causes of hate speech and advance inclusion, non-discrimination, and peace.

I commend the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, for organizing this event today.

And I look forward to officially commemorating the first International Day for Countering Hate Speech through the high-level meeting of the General Assembly, to be held on the 20^th of June. There, we will have an opportunity to galvanize political strategies to identify and counter hate-speech at the national and global levels.

My friends,

Hate speech has insidious effects that go beyond words.

It erodes human rights.

It emboldens the forces of discrimination and hate.

It runs counter to our efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.

We have a collective responsibility to address hate speech in every form, and to combat its ripple effects, which could further marginalize and endanger already vulnerable communities.

Yes, legislation and policy are important. But education is the most powerful tool at our disposal.

It is what will teach our communities to value differences and diversity;

what will make our communities more resilient to malicious disinformation;

And what will help us raise a new generation keen to leave behind all the ugly legacies of prejudice – from sexism to racism to discrimination.

I commend Member States and the UN system for supporting awareness raising and programs targeting hate-speech.

We have a responsibility to invest in education – and to equip learners with the multi-disciplinary knowledge and critical thinking skills that will make them compassionate and socially responsible citizens.  Citizens who will have the knowledge and sense of responsibility to counter hate-speech, both offline and online.

As our world becomes more technologically connected and increasingly digital, it is especially important to counter the proliferation of online hate-speech and to teach our children to take responsibility for their behavior online.

I hope the discussions in this regard prove to be both robust and insightful. And I hope that through these conversations, we will be better equipped to harness the power of education, and to make our communities more tolerant and inclusive.

I wish you a successful event, and I look forward to welcoming you at the commemorative High-Level Meeting on Monday.

Thank you.