The initiative underscores the pivotal role of educators in shaping societies that value tolerance and peace and addressing hate speech that is exacerbated by social media.
The initiative underscores the pivotal role of educators in shaping societies that value tolerance and peace and addressing hate speech that is exacerbated by social media.
UNESCO has stepped forward with a comprehensive initiative to combat the global challenge of discrimination through education. This initiative, unfolding in various forms throughout 2024, underscores the critical role of education and educators in fostering societies that uphold human dignity, peace, and the values of tolerance and respect.
At the heart of this initiative is the recognition of educators as frontline defenders against hate speech. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced the ambitious project of a one-day online training session for thousands of teachers globally, for Jan. 24. This session aimed to equip educators with the skills to identify, address, and prevent hate speech.
High-level meeting
Coinciding with the teachers’ training, a high-level meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York is taking place. This gathering of ministers, education leaders, and educators will discuss the central role of education in achieving sustainable global peace. This follows the adoption of a new recommendation by UNESCO’s 194 member states offering a global framework for addressing hate speech through education.
Recent studies have highlighted the urgency of this initiative. A UNESCO/IPSOS survey found that 67 percent of internet users encountered online hate speech, with 85 percent expressing concern over its societal impact. In response, UNESCO has revised its Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development, offering a blueprint for education systems and policies to foster peace and human development.
Three-pronged approach
In June 2023, UNESCO unveiled the “Addressing Hate Speech through Education” guide in Kathmandu, Nepal. This guide provides a three-pronged approach – understanding, acting, and teaching – to address hate speech. It aims to help educators and policymakers incorporate strategies against hate speech into curricula at various educational levels.
The launch event in Kathmandu brought together prominent educators and activists to discuss the roots and regional prevalence of hate speech. Notable attendees included Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal. The event offered rich insights and marked a significant step in UNESCO’s global fight against hate speech.
Unified global effort
As UNESCO spearheads these initiatives, the message is clear: education is the most potent weapon against the scourge of hate speech.
By empowering educators, revising educational frameworks, and fostering global dialogue, UNESCO is not just addressing a symptom but is attacking the root causes of hate speech. This comprehensive approach symbolizes a beacon of hope and a call to action for nations worldwide to join hands in this critical battle.
The Eduverse Summit 2024, with its focus on higher education and global educational challenges, aligns closely with UNESCO’s objectives. As an avant-garde series of multi-country summits, Eduverse Summit provides an ideal platform for furthering these discussions and actions, underscoring the indispensable role of education in building a more tolerant, respectful, and peaceful world.
