UNESCO Representative: Combating Hate Speech Requires Sustained Collective Action
UNESCO Representative: Combating Hate Speech Requires Sustained Collective Action
Kassala – Hadiya Sabah Al-Khair
Junaid Soroush Wali, Director of the UNESCO Office in Sudan, stressed that combating hate speech, misinformation and polarization is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated action by government institutions, education and media organizations, cultural institutions, local communities and civil society.
He made the remarks during an event in Kassala marking the launch of a campaign aimed at promoting dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence, attended by representatives of the Kassala State Government, educational, cultural and media institutions, as well as teachers, journalists and development partners.
Wali expressed his appreciation to the Kassala State Government, national institutions, media organizations and partners for their cooperation in launching the initiative. He emphasized that the next phase should focus on sustaining joint efforts and ensuring that the campaign’s messages continue to reach communities.
Understanding the Roots of Hate Speech
Wali said Sudan is facing complex challenges associated with hate speech, misinformation and polarization, warning that such phenomena can deepen social divisions at a time when communities need dialogue, trust and unity more than ever.
He explained that addressing hate speech goes beyond responding to harmful language or misinformation. It requires a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to its emergence, the concerns affecting communities, and the impact of crises on different groups.
He stressed the importance of awareness, listening and dialogue, as well as creating spaces where people can meet, communicate and understand one another.
Refugees and Host Communities
The UNESCO representative highlighted the importance of listening to refugees and learning from their experiences, while working together with host communities to identify solutions that respond to the realities and needs of Kassala and its diverse population.
He noted that meaningful community engagement can help ensure that local needs and experiences are reflected in responses to social challenges, reducing the risk that crises become drivers of division and polarization.
Education, Media and Culture
Wali emphasized that efforts to counter hate speech must continue in schools, communities, media institutions and cultural spaces.
He noted that education extends beyond academic knowledge and can play an important role in developing values and skills that enable young people to respect others, coexist peacefully and participate positively in society.
He also underscored the importance of responsible journalism and media and information literacy in helping people access reliable information and respond critically to misinformation and divisive narratives.
The telecommunications sector, he added, can help expand the reach of awareness messages and make information and communication available in different languages, allowing the campaign to reach broader segments of society.
Cultural Diversity as an Asset for Peace
Wali highlighted Sudan’s cultural and linguistic diversity and its rich traditions as valuable assets for society.
He said music, storytelling, art and community activities can create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to interact, celebrate diversity and strengthen social cohesion.
Protecting cultural diversity, he noted, is an important component of peacebuilding, while encouraging communities to share their cultures and learn about those of others can promote mutual respect and create new spaces for dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
The Campaign Must Continue Beyond Its Launch
Wali stressed that the launch of the campaign should be viewed as the beginning of a sustained process rather than the conclusion of a single event.
He called for continued dissemination of awareness messages through schools, media institutions and communities.
As part of its partnership with Sudan National Television and Kassala Radio, UNESCO will continue supporting the dissemination of these messages to communities, helping sustain efforts to counter hate speech and promote dialogue and social cohesion.
Wali expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of the National Commission, media organizations and partners, reaffirming UNESCO’s commitment to continuing its partnership in support of dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence through education, media, culture and community engagement.
He concluded by stressing that combating hate speech is a collective and sustained effort that requires listening to communities, strengthening communication among them, investing in education, media and culture, and transforming Sudan’s cultural and linguistic diversity into an opportunity for dialogue, mutual understanding and peacebuilding.
The post UNESCO Representative: Combating Hate Speech Requires Sustained Collective Action UNESCO Representative: Combating Hate Speech Requires Sustained Collective Action Kassala – Hadiya Sabah first appeared on مسار ميديا.