UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that hate speech is increasingly exploiting new technologies, allowing harmful messages to spread rapidly and influence societies around the world.
Speaking at a UN event focused on intercultural dialogue and countering hate speech, Guterres said modern technologies, including digital platforms, algorithms and artificial intelligence, are creating new channels for hateful rhetoric.
He warned that such rhetoric can weaken public trust, deepen divisions and contribute to the dehumanization of communities and groups across different regions.
Guterres called for stronger international efforts to confront hate speech and urged people around the world to reject hatred collectively. He said responses should address both the underlying causes of hate speech and its consequences while being based on equality and respect.
The UN chief also stressed that efforts to control hate speech should not eliminate freedom of expression. However, he said freedom of expression should not be used to justify actions that cause or increase harm.
UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman supported the call for greater international cooperation. He said hate speech often develops from fear, misunderstanding and limited interaction among people from different religious, cultural and social backgrounds.
Rahman said dialogue and tolerance can help address the underlying causes of prejudice, misinformation and hostility while rebuilding trust between communities.
He added that restoring trust remains a central part of his vision for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE