International Day of Education: Why learning for peace matters

Hate speech fuels prejudice and discrimination and can enable and normalize violence. It is a threat on the principles of inclusion, diversity, and human rights. Hate speech can inflict personal harm and incite group-targeted violence. Its recent global escalation, amplified by the use of social media and exacerbated by new and protracted crises in different regions, severely impacts the safety and security of communities around the world. A recent UNESCO/IPSOS survey conducted in 16 countries revealed that 67% of internet users reported had encountered online hate speech and that 85% were concerned about the impact and influence of disinformation on their fellow citizens, viewing it as a real threat which can destabilize societies. 

Education offers multiple opportunities to address the root causes of hate speech and sensitize learners of all ages to its forms and consequences online and offline. This includes equipping learners with the skills to recognize and respond to hate and injustice, preparing them to respect the value of diversity and human rights, and teaching them to recognize the difference between hate speech and freedom of expression. In 2023 UNESCO published the guide “Addressing hate speech through education” to help decision-makers strengthen their public policies in this area.

On 24 January, UNESCO and the Group of Friends for Education and Lifelong Learning are organizing a high-level panel and dialogue at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The event will mobilize Member States, UN agencies and programmes, UN-affiliated NGOs committed to education for peace, teachers and other education stakeholders and young people. Registration to attend the event in-person is available here. The session will be accessible via the UN Web TV (the link to the specific event will be available before the event).

UNESCO will also organize a one-day online training (Master Class) for several thousand teachers from around the world on the deconstruction of hate speech, which will give them the tools to better spot, tackle and prevent hate speech incidents. Registration for this online event is available here.