International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2026; June 18th.

FORUM:"The power of partnerships in countering speech"  UN International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2026. On 21 July 2021, the General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/75/309 on “Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech.” This resolution, that was presented to Member States by the Kingdom of Morocco, and which builds up on the first-ever resolution on hate speech A/RES/73/328, marked an important milestone in advancing global efforts to address and counter hate speech in all its forms and manifestations, including in the digital context. The resolution proclaims 18 June as the ‘International Day for Countering Hate Speech to be observed annually. The first International Day was marked in 2022. In follow up to resolution A/RES/73/328, at the initiative of the Kingdom of Morocco, the General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/77/318 in 2023 which acknowledges the negative impact of hate speech on human rights, peace and inclusion. The resolution further calls on all key actors and relevant stakeholders, particularly Member States, to increase their efforts to counter discrimination and hate speech. Within the UN system, tackling hate speech remains a key priority through the implementation of the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech. Subsequently, General Assembly resolution A/RES/79/316 adopted in June 2025 “encourages Member States to consider […] initiatives that identify areas for practical action in all sectors and levels of society for the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, tolerance, understanding and cooperation” as a tool to counter hate speech. The UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech underscores the importance of partnerships in the fight against hate speech. Indeed, as hate speech affects the whole society, a whole-of-society approach is necessary to address this phenomenon. Relatedly, the UN Strategy stresses the need to raise awareness about respect for human rights, non-discrimination, coexistence, acceptance and respect for diversity and understanding of other cultures and religions, as well as the promotion of intercultural, interfaith and interreligious dialogue. It urges for the use of advocacy to highlight hate speech trends of concern as well as to express sympathy and support to targeted individuals or groups. This is most resonant in the current context of rising conflicts globally, both in their frequency and intensity as well as in the ways in which hate speech is used to fuel them. Unlike any other time in our history, we are witnessing these conflicts and trends in real-time, livestreamed across different platforms – the average. individual, and society as a whole, have never had access to more information than today, but they have also never been more saturated with it. Whilst increased access to information should lead to more awareness and action, the speed with which new and emerging technologies are disseminating them, coupled with the proliferation and virality of hate speech, misinformation and disinformation, have led to a concerning decrease in empathy for their tragic consequences. To protect all those at risk of hate speech, which can lead to incitement to violence, and to prevent hate speech becoming a normalized tool of power and influence, there is an urgent need to further strengthen practical approaches and tools, and scalable strategies to break the cycles of hate, elevate empathy, and acceptance , and respect for diversity as critical pillars in any society and reinforce the foundations of dialogue and understanding as instrumental to building peaceful and just societies. These practical approaches entail policies, new technologies and innovative partnerships to advance and sustain efforts to not only address the root causes of hate speech but also mitigate its impact on societies and communities and to counter it. They consider the intersection of education, media, digital literacy, monitoring, data collection and identification of access points for interventions. In the current international landscape, partnerships also remain essential in designing and implementing these practical tools and approaches for countering hate speech and other noxious narratives and contribute to a healthy information ecosystem. Follow the conversation with the #HateSpeech, #18june, #NotoHate, #hatred, #hate, #CounteringHateSpeech. #Thepowerofpartnerships

EVENT: On June 18th, from 10:00 - 12:00 EDT in the Conference Room 4 at the United Nations, New York, a High-level event to mark the 5th International Day for Countering Hate Speech focused on partnerships and coalition building, with emphasis on practical approaches and tools for countering hate speech.This year marks the 5th International Day for Countering Hate Speech. To commemorate it, the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco, jointly with the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, is organizing the annual High-Level Event. The objective are to - Showcase the work of various actors in countering hate speech. - To Stress the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach in combating hateful narratives and to Discuss good practices and lessons learned in countering hate speech. Read the concept note, Register to participate and Watch the international Day for Countering Hate Speech 2026 "The power of partnerships in countering speech".

PROVISIONAL AGENDA. From10.00 – 10:40 AM – Opening and high-level segment • Annalena Barboek, President of the General Assembly TBC • Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General TBC• Amb. Omar Hilale, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations (confirmed) • USG Chaloka Beyani, Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide (confirmed) • USG Moratinos, High Representative of the Alliance of Civilizations • Melissa Fleming, USG, Department of Global Communications. From 10.40- 11.30: Practical approaches to protecting our shared humanity from hate speech • Mr. Tristan Harris, Center for Humane Technology, CEO and Founder (TBC) • Maria Ressa, Independent International Scientific Panel on AI Chair (TBC) • Ahmed Shaheed, Professor of International Human Rights Law in the School of Law and Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex • One religious actor from the UN Muli-faith Advisory Council. From 11:30- 12.30: Member States’ Statements from the floor Moderated by: KoM PR; Starting at 12:30 Closing remarks by Kingdom of Morocco and SA OSAPOG

Livestream time: 02:43:29.
Meetings & Events

International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2025; June 18th.

FORUM: "Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence nexus: Building coalitions to reclaim inclusive and safe spaces free of hatred." International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2025. The focus of today's  overall discussion will be on hate speech and artificial intelligence nexus building coalitions to reclaim inclusive and safe spaces. Technology can also make an important contribution to limiting hate speech. Artificial intelligence is already being used successfully in social networks to detect harmful content and take preventative measures. AI-based systems for detecting hate speech have been in use for a long time and have already achieved high success rates in other areas, such as fraud detection in the financial sector. These technologies not only help to identify potentially harmful content, but also offer the opportunity to take preventative action before words turn into actions. Hate speech does not have to be simply accepted or endured by those affected or bystanders. Various strategies exist for dealing with or responding to hate speech. Each of these counter-strategies has its advantages and disadvantages, and individuals should decide for themselves which approach is most helpful. In addition to options like ignoring, deleting, or reporting hate comments, countering them objectively, or blocking haters, an important strategy is utilizing support services. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #InternationalDayforCounteringhatespeech, #hatespeech, #18June, #notohate,

EVENTS: On June 18th, several high-level events  and side-event to mark the 4th International Day for Countering Hate Speech. at the UNHQ. The events will figure experts and practitioners in the field of coalition-building on countering hate speech who will present lessons learned and best practices. It will include speakers from the United Nations, tech and social media companies, community-based organizations and academia. To mark it, the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco, jointly with the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, the Human Rights Center of the University of Essex and the Garden or the Righteous Worldwide will join the observance. Read the Concept Note!

Side Event entitled ''Leveraging Football to Counter Antisemitism and Promote Holocaust Remembrance''.

Join the World Jewish Congress, the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations, and the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention for a special event highlighting the role of sport in the fight against antisemitism and preserving Holocaust memory. Sport has the extraordinary power to bring people together across borders, cultures, and communities. This is especially true in the world of football, where clubs often serve as symbols of hope, unity, and social change. This gathering will spotlight Borussia Dortmund (BVB), one of Europe's leading football clubs, which has taken bold and proactive steps to combat hate, build bridges, and preserve historical memory both at home and abroad. Through firsthand testimonials and engaging discussion, we will explore how BVB's initiatives have made a meaningful impact—and how the global football community can follow their lead.

High-level Events (Part 1) International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2025: Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence nexus: Building coalitions to reclaim inclusive and safe spaces free of hatred.

Event on the occasion of the International day of Countering Hate Speech entitled "Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence nexus: Building coalitions to reclaim inclusive and safe spaces free of hatred"

High-level Event (Part 2) International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2025: Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence nexus: Building coalitions to reclaim inclusive and safe spaces free of hatred.

International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2024; June 18th.

FORUM: "Investing in the power of youth for countering and addresing hate speech." International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2024. Empowering youth to combat hate speech is crucial in today's world, where they are not only the targets but also influential voices in their communities. With 1.2 billion young people globally, their role in recognizing, raising awareness, and countering hateful narratives cannot be overstated. As peers, they have significant sway over each other and can drive meaningful change by speaking out against hate speech. By engaging youth leaders and providing them with the resources and platforms they need, we can harness their energy and creativity to foster more inclusive and tolerant societies. There are numerous examples of successful youth-led initiatives in this regard, showcasing the potential for positive change when young people are empowered to take action against hate speech. The impact of hate speech cuts across numerous UN areas of focus, from protecting human rights and preventing atrocities to sustaining peace, achieving gender equality and supporting children and youth; The 3rd International Day for Countering Hate Speech serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to address this issue. It coincides with the five-year mark since the launch of the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, highlighting the ongoing commitment to this cause. Both online and offline, youth are at the forefront of efforts to combat hate speech. Their innovative approaches and willingness to confront difficult issues make them invaluable agents of change. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #HateSpeech, #18june, #NotoHate, #CounteringHateSpeech.

EVENTS: To observe the International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2024, the United Nations invites governments, international organizations, civil society groups, and individuals to hold events and other initiatives to promote strategies to identify, address and counter hate speech.

At UNHQ - The High-level event to mark the 3rd International Day for Countering Hate Speech will be held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 from 11:00 - 1:00pm EDT (New York time) at the United Nations ECOSOC Chamber in New York. The United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect and the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations will host a high-level event to highlight the importance of investing in the power and voice of youth to counter hate speech. Get the flyer!

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2024; June 18th.


Hate speech is a marker of discrimination, abuse, violence, conflict, and even crimes against humanity. We have seen this play out from Nazi Germany to Rwanda, Bosnia and beyond. There is no acceptable level of hate speech; we must all work to eradicate it completely.

Hate speech today targets a broad range of groups, often based on grounds of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, or political affiliation. Recent months have seen an upsurge in both antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate speech online and in public comments by influential leaders. Hate speech may be used against women, refugees, migrants, gender-diverse and trans people, and minorities. It is massively amplified by the power of digital platforms and tools that enable it to spread across borders and cultures.

States have an obligation under international law to prevent and combat incitement to hatred and to promote diversity, mutual understanding and solidarity. They must step up and implement these commitments, while ensuring that the measures they take preserve freedom of speech and protect minorities and other communities.

The United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech provides a framework to tackle both the causes and impacts of this scourge. And the United Nations is currently preparing Global Principles for Information Integrity to guide decision-makers around these issues.

As young people are often most affected by hate speech, particularly online, young people must be part of the solution. The participation of young people, particularly girls and young women, indigenous youth, young people from minority communities, LGBTIQ youth, and young people with disabilities, is crucial to create public and online spaces free from hate speech.

Governments, local authorities, religious, corporate and community leaders have a duty to invest in measures to promote tolerance, diversity and inclusivity, and to challenge hate speech in all its forms.

As we mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, let us all work to promote human rights education, bring young people into democratic decision-making, and counter intolerance, discrimination, prejudice and stereotypes, wherever they are found.

United Nations Secretary-General.

Sustainable Gastronomy Day 2023; June 18th.

FORUM: “Make Molecular Gastronomy accessible to everyone.“ Sustainable Gastronomy Day 2023. Gastronomy is the culture of food production, preparation, selection, service and appreciation. This includes the End-To-End Culture of Food from cultivation of ingredients to the consumption of a social meal. Thousands of professional chefs and amateur cooks will introduce their culinary arts during the the observance of the day. The chiefs will provide cooks with detailed and proven recipes, tips and techniques to get the best results, affordable ways of acquiring or substituting molecular gastronomy equipment and ingredients to inspire the creativity of the participants. Follow the conversation with the hashtags, #Recipes, #MolecularGastronomy, #sustainablegastronomy, #18june.

EVENTS: The global celebration of the Sustainable Gastronomy Day 2023 will be held at the U.N. Delegates Dining Room of the UNHQ on 18 June. To facilitate the observance, the United Nations General Assembly, the FAO, the UNESCO in collaboration with Member States, United Nations organizations, International and regional bodies, as well as civil society and individuals, are invited to observe the Day by raising public awareness of Sustainable Gastronomy contribution to sustainable development.

PUBLICATIONS: Molecular Gastronomy: A New Emerging Scientific Discipline - In this review we bring together the many strands of chemistry that have been and are increasingly being used in the kitchen to provide a sound basis for further developments in the area. We also attempt throughout to show using relevant illustrative examples on how knowledge and understanding of chemistry can be applied to good effect in the domestic and restaurant kitchen. Our basic premise is that the application of chemical and physical techniques in some restaurant kitchens to produce novel textures and flavor combinations has not only revolutionized the restaurant experience but also led to new enjoyment and appreciation of food. American Chemical Society (ACS).

International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2023; June 18th.

FORUM: "Hate speech: Turning the tide." International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2023.

Hatred, conspiracy theories and prejudice infiltrate our societies and affect all of us. We are flooded by information - and disinformation - more than ever before both on- and offline. But no one is born to hate. Hate is learned and can be unlearned. Education for all is the foundation. Learning to think critically about what we see and hear, create and share is essential. Providing learners with media and information literacy skills to challenge those who promote hatred. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #HateSpeech, #18june, #NotoHate, #CounteringHateSpeech.

Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2023; June 18th.

Hate speech is used to stoke fear and division, often for political gain, and at immense cost to communities and societies. It incites violence, exacerbates tensions, and impedes efforts to foster mediation and dialogue. It is one of the warning signs of genocide and other atrocity crimes.

Hate speech is often aimed at vulnerable groups, reinforcing discrimination, stigma and marginalization. Minorities, women, refugees, migrants, and people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity are frequent targets. Social media platforms can amplify and spread hate speech at lightning speed.

Misguided and ambiguous responses to hate speech – including blanket bans and internet shutdowns – may also violate human rights by restricting freedom of speech and expression. They may even silence some of those best placed to counter hateful narratives: human rights defenders and journalists.

But we are far from powerless in the face of hate speech. We can and must raise awareness about its dangers, and work to prevent and end it in all its forms.

The United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech is our comprehensive framework for tackling the causes and impacts of hate speech, in line with international human rights standards.

Our offices and teams around the world are confronting hate speech by implementing local action plans, based on this strategy.

Education initiatives, positive speech campaigns, research to understand and address root causes, and efforts to promote inclusion and equal rights all have an important role. Religious, community and business leaders can all play their part.

The United Nations is consulting governments, technology companies and others on a voluntary Code of Conduct for information integrity on digital platforms, aimed at reducing the spread of mis- and disinformation and hate speech, while protecting freedom of expression.

As we mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, let us renew our efforts to prevent and end this toxic and destructive phenomenon, while promoting inclusive, just and peaceful communities and societies and protecting the rights and dignity of all.

U.N. Secretary-General.

Statement from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2023; June 18th.


The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called on everyone to work together to build a more respectful and civil world, and for effective action to end hate speech, ahead of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech on 18 June.

“We know that the spread of hate is used by those who want to sow divisions, to scapegoat and to distract from real issues. Social media is a remarkably fertile ground for hate speech, providing it with both unprecedented reach and speed. And hate breeds bigotry, discrimination and incitement to violence,” said Türk.

“What must be done? There is no silver bullet, no switch to flip that will rid our world of hate, online or offline. But with targeted and well-resourced measures, we can succeed in limiting its spread, isolating and holding accountable hate-mongerers, and building greater respect.”

Globally, the spread of hate speech-related laws being misused against journalists and human rights defenders is almost as viral as the spread of hate speech itself, the UN Human Rights Chief said. Broad laws – that license States to censor speech they find uncomfortable and to threaten or detain those who question Government policy or criticize officials – violate rights and endanger essential public debate.

Rather than criminalizing protected speech, we need States and companies to take urgent steps to address incitement to hatred and violence, Türk said.

The High Commissioner called for multifaceted and well-resourced efforts, including:Ratcheting up investment in efforts to combat hate speech in languages other than English, and detecting and pivoting greater attention and investment to fragile contexts, or where early warning signs demand;

• Listening to those most affected by hate speech, and providing better channels for them to raise concerns and get prompt action;
• Holding companies responsible for what they are – and are not – doing to respect human rights, including by requiring human rights due diligence with regard to their operations and increasing transparency around hate speech policies and practices;
• Empowering expanded research into how to effectively combat hate speech through greater transparency, including by open or affordable API access;
• Providing support to those whose mental and physical health are seriously affected by incitement to hatred and violence, particularly the well-documented harms caused to women and girls by gender-based hate; 
• Investing in digital and media literacy programmes, human rights education, and supporting mechanisms to provide independent fact-checking with the participation of journalists and civil society.

“More also needs to be done to address mega-spreaders – those officials and influencers whose voices have profound impact and whose examples inspire thousands of others,” Türk said. “We must build networks and amplify voices that can cut through the hate.”

The United Nations Human Rights Office’s “Faith for Rights” framework is one such effort. It engages religious leaders in an effort to respond to hatred and incitement of violence, as it did for example in Cyprus where calls for religious freedom, coexistence and peace followed cases of vandalism at places of worship.

Mr Volker Türk; United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.  

EVENTS: In-person events, Hybrid events and Webinars will be organized to mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2023.

High-level event to mark the 2nd International Day for Countering Hate Speech.
Date: Monday, 19 June 2023
Time: 11:00 - 1:00pm EDT (New York time)
Place: Trusteeship Council • United Nations, New York

The United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect and the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations will host a high-level event to mark the 2nd International Day for Countering Hate Speech, showcasing champions of good practices on tackling hate speech from across the world. Flyer invite with full details 

Regional Launch of Addressing hate speech through education: a guide for policy-makers.

Date: Tuesday, 20 June 2023
Time: 9am – 12:35pm
Place: Kathmandu, Nepal, hybrid

Online and offline, hate speech hurts, divides and affects communities worldwide. Is there a way to address its growing prevalence globally? And to what extent should preventive approaches be adapted regionally? Learn more about the event and watch live event on facebook!

CAMPAIGN: Join the Campaign!

"Nobody should ever be targeted based on their religion, sexual identity, race, ethnicity or ancestry, disability, gender or gender identity, or religion." 

International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2022; June 18th.

FORUM: "FIGHTING HATE SPEECH: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES". International Day on Countering Hate Speech 2022

                     

In May 2019, the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech was launched highlighting that a disturbing groundswell of xenophobia, racism and intolerance is being observed around the world. Social media and other forms of communication are being exploited as platforms for bigotry. Public discourse is being weaponized for political gain with incendiary rhetoric that stigmatizes and dehumanizes minorities, migrants, refugees, women and any so-called “other”.

Hate speech is a menace to democratic values, social stability and peace. As a matter of principle, hate speech must be confronted at every turn and be tackled in order to prevent armed conflict, atrocity crimes and terrorism, end violence against women and other serious violations of human rights, and promote peaceful, inclusive and just societies.

The Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief addressed increasing limitations on freedom of expression related to religion or belief that take the form of anti hate speech laws, read the 2019 report (A/HRC/40/58).

EVENTS "NO TO HATE." International Day to Counter Hate Spech 2022

Hate speech and incitement to hatred or violence. Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief

Violence in “the name of religion” is often manifested through targeted attacks on individuals or communities, acts of extremism or terrorism, communal violence, State repression, discriminative policies or legislation and other types of embedded structural violence. Incidents involving hate speech, negative stereotyping, and advocacy of religious or national hatred have resulted in killings of innocent people, attacks on places of worship and calls for reprisals. Such violence also disproportionately targets religious dissidents, members of religious minorities, converts or non-believers.

The UN Rabat Plan of Action stresses the collective responsibility of public officials, religious and community leaders, the media and individuals, and the need to nurture social consciousness, tolerance, mutual respect, and intercultural dialogue to prevent incitement to hatred.

Read the Special Rapporteur’s reports on violence committed “in the name of religion” (A/HRC/28/66) and on the need to tackle manifestations of collective religious hatred (A/HRC/25/58).

Sustainable Gastronomy Day 2021; June 18th

 FORUM: “Be adventurous in your tastes, local in your choices” Sustainable Gastronomy Day 2021.

Every year, June 18 marks Sustainable Gastronomy Day. This begs the questions: 1) What in the world is sustainable gastronomy? 2) Why is it important enough to have a “day” dedicated to it? and 3) Even so, why should I care?

What can I do?

As overweight and obesity rates soar worldwide, it is that much more important to ensure that healthy and sustainable diets are available and affordable to everyone. We can all take action to achieve healthy diets and a Zero Hunger world by 2030.

1. Support your farmers: Go to local food markets. By buying from small producers or family farmers, you are supporting their livelihoods and strengthening communities.

2. Try local foods in your travels: whether trying types of fish you have never heard of or fruits that you have never seen before, eating local products helps to give you a better insight into the culture of a place and supports local economies.

3. Keep culinary traditions alive! Culinary traditions are generally sustainable by nature and remind us of our ancestral roots. Try cooking recipes that use ingredients native to your region. Pulses, for example, are easy to grow and extremely nutritious.

4. Avoid food waste: While cooking, and even after your meal, be conscious to use all of your ingredients wisely and to save your leftovers. Being careful about portion size, expiration dates and reuse of meals is one of the easiest ways to save natural resources.

Full of flavour, more nutrients, support the local

CAMPAIGN : The Power of Nutrition.

Sustainable gastronomy means cuisine that takes into account where the ingredients are from, how the food is grown and how it gets to our markets and eventually to our plates. By eating local food, we are supporting the cause of Sustainable Gastronomy.