The Secretary-General has called for collective action to confront the threat.

“Hate speech is poison in the well of society,” Guterres said in his official message for 2025. “It has paved the way for violence and atrocity during the darkest chapters of human history.”

Guterres stressed that ethnic and religious minorities are often the primary targets of hate speech, facing daily discrimination, exclusion and violence. He pointed to the rapid spread of toxic content through biased algorithms and unregulated digital platforms, which now serve as powerful vectors for harassment and abuse.

This year’s observance focuses on the role of artificial intelligence in shaping public discourse, highlighting how hate now “travels faster and farther than ever.” The Secretary-General underscored the need for urgent, co-ordinated responses to these challenges.

He cited the Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, as a turning point in strengthening international cooperation to combat online hate, firmly grounded in human rights and the rule of law. He also referenced the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, and the Global Principles for Information Integrity, which he launched last year, as crucial frameworks for addressing this issue.

“To drown out the voices of hate, we need partnerships at every level,” Guterres said. “Among governments, civil society, private companies, and religious and community leaders.”

He called for empowering individuals to identify and reject hateful narratives and to promote positive messaging rooted in mutual respect and peace. Importantly, he also challenged the world to harness AI for good rather than division.

“As we mark this day, June 18, let us commit to using Artificial Intelligence not as a tool of hate, but as a force for good,” said the Secretary-General. “Let us stand united in the pursuit of peace, mutual respect, and understanding for all.”

--UN/ChannelAfrica--