UAE urges inclusive approach to counter extremism and hate speech

Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar told a UN-linked conference in New York that combating hate must rely on tolerance, interfaith engagement and the empowerment of civic actors, technology firms and youth.

UAE stresses inclusive, multi-stakeholder response to hate speech

Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, urged an inclusive strategy to confront extremism and hate speech during the Global Conference on Promoting Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and Tolerance in Countering Hate Speech in New York.

Speaking at the event organised by Morocco in cooperation with the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect and the UN Alliance of Civilizations, Al Marar called for greater engagement by religious and community leaders, women, young people, civil society and technology companies in efforts to prevent and counter intolerant narratives.

Al Marar emphasised the UAE’s commitment to advancing a “Tolerance, Peace and Security” agenda, noting the country’s diverse social fabric. He highlighted that the UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities who live and work within an environment that respects cultural diversity and provides opportunities for a dignified life, employment and stability.

The minister drew attention to a number of national and international initiatives intended to foster interreligious and intercultural dialogue, citing the Document on Human Fraternity, the establishment of the Abrahamic Family House and the UAE’s role in drafting UN Security Council Resolution 2686 on Tolerance, Peace and Security, which was unanimously adopted in 2023.

On the role of the United Nations, he said: “As the United Nations undergoes reform and prepares to select a new Secretary-General, promoting tolerance and combating hate speech must be placed at the heart of the organisation’s work and its leadership’s priorities. These efforts should represent key pillars in crisis prevention, the responsibilities of special political missions, peacekeeping operations, and UN representatives.”

Al Marar concluded by reaffirming that the UAE will continue transforming these commitments into practical measures so that tolerance underpins a secure, stable and prosperous future for all.

The minister’s remarks, made ahead of the high-level UN General Assembly, underline the UAE’s continued engagement at multilateral fora on issues linking social cohesion, human rights and security.

Source: WAM