UNESCO, the UN agency for culture, science, and education, is highlighting the key role teachers can play in curbing the rise of hate speech worldwide.

Marking the International Day of Education on Wednesday, UNESCO said that education and classroom teaching in particular are pivotal to countering narratives that fuel prejudice, discrimination and violence.

According to UNESCO, a study conducted in 16 countries last year revealed that 67 per cent of internet users have encountered hate speech online.

Some 85 per cent of respondents expressed concern about the impact of disinformation.

'Peace starts with education'

In her statement for the day, Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO, underscored the urgent need to prioritize education as a tool to promote the values of human dignity and peace, adding that “if hatred starts with words, peace starts with education.”

“What we learn changes how we view the world and influences how we treat others,” she continued.

To address this pressing concern, the agency organized a one-day online training for thousands of teachers.

The workshop equipped educators with tools to identify, confront and prevent hate speech incidents.

UNESCO also brought together ministers, academic leaders and educators from around the globe at an event in New York – home to UN Headquarters – to discuss the role education can play in achieving sustainable global peace.

Source: UN News

https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/01/1145847