Thank you Chair,

In a world where communication is an integral part of our daily lives, language holds immense power, whether positive or negative, especially among youth.

This 3th International Day for Countering Hate Speech occurs at a time when hate speech has become all too prevalent in many parts of the world, fueled by a lack of understanding, empathy, and tolerance. Hate speech has started to be encountered everywhere, in schools, workplaces, entertainment and sports, media, etc., while in recent years also on-line. Hate speech and hate crimes have already become some of the most harmful attitudes and actions towards citizens and communities, often the most disadvantaged.  They cause considerable harm not only to the individuals directly affected by them, but to society as a whole.

Hate speech towards young individuals is a significant challenge for our society, requiring a collective effort to address and combat it. We need to move towards a future where young people are more informed, more aware and alert to hate speech, so that they understand the impact that cases of discriminatory language have on the entire society.

We need not only to protect the youth from the net of hate speech, but we  must equip them with the necessary tools and skills to combat hate speech and promote a culture of acceptance and understanding. Young people are the future leaders and change-makers of tomorrow, and it is imperative that we empower them to stand up against hate speech and promote positive and respectful dialogue.

In Albania, young individuals have developed small-scale project ideas aimed at countering hate speech. Some of the most promising ideas receive mentorship and financial support. Winning proposals encompass diverse initiatives, such as graffiti promoting peacebuilding in a particular city, the production and dissemination of a series of short animations highlighting the value of democratic processes on social media, and a collection of podcasts aimed at fostering young people’s interest and involvement in social activism.

These initiatives empowers young people to familiarize themselves with various forms of hate speech in both traditional and social media platforms, equipping them with the skills to report and oppose such speech.

One of the key ways in which we can invest in the power of youth is through education. By educating young people about the impact of hate speech and providing them with the knowledge and resources to identify and address it, we can empower them to become advocates for change. Schools, community organizations, and government entities can play a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and promoting tolerance among young people.

In addition to education, it is essential to provide young people with platforms and opportunities to actively engage in countering hate speech. By supporting youth-led initiatives, forums, and campaigns, we can amplify their voices and empower them to drive positive change in their communities. Investing in youth-led projects and organizations that promote inclusivity and diversity can help create a ripple effect of positive change and inspire others to take action.

Mr. Chair,

In conclusion, investing in the power of youth to counter and address hate speech is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in building a more peaceful and cohesive society. By empowering young people to become agents of positive change, we can create a collective impact that transcends boundaries and transforms attitudes.

Young people should say STOP TO HATE SPEECH and we together should stand in solidarity with them and support their efforts to combat hate speech and promote a culture of respect, acceptance, and understanding.

Thank you.