U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges global action to curb hate speech at Muscat summit

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged governments, technology companies and local leaders at a Muscat summit to step up efforts to curb hate speech, calling it "a grave and growing threat to peace and security" and linking it to the risk of genocide and other atrocity crimes.

Guterres said hate speech "divides communities, dehumanizes entire groups, and sets the stage for bloodshed," and described it as "a core component in the playbook for virtually every genocide and atrocity crime." He framed the Muscat Plan of Action as a roadmap that draws on the expertise of traditional and indigenous leaders and urged delegates to back it.

The secretary-general outlined four areas where member states can act. First, he said states should "hold digital platforms to account on matters of public safety," urging social media and messaging companies to "do far more to protect individuals and groups from harm" and to embed user safety into product design. He said he was "particularly concerned about the risks faced by children" and urged oversight of algorithms and uses of artificial intelligence.

Second, Guterres called for strengthened local capacity for prevention and mediation, including training on human rights, monitoring and early-warning mechanisms, nonviolent responses to hate speech, mentorship aligned with international standards and educational programs that promote respect and non-discrimination.

Third, he advocated communication initiatives to "build mutual understanding and strengthen social cohesion," asking member states and partners to help traditional and indigenous leaders "neutralize hate-filled narratives," refute harmful ideologies and denounce instances of incitement to violence.

Fourth, Guterres urged expanded collaboration between traditional, indigenous and political actors to provide local mediation with support from political institutions, and to develop policy guidance and resources for local mechanisms to counter hate speech and prevent atrocities.

He commended the Sultanate of Oman, the U.N. Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations for their roles in launching the Muscat Plan of Action. He also referenced Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security to underscore the importance of women’s meaningful participation in prevention efforts.

Guterres closed by reiterating the U.N.'s commitment to advancing its strategy and plan of action on hate speech and information integrity and asked delegates for support to ensure the Muscat Plan empowers traditional and indigenous leaders to help counter hate and prevent atrocities. The speech concluded without any formal votes or motions recorded during the session.