“We meet today to explore the current state of press freedom, especially through Internet, and the ways of countering hate speech while promoting full respect to human rights”, said Mr Abdulaziz Almuzaini, Director of the UNESCO Geneva Liaison Office, in his welcoming remarks. “When there are unprecedented opportunities for expression thanks to new technologies, we should equip young people with knowledge, skills and values to engage them as global citizens online”, he continued.

Ambassador Paivi Kairamo, Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations and International Organizations in Geneva, underscored the imperative of media literacy. She recalled that the critical role of free and independence media in promoting intercultural dialogue was reaffirmed in the Finlandia Declaration on “Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms – This is Your Right!”, which was adopted at the 2016 World Press Freedom Day celebration in Helsinki last May. 

Moderated by BBC Geneva Correspondent Imogen Foulkes, the Panel brought together a distinguished group of personalities, including Mr Guy Berger, Director of UNESCO’s Division of Freedom of Expressions and Media Development; Ms Mona Rishmawi, Chief of the Rule of Law, Equity and Non Discrimination Branch, OHCHR; Ambassador Christian Guillermet Fernandez, Vice Director for Foreign Policy of Costa Rica; Mr Amir Taheri, renowned journalist; and Professor Priyankar Upadhyaya from Banaras Hindu University in India.

The thought-provoking interventions of the panelists highlighted freedom of expression as a fundamental human right underpinning all other civil liberties. The speakers underscored that free press was critical to bolster accountability and transparency across the public and private spheres of society. It is indispensable for the rule of law and good governance and any attempt to restrict press freedom may bear negative consequences.

Concerns were expressed on the growing use of digital technologies and he social media to spread online hate speech and extremist propaganda, which was also recognized in the UN Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. It was said that young people were particularly vulnerable to this form of radicalization but they were also potentially most able to effectively counter it. Therefore, the role of education was underlined as a most effective way of prevention.

Speaking about UNESCO’s role in this domain, Mr Berger explained how the Organization harnesses its expertise in research, communication-information policy and capacity building areas. He said that the subject was extremely complex and required a comprehensive and holistic consideration through the so-called “Protection”, “Preparation” and “Prospects” dimensions.

Stressing the need to avoid the stigmatization of young people, Mr Berger said that “youth can and should be authors of their own identity. This means opportunities to express themselves – and to learn how to do so with expertise and efficacy. This has to be a major part of the media and information literacy programme led by UNESCO”.