As online hate speech, disinformation and harmful digital content continue to grow worldwide, UNESCO’s new issue brief highlights the essential role of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in strengthening information integrity, critical thinking and resilient societies.
On 18 June, International Day for Countering Hate Speech, UNESCO will launch Media and Information Literacy: Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age. This issue brief highlights the growing role of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in strengthening information integrity, promoting critical thinking, and building resilience against online hate speech, disinformation and harmful digital content.
The issue brief presents Media and Information Literacy as a key preventive and educational response to hate speech. It emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals to critically engage with information, understand how digital environments function, and participate meaningfully in online spaces while safeguarding freedom of expression and human rights.
Countering hate speech requires more than moderation and regulation alone. It also requires empowering people with critical thinking skills, ethical awareness and digital competencies needed to navigate today’s information environments. This issue brief highlights the essential role of Media and Information Literacy in building resilient, inclusive and peaceful societies.
Mariya GabrielUNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information
The publication argues that sustainable responses to hate speech must combine regulatory approaches with long-term investments in education, digital citizenship and critical engagement with information.
Hate speech cannot be addressed through technological solutions alone. Building resilient societies requires investment in education, critical thinking, and Media and Information Literacy.
Asja Roksa-ZubcevicAuthor of the issue brief
The publication builds on UNESCO’s ongoing work to advance information integrity, digital citizenship and human rights-based approaches to online governance. It also contributes to broader United Nations efforts to address hate speech through education, prevention and multi-stakeholder cooperation. The issue brief will support policy dialogue, training activities and educational initiatives worldwide.
The issue brief will be launched on 18 June, during a webinar titled “Countering Hate Speech in the Digital Age: Promoting Information Integrity and Resilient Societies”, which explores the evolving challenges posed by digital platforms, artificial intelligence and generative technologies in amplifying harmful narratives and social polarization.
Link to resource: https://unescoghana.gov.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Media-and-information-literacy-combating-hate-speech-in-the-digital-age-2.pdf
