United nations: United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that hate speech is exploiting new technologies and "spreading fast and striking deep" across societies worldwide. Addressing a UN event on intercultural dialogue and countering hate speech, Guterres said the UN Charter's founding promise that "We the Peoples" would "practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors" has long been challenged by hate speech, which he said is now "taking on new forms . finding new pathways," and "weaponizing new technologies, from digital platforms and algorithms to artificial intelligence."

According to Philippines News Agency, Guterres highlighted that the growing reach of hate speech "is testing our shared humanity," pointing to rhetoric that is "eroding trust, dividing communities, and dehumanizing entire groups" across continents. He urged renewed global action, emphasizing the need to "raise our collective voice and reject hatred."

Guterres stressed that efforts to counter hate speech must address "root causes and drivers, as well as the consequences," and be "grounded in respect and equity" while "shaped by women, men, and youth." He clarified that "reining in hate speech does not mean extinguishing freedom of expression," but that freedom of expression should not be used to cause harm.

UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman echoed Guterres' appeal, noting that hate speech "rarely begins with words alone" and often stems from fear and a lack of understanding. He warned that such sentiments are "weaponized" by those with "malicious intent." Rahman advocated for dialogue and tolerance as tools to eliminate the root causes of hate speech and to restore trust, which he identified as central to his vision for the 81st General Assembly session.