Muslim Council Of Elders And UN Special Adviser Collaborate To Empower Youth Against Hate Speech

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, recently engaged in discussions with Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide. Their conversation focused on enhancing collaboration to promote tolerance and coexistence amid rising hate speech and discrimination globally.

Judge Abdelsalam highlighted the Council's dedication to fostering peace and understanding among diverse cultures. He emphasised initiatives like the 'Emerging Peacemakers Forum' and 'Student Dialogues Program for Human Fraternity,' which aim to empower youth using modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and social media to counter harmful ideologies.

The Muslim Council of Elders has been instrumental in promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence. The Council actively builds communication bridges between different cultures, striving to create a more harmonious world. This effort is crucial in addressing global challenges posed by intolerance and discrimination.

Alice Wairimu Nderitu praised the Council's efforts under Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb's leadership, particularly highlighting the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity. She described it as a significant contribution to advancing fraternity and coexistence values in contemporary society.

The UN Special Adviser stressed the importance of focusing on youth, who are both vulnerable to and influential within society. She called for international cooperation to develop strategies that shield young people from extremist ideologies that incite violence.

Judge Abdelsalam noted that many initiatives launched by the Council target young people, aiming to develop their capabilities across various fields. These initiatives leverage technology to combat misinformation and promote moderate thinking.

Both leaders agreed on the need for effective mechanisms to counter hate speech and intolerance worldwide. They recognised these issues as serious threats requiring immediate attention through collaborative efforts.

The meeting underscored the significance of international cooperation in addressing contemporary humanitarian challenges like extremism and hatred. Such collaboration is vital for creating a safer, more tolerant world for future generations.

With inputs from WAM