Launch of the Muscat Plan of Action - UN Chief's remarks | United Nations

Remarks by António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, on the launch of the Muscat Plan of Action. Guterres stressed that hate speech is a growing threat to peace and security, and called for breaking this cycle through education, support for those targeted, and stronger action by governments and technology companies. Muscat Plan of Action is an initiative aimed at countering hate speech and help prevent genocide and atrocity crimes. The Plan highlights the role of traditional and Indigenous leaders in promoting peace and strengthening social cohesion. It is the result of a collaborative process led by the Sultanate of Oman, the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, and the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, and is co-hosted by the UN Alliance of Civilizations. In his remarks, the Secretary-General said, “the primary responsibility for preventing genocide and other atrocity crimes rests with States. But all of society plays a role.” He emphasized that the Muscat Plan of Action draws on centuries of knowledge and the expertise of traditional and Indigenous leaders. “It reminds us that hate speech is both a warning sign that violence is coming – and a catalyst that speeds its arrival,” Guterres added. The Secretary-General also cautioned that digital platforms “must do far more to protect individuals and groups from harm,” stating he is particularly concerned about the risks faced by children. He said, “States should require tech companies to embed user safety in product design – and rein in misguided algorithms and misuses of artificial intelligence.” Guterres highlighted that the world body is “committed to strengthening the role of traditional and Indigenous leaders in the prevention and resolution of conflicts.” He emphasized that their perspectives “must be front and centre in efforts to combat hate speech and prevent genocide and other atrocity crimes. And this includes faith leaders, youth leaders, and women leaders.” The Secretary-General reiterated, “we must confront hate speech – and uphold human rights and human dignity – before it’s too late.” He said, “States have clear obligations under international law to combat incitement to hatred – and to promote inclusion, respect for diversity, and solidarity,” adding that reining in hate speech does not mean extinguishing freedom of expression. At the same time, freedom of expression must never be an excuse for harmful messages. Guterres said, “I am determined to keep advancing the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech – as well as the Global Principles for Information Integrity, our roadmap to a safer, more ethical digital ecosystem.”