International Day for Countering Hate Speech –
Healing Hatred and Division with Love and Conscience
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze
Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men
Vice President of the Association of World Citizens,
NGO in Consultative Status with ECOSOC and Associated with the UN DPI
President of the Federation of World Peace and Love
June 18, 2025
Distinguished guests, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, good day!
In July 2021, the United Nations General Assembly expressed its grave concern over the exponential spread of hate speech worldwide. In response, it adopted a resolution on “Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech,” and proclaimed June 18 as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. The resolution calls upon all relevant entities and organizations to intensify their efforts, in accordance with international human rights law, to prevent the global spread of hate speech and to more effectively promote education, advocacy, and policy reform.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that hate is a threat to everyone, and that each of us has a moral responsibility to speak out against hate speech and respond to it firmly. Political and religious leaders, in particular, have a unique duty in promoting peaceful coexistence. They must work together to safeguard our shared human family, promote dialogue and understanding among different cultures, religions, and ethnic groups, reduce misunderstanding and prejudice, and create a more inclusive and respectful environment.
Language and words arise from the heart — they hold power and influence. Hate speech stems from ignorance and prejudice, as well as emotional and environmental imbalances. When individuals face setbacks or dissatisfaction, they may externalize their inner anxiety and insecurity in search of release. Differences in culture, religion, gender, or political views, when met with a lack of understanding, can lead to rejection and intolerance. This negative energy may then transform into hatred, giving rise to hate speech. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach involving education, social dialogue, policy-making, and cultural exchange. With conscience as our guiding force, we are compelled to pursue social justice and moral integrity, thereby mitigating the uncontrolled consequences fueled by hateful emotions.
To effectively change the current state of society, the most crucial force lies in each individual’s conscience and selfless love. Conscience is a powerful internal compass that helps individuals discern right from wrong and guides them to choose the right path, leading to positive transformation in the face of difficult decisions. Conscience awakens empathy — the ability to feel and understand the suffering of others — which naturally gives rise to selfless love. Conscience reminds us to adhere to moral and ethical principles, while selfless love fosters tolerance and reconciles divisions within society. Together with wisdom and courage, it paves the way for the implementation of sound policies that foster more inclusive and compassionate communities, encourage communication and understanding, uphold freedom of speech, and curb the spread of hate speech. Conscience compels individuals and society to reflect and improve, to care for others, and to take action that drives social change and fosters a warmer, more united community. Conscience is like a torch - when we unite in solidarity and work together, we can dispel the darkness and illuminate the path ahead. Guided by conscience, we can heal hatred and division, become advocates for peace, and help build a more harmonious world.
The International Day for Countering Hate Speech is both a reflection on past events and a call to action. We must rise, speak out, and take concrete steps to create platforms for dialogue that foster social consensus. Let us begin by seeking inner balance, and creating an environment of love and gratitude for ourselves and our families. Through technology and the internet, we can proactively establish platforms for kind and constructive dialogue, while cutting off or refusing to echo any form of hate speech. At the same time, governments and organizations around the world must enact relevant laws and develop effective strategies to address the spread of hate speech— only then can we achieve meaningful harmony on both individual and systemic levels.
Let us all become advocates for love and conscience — spreading kindness through our words and writing, respecting human rights, uniting in good deeds, and cultivating openness, honesty, mutual trust, and care for one another — as we strive together for a brighter future!