New york: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) group of states at the United Nations has urged increased cooperation among governments, the technology sector, and civil society to ensure the digital space supports human dignity while respecting diverse religions and cultures. This call was made by Fahad Al-Ajmi, the Second-Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Kuwait to the United Nations, during a session of the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly focused on information issues.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Ajmi highlighted the critical intersection of global information security and human rights. He emphasized the importance of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' proposed framework aimed at safeguarding content integrity against disinformation and hate speech. Al-Ajmi also stressed the need for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2686 (2023), which condemns violence and hate speech while promoting social cohesion.
Al-Ajmi expressed concern over the rising trends of Islamophobia, religious intolerance, and racism within media outlets. He pointed out the significant role played by UN Information Centres in raising awareness and supporting local communities worldwide. The alarming increase in violence against journalists since October 7, 2023, was also addressed, particularly in conflict zones, highlighting the necessity of protecting the right to information for civilian safety and accountability.
He urged for accurate reporting and praised the efforts of the UN Department of Global Communications in countering misinformation. Furthermore, Al-Ajmi called for enhanced Arabic content and resources on UN digital platforms to better cater to Arabic-speaking audiences.
In his concluding remarks, Al-Ajmi stated that combating disinformation and hate speech is crucial for preserving peace and human dignity. He emphasized that a collective international commitment to uphold truth is essential.