UNESCO Urges Action Against Disinformation and Hate Speech

In a significant move to strengthen peacebuilding efforts in Kyrgyzstan, UNESCO made its debut appearance at the Yntymak Week forum this year, joining a coalition of organizations dedicated to fostering peace and social cohesion in the Central Asian nation.

The forum, which has been held annually in Bishkek and Osh since 2022, coincides with Global Peace Day on September 21 and aligns with both the UN System Leadership Framework and key national policies of the Kyrgyz Republic. This year’s gathering brought together more than 200 stakeholders, including government officials, civil society representatives, international organizations, academics, and UN agencies.

While previous iterations have focused broadly on peacebuilding, the 2025 forum specifically highlighted youth engagement in civil society development and peacebuilding initiatives, recognizing the crucial role younger generations play in social stability.

During the opening day in Bishkek, UNESCO organized a session titled “Integrating youth perspectives in the governance of digital platforms to counter polarization and strengthen social cohesion.” The session emphasized how young people, as digital natives, bring valuable insights to discussions about online communities and communication dynamics.

Experts noted that including youth in decision-making processes for digital governance not only enhances transparency and accountability but also helps develop online spaces that better protect human rights and encourage meaningful cross-cultural dialogue. This approach recognizes that young people often understand digital environments in ways that older policymakers might miss.

On the second day, UNESCO shifted focus to gender issues with a session on “Gendered Hate Speech Online: Understanding Impact and Building Resilience.” This discussion examined the specific challenges women and girls face in digital spaces, including targeted harassment, misogynistic content, and various forms of online violence.

The session highlighted the intersectional nature of online abuse, noting how gender-based harassment frequently combines with attacks based on religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other identity factors. Presenters shared research on the real-world consequences of such behavior, including doxxing, stalking, and physical violence, with particular attention to the impact on women in high-profile positions such as journalism, activism, and politics.

Both sessions were conducted as part of UNESCO’s “Social Media 4 Peace” project, funded by the European Union’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments. This global initiative aims to strengthen communities’ resistance to harmful online content, including disinformation and hate speech, while protecting freedom of expression and promoting peaceful engagement through social media platforms.

As a complementary activity to the main forum, UNESCO’s Regional Office in Almaty collaborated with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office for Central Asia to organize an interactive quiz game focused on Media and Information Literacy and freedom of expression in both Bishkek and Osh.

The Yntymak Week represents a growing recognition in Kyrgyzstan of the need for coordinated peacebuilding approaches. The forum’s name itself—”Yntymak,” meaning “harmony” or “unity” in Kyrgyz—reflects the aspirations of its organizers, the Peacebuilding Hub, which coordinates efforts between the UN and various stakeholders engaged in peace work throughout the country.

The increasing focus on digital literacy, online safety, and youth engagement indicates a shift in peacebuilding strategies to address modern challenges. In a region that has experienced periodic social tensions, initiatives like Yntymak Week provide crucial platforms for dialogue and collaborative problem-solving among diverse stakeholders.

As UNESCO deepens its involvement in such regional initiatives, its expertise in education, communication, and cultural understanding brings valuable perspectives to Kyrgyzstan’s ongoing journey toward sustainable peace and social cohesion.