Global Conference on Promoting Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and Tolerance in Countering Hate Speech
Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Rein Tammsaar, Permanent Representative of Estonia to the UN
17 September 2026, New York
Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues,
Estonia aligns itself with the statement of the European Union.
Allow me to start by thanking the Kingdom of Morocco and our UN partners for bringing us together for this important discussion that concerns us all.
We all face the same question: how do we build societies where differences are met with dialogue rather than division?
For Estonia, the response must be firmly rooted in human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Countering hate speech must go hand in hand with protecting freedom of expression. We must distinguish between offensive or unpopular opinions and speech that incites discrimination, hostility or violence.
In Estonia, the Government, media organizations and civil society work together to raise awareness of hate speech, discrimination and tolerance. Our aim is to prevent racial hatred and hostility while promoting fact-based and balanced public debate. This cooperation is particularly important in the digital environment, where hateful narratives can spread rapidly.
We therefore need responsible digital spaces where governments, platforms, civil society and users work together, while strengthening media literacy and the ability to recognize manipulation, disinformation and AI-generated content, particularly when used to amplify hateful narratives.
Estonia is also taking practical steps to address these challenges. Our Police and Border Guard Board’s web police officers respond to reports of online bullying and hate speech, working with online and social media platforms, in accordance with the European Union’s Digital Services Act.
Beyond responding to hate speech online, Estonia places strong emphasis on prevention. Through initiatives such as AI Leap, we are equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to use artificial intelligence responsibly and critically. Human rights education also helps young people understand equality, dignity, non-discrimination and respect for others. Together, digital literacy and human rights education help build resilient and inclusive societies.
Preventing hate speech starts with education, dialogue and mutual understanding. Interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance are essential to building resilient and inclusive societies, where diversity is met with respect rather than division.
Thank you.