Delivered by: Ms. Amal Al-Menhali
Mr. President
At the outset, I add my voice to the statement of the State of Kuwait on behalf of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and to the statement of Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. I would like to express my appreciation to the Department of Global Communications and the Under-Secretary-General, Ms. Melissa Fleming, for her comprehensive report and for their ongoing efforts.
This discussion comes in light of challenging international circumstances, in which the global information space is under unprecedented pressure, due in part to the continued spread of hate speech, extremism, disinformation and misinformation, especially online including on social media, which threatens peace and social cohesion. My country has long warned of the growth of such phenomena, particularly in the context of geopolitical conflicts, health and climate crises, which undermine confidence in international institutions and United Nations operations.
We must all work together to dedicate cooperation efforts in the field of global information space and to promote its peaceful use and ensure reliable and impartial sources of information. In this regard, the UAE affirms its support for the efforts of the United Nations in promoting information integrity and advancing cooperation efforts with academia, civil society organizations and youth to spread awareness of digital media and information verification skills, in order to enhance international security and stability.
In parallel, the digital divide that continues to prevent access to information in many countries must be addressed. The UAE calls also for all members of society, including women and girls, to have access to technology and build their capacity in this field.
My country also stresses the importance of developing strategic communication in the areas of peacekeeping, climate action, human rights, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and building a successful integration between media innovation and fact-based fieldwork.
Mr. President
The expansion of the use of artificial intelligence has significant contributions to sustainable development, and great opportunities to enhance early warning and prevention. However, if left unchecked, these technologies may contribute to the spread of misleading content, thereby fueling divisions, polarizing communities, and stoking conflicts. We therefore stress the need for comprehensive AI governance and the necessary safeguards to protect information integrity in the digital age, without constraining research and development efforts in the field of AI.
On the other hand, we also emphasize the need to employ AI and emerging technologies to increase the efficiency of the United Nations and accelerate its reform efforts under the 80th UN initiative.
The UAE also believes that AI tools can play a pivotal role in preventing and combating online hate speech. Security Council Resolution 2686 on “Tolerance, Peace and Security” – the first of its kind to recognize that hate speech and extremism can contribute to conflict – is a key step, as UN peacekeepers and special political missions are required to monitor and report to the Security Council on such acts that negatively affect peace and security.
In this context, my country expresses its deep concern at the widespread spread of incitement and systematic hate speech, which has even affected journalists in conflict zones. We call for the protection of journalists and international workers in conflict zones, the rejection of the policy of incitement against them.
Mr. President
Within the elements of the item we are discussing today, the UAE reaffirms the importance of multilingualism at the United Nations. We stress the need to achieve full parity between the six official languages, especially Arabic, in all media outlets, official documents and UN media platforms. In this context, we look forward to commemorating the International Day of the Arabic Language on 18 December and appreciate the efforts of the United Nations Information Centres in this regard.
In conclusion, we affirm our full readiness to work with all partners to support the United Nations action in combating disinformation and hate speech, in order to promote the values of peaceful coexistence, spread a culture of peace and tolerance, and strengthen our efforts to achieve international security and sustainable development.
Thank you, Mr. President