Oman Reaffirms Commitment to Combating Hate Speech at United Nations Event
New York, The Gulf Observer: Oman has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect during a high-level United Nations event marking the fifth International Day to Combat Hate Speech.
Addressing the gathering at UN Headquarters in New York, Oman’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Omar bin Said Al Kathiri, said the principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence are deeply embedded in the Sultanate’s national identity and reflected in its policies and institutions.
Al Kathiri emphasized that under the leadership of Haitham bin Tariq, Oman continues to champion dialogue, moderation, and peaceful engagement at both national and international levels, building on its longstanding tradition of fostering understanding among peoples, cultures, and civilizations.
The ambassador highlighted a number of national initiatives designed to strengthen religious and cultural coexistence, including legal and institutional frameworks that support freedom of belief and cultural diversity. He also pointed to educational and awareness programmes aimed at encouraging dialogue, responsible digital engagement among youth, and efforts to enhance mutual respect across communities.
Al Kathiri further underscored Oman’s cooperation with international partners and United Nations agencies to counter incitement, address intolerance, and promote intercultural understanding.
Reaffirming Oman’s support for the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, he stressed the need for coordinated international efforts to tackle the root causes of intolerance and discrimination while fostering more inclusive and resilient societies.
A central focus of his address was the Muscat Plan, an initiative recently launched by Oman in partnership with the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, as well as the Network of Religious and Traditional Peacemakers. The initiative seeks to empower religious, traditional, and community leaders to play a greater role in preventing hate speech and extremism while promoting dialogue, mutual respect, and social cohesion.
Al Kathiri noted that the Muscat Plan reflects Oman’s broader vision of strengthening peaceful coexistence and enhancing the role of community leadership in addressing contemporary challenges related to intolerance and social division.
Concluding his remarks, the ambassador reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to working closely with the international community to advance respect, understanding, and cooperation among diverse societies. He emphasized that effectively combating hate speech requires strong partnerships, collective action, and sustained engagement to ensure that diversity remains a source of strength, enrichment, and unity.
The event brought together diplomats, UN officials, and representatives of member states to discuss strategies for countering hate speech and promoting a culture of tolerance and inclusion worldwide.
