The University of Aleppo discussed today, Tuesday, the phenomenon of hate speech and its negative effects on society, as well as ways to curb it and enhance values of dialogue, tolerance, and acceptance of the other. A group of university students participated in the workshop, as part of the "Youth as Agents of Change" program implemented by the "Stability Support Unit" organization in cooperation with the Student Union in Aleppo Governorate.
The workshop aims to enhance the role of youth in raising awareness about the dangers of hate speech and activating their participation in peacebuilding initiatives and change-making. This contributes to bridging differences, breaking stereotypes among components of Syrian society, and consolidating values of understanding and social cohesion.
Empowering University Youth and Enhancing Dialogue
The Executive Director of the "Stability Support Unit" organization, Muntathir Salal, clarified in a statement to SANA correspondent that the program implements a series of meetings at the Universities of Aleppo and Damascus, starting from the importance of universities as spaces that bring together youth from different regions and Syrian components. He pointed out that targeting youth aims to empower them to play an influential role in building peace and making change, and breaking stereotypes among Syrian components and regions.
Salal stressed the importance of encouraging youth to launch initiatives within universities that contribute to bridging differences and enhancing Syrian national identity, and consolidating values of citizenship and national belonging. He affirmed that these initiatives strengthen belonging and reduce social gaps.
Spreading Dialogue Culture to Counter Hate Speech
For his part, Anwar Al-Najjar, Deputy Head of the Student Union in Aleppo Governorate, highlighted the importance of the workshop in raising the level of awareness about hate speech among university youth, both in daily life and via social media. He affirmed that university youth possess the awareness and ability to bring about change, stressing the importance of intensifying such sessions and lectures.
Al-Najjar added that equipping youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to confront inflammatory discourses makes them active in spreading awareness and enhancing social stability. For his part, workshop participant Youssef Haj Bara affirmed that building an integrated society requires managing and respecting differences, stressing the necessity of difference without hostility, and criticism without exclusion.
The workshop falls within the framework of efforts by Syrian universities to organize dialogue activities and events in cooperation with organizations and student unions, aiming to enhance youth participation in social issues, spread the culture of dialogue and acceptance of the other, and confront phenomena that threaten social cohesion, particularly hate speech, thereby supporting values of citizenship and peaceful coexistence.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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