PARIS: UNESCO has formally adopted a proposal put forward by Pakistan aimed at countering disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech while safeguarding freedom of expression.
The decision was announced following a session of the UNESCO Executive Board currently underway in Paris.
Pakistan’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, presented the proposal, emphasizing the urgent need for global strategies to address the rapid spread of false information in the digital age.
She highlighted how disinformation and hate speech can undermine social cohesion, threaten democratic processes, and compromise public trust in credible sources.
The initiative received broad cross-regional support from UNESCO member states, reflecting a strong international commitment to protecting information integrity and promoting responsible communication online.
The adoption of the proposal is expected to strengthen mechanisms for fact-checking, media literacy, and digital awareness, ensuring that freedom of expression is preserved while tackling harmful content.
Speaking after the adoption, Ambassador Baloch said, “This is a significant step towards a safer and more informed digital environment. Pakistan remains committed to international cooperation in addressing disinformation without compromising democratic freedoms.”
The move has been welcomed by experts in media and communication, who say it could pave the way for enhanced global collaboration among governments, civil society, and technology platforms to address misinformation.
The proposal also aims to create frameworks for monitoring online content, fostering accountability, and supporting educational initiatives to help citizens critically evaluate information.
