In July 2021, the UN General Assembly proclaimed June 18 as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, marking two years since the launch of the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech on the same date in 2019. The resolution responded to the alarming global spread of hate speech, particularly across social media and digital platforms. Hate speech encompasses any communication that incites violence or discriminates against people based on religion, ethnicity, gender, nationality, or other characteristics. Experience has shown that such rhetoric can pave the way for serious human rights violations, and in some cases, conflict and mass atrocities. The day calls on governments, civil society, and technology companies to work together to counter hate speech while safeguarding freedom of expression, and to promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue as essential tools for building more tolerant and cohesive societies.