Over 250 International Figures United in ICCEHS roundtable to Promote:
“Responsible Communication in Times
of Crisis and War”
The International Committee on Countering Extremist and Hate Speech (ICCEHS) hosted a global virtual roundtable via Zoom titled “Responsible Communication in Times of Crisis and War.” More than 250 diplomats, parliamentarians, ministers, scholars, and civil society leaders from 58 countries participated, including representatives from the United Kingdom, France, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Egypt, Syria, Jamaica, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, Tunisia, Jordan, Morocco, Lebanon, Spain, Gambia, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Germany, and Sweden.
Dr. Nidal Shoukeir, Executive Board Director of ICCEHS, opened the roundtable by stressing the global responsibility of communication during crises. He noted that today, words carry immense power—either to fuel conflict or to promote peace. “Irresponsible communication inflames tensions and deepens divisions, while responsible communication—grounded in truth and ethics—can calm, unite, and open paths to dialogue,” he said.
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Dr. Shoukeir emphasized that responsibility is no longer optional: “Yes — communication must be responsible. Yes — words must be responsible. We must all be responsible.” He added that neutrality is no longer enough; leaders must actively counter harmful narratives and contribute to solutions that protect societies and future generations.
H.E. Dr. Alsadig Khalafalla, Member of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance, stressed that communication must be proactive, not reactive. “Crises will not wait for institutions to coordinate their messages. At the King Hamad Global Center, we emphasize the importance of promoting coexistence and literacy before conflicts arise, through education, interfaith diplomacy, and community programs. Communication must be grounded in credibility; when trust erodes, even the most accurate information has little impact,” he said. He highlighted the Center’s model of transparent engagement and accurate information-sharing as essential for maintaining trust and fostering coexistence.
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H.E. Vladimir Norov, Former Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, warned that crises now unfold faster than institutions can adapt. “Today, information travels further than accountability can follow,” he said. “Responsible communication is no longer a technical matter — it is a strategic pillar of peace and human security.” He added that “Artificial intelligence has become a decisive actor in shaping public perception, influencing political processes, and determining how societies interpret, resist, or escalate conflict.”
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H.E. Amira Saber Qandil, Secretary General of the Human Rights and Social Solidarity Committee in the Egyptian Senate, highlighted the dangers of today’s polarized information environment. “The space between the event and the verified truth is where dangerous, misinformed data takes hold,” she said. She urged decision-makers, opinion leaders, and journalists to act as reliable sources of information. “We must think twice or thrice before we speak or publish. Restraint is no weakness — it is a strategic necessity.”
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Hon. Gennaro Migliore, Advisory Board Director of ICCEHS, proposed the creation of an international summit on trust and reputation. “Trust — and the credibility of those engaged in communication, politics, and public life — is fundamental for any long-term effort to promote peace and human values,” he said, calling for global decision-makers and key stakeholders to shape the initiative.
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H.E. Lana Prlić, Member of Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized the misuse of public space for character attacks and hate speech. “Public space is often used to damage the reputation of others, especially minorities — women, youth, ethnic and religious groups,” she said. She noted that silence can be misinterpreted as weakness, yet speaking on every issue risks unintended consequences. “Sometimes it is better not to comment than to say something that may harm someone else,” she added.
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Ruth Hetherington, Head of the Humanitarian Affairs and Diplomacy Department at the ICRC Moscow Regional Delegation, underscored the dangers of disinformation and dehumanizing rhetoric in conflict zones. “We call on states to take all appropriate measures to prevent or remedy harmful rhetoric that endangers people living through conflict, as well as the humanitarians trying to assist them,” she said. She highlighted the ICRC’s extensive engagement with governments and technology companies worldwide to mitigate the spread of harmful content online.
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Juliette Touma, Director of Communications at UNRWA, emphasized the decisive weight of language in conflict communication. “Every word counts, every word matters — every word can make or break,” she said. She stressed the importance of accuracy, verification, and careful use of sentiment, urging all actors to ensure that the information they share is both responsible and factual.
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