Thematic Panel 5 - 10th UNAOC Global Forum

Thematic Panel 5: "An antidote to disinformation/misinformation: strengthening information integrity and exploring the role of media providers in restoring trust"

• H.E. Mr. Zlatko Lagumdzija, Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2001- 2002)
• Ms. Rashmi Lamba, Chair, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, India Council, 2024 PLURAL+ International Jury Member
• Mr. Arun Venugopal, Senior Reporter, WNYC
• Mr. Atif Rashid, Editor-in-chief, Analyst News, #UNAOCyouth (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), EDIN participant (2022)

Moderator: Mr. Ezzat Ibrahim Youssef, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Ahram Weekly

The proliferation of digital technologies has fundamentally reshaped how information is shared and consumed, revolutionizing communication and media consumption worldwide. Social media platforms have opened up new avenues for people to connect and exchange information in real-time across vast geographic distances. This digital evolution has also decentralized the flow of information. Today, anyone with internet access can become a "content creator" and instantly share opinions, news, and ideas with a global audience—a phenomenon so unimaginable just a few decades ago. This shift has led to an influx of user-generated content, empowering "citizen journalists" to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and offer immediate, unfiltered coverage of events that might otherwise receive delayed or filtered attention from traditional outlets.

However, this democratization of information comes with significant risks. The same tools that empower individuals have also been misused and exploited to spread falsehoods and incite hate. The dark forces of the digital world—including misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech—once relegated to the fringes of digital spaces, have now permeated the mainstream discourse. Their consequences are profound, ranging from the erosion of public trust to the weakening of democratic institutions and the exacerbation of existing divisions. They also pose direct threats to fundamental human rights, as targeted campaigns may seek to manipulate public opinion and, in some cases, incite violence. The rapid advancement of technology, especially generative artificial intelligence (AI), has only magnified these dangers. A plethora of AI-powered tools can create "deep fakes" and spread false narratives that are increasingly difficult to distinguish from reality.

This discussion will provide a platform for key voices to address these challenges from both a global and multi-sectoral perspective, exploring not only regulatory frameworks but also grassroots initiatives that can strengthen information integrity.

The panel will also explore the role of digital media platforms in curbing the spread of misinformation and disinformation, and in promoting accurate and factual reporting. As digital platforms play a central role in shaping public discourse, there is a growing demand for transparency in their operations, including how algorithms prioritize content, how content moderation policies are applied, and how user data is protected. The key question for the global community is: how can we hold media platforms accountable while preserving the freedom and openness of the internet?

Lastly, by fostering collaboration and a shared sense of responsibility, this discussion aims to build a unified multi-stakeholder commitment to maintaining information integrity in the digital age. By doing so, it seeks to contribute to the broader goals of promoting peace, security, and the protection of human rights — ensuring that digital spaces support, rather than undermine, these critical objectives.

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The 10th UNAOC Global Forum in Cascais, Portugal will convene members of the UNAOC Group of Friends, political leaders, representatives of international and regional organizations, religious leaders and faith actors, the private sector, civil society, academia, youth, arts and media, as well as donor agencies and foundations, who will address the global issues pertinent to peace and security and call for restoring trust and for uniting in peace. 

In Cascais, participants will have an opportunity to reflect on the twenty years of the 'Alliance of Civilizations' initiative, announced by Spain at the 59th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2004, and how UNAOC grew into a vibrant and well-established United Nations entity.

The event will be an occasion to highlight and celebrate UNAOC achievements and map the blueprint for "One Humanity" in the years to come.