Aleppo Workshop Addresses Hate Speech and Promotes Dialogue
Aleppo University recently hosted an interactive workshop dedicated to addressing the issue of hate speech and its impact on the social fabric. The event focused on developing strategies to mitigate the phenomenon by fostering a culture of dialogue and acceptance of others.
The workshop was held as part of the “Youth as Change Makers” program, an initiative implemented by the Stability Support Unit organization in collaboration with the Student Union in Aleppo Governorate. The primary objective of the event is to activate the role of university students in peacebuilding initiatives and emphasize their contribution to creating positive change within the community. Furthermore, the program seeks to dismantle prevailing stereotypes among different Syrian social components while consolidating values of citizenship and national belonging.
Monther Sallal, Executive Director of the Stability Support Unit, explained that the program is organizing a series of meetings across both Aleppo and Damascus universities. He noted that these institutions serve as vital spaces that bring together youth from various regions and diverse backgrounds. According to Sallal, the initiative aims to empower young people to play an influential role in bridging differing viewpoints, while encouraging them to launch local initiatives that promote Syrian national identity and support social cohesion.
Anwar Al-Najjar, Assistant Head of the Student Union in Aleppo Governorate, emphasized the importance of raising youth awareness regarding the dangers of hate speech, both in their daily face-to-face interactions and across social media platforms. He explained that the workshop provided participants with the essential skills required to identify the root causes of such rhetoric, how to handle it effectively, and how to minimize its negative consequences. Al-Najjar stressed that youth possess the potential to drive real change, highlighting the necessity of continuing such activities to provide them with the knowledge required to become active elements in strengthening societal stability.
Workshop participant Youssef Haj Bara underlined that building an integrated Syrian society requires the conscious management of differences and the maintenance of mutual respect. He advocated for a national approach based on dialogue as a shared language, as well as the adoption of a culture of constructive criticism that rejects exclusion and animosity, ultimately ensuring unity among Syrians.
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts by Syrian universities to organize dialogue-based events aimed at engaging youth in major national and societal issues. These efforts seek to promote the values of peaceful coexistence and counter phenomena that threaten national cohesion, thereby serving community stability and the advancement of citizenship values.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
