Muscat – The United Nations launched the Muscat Plan of Action, a new international framework aimed at countering hate speech, preventing violence and strengthening social cohesion through greater involvement of traditional and indigenous leaders in peacebuilding efforts, last week.

The plan was unveiled at the UN Headquarters in New York, where Secretary-General António Guterres warned that hate speech is becoming an increasing threat to peace and security worldwide.

“Hate speech divides communities, dehumanises entire groups and sets the stage for bloodshed,” Guterres said. “It is also deliberate – and a core component in the playbook for virtually every genocide and atrocity crime.”

Developed through a multi-stakeholder process led by Oman, the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, and the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, the Muscat Plan seeks to strengthen preventive action against violence by empowering trusted community leaders and promoting dialogue.

Speaking at the launch, H E Mohammed bin Said Al Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, said the Muscat Plan reflects Oman’s long-standing commitment to dialogue and coexistence.

“When my country, Oman, decided to give the world a plan for peace and development, it did not write it using ink alone,” he said. “Oman drafted this document based on decades of human connection and joint work.”

H E Maamari outlined four key areas of action. The first calls for stronger accountability for digital platforms and measures to ensure user safety is embedded in the design of online services.

The second pillar focuses on strengthening local capacities for prevention and mediation. It includes training in human rights monitoring, non-violent approaches to countering hate speech and incitement, mentorship programmes, and educational initiatives that promote diversity, tolerance and non-discrimination.

The third area emphasises dialogue as a tool for building mutual understanding and social cohesion. The plan encourages governments to support traditional and indigenous leaders in challenging misinformation, confronting harmful ideologies, rejecting incitement to violence and promoting coexistence within communities.

The fourth pillar calls for deeper collaboration between traditional, indigenous and political actors. It advocates expanding opportunities for community leaders to mediate local disputes and contribute to policy frameworks aimed at preventing violence and atrocity crimes.

Hate speech is a growing threat to peace and security. We must break this outrageous cycle through education, support for those targeted by abuse and stronger interventions by governments and technology companies.

Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General, UN

In a moment when multilateralism is under strain and divisions are deepening globally, the Muscat Plan of Action offers something urgently needed: a reminder that peace is strongest when it is locally rooted, culturally grounded and collectively owned.

Mohamed Elsanousi, Executive Director, Peacemakers Network

May the Muscat Plan of Action be a new bridge between nations and a beacon of hope that leads to mutual understanding and brings a renewed message of peace.

Nasria Elardja Flitti, Deputy Permanent Observer for the League of Arab States

“Kazakhstan strongly supports inclusive peacebuilding and welcomes the inclusion of traditional leaders, whose moral authority makes them indispensable partners. The Muscat Plan of Action provides a vital shield on the ground.”

Kairat Umarov, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to UN

The Muscat Plan of Action doesn’t seek to eliminate differences or moUld together identities, but to build a space for our differences – a space where humans can coexist with dignity, where mutual respect is the foundation for peace.

H E Mohammed bin Said Al Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Oman