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"If we could convert your hatred into electric power, we could light up the entire world." – Nikola Tesla Panel Discussion on Hate Speech, Social Media, and Peace Held in Hawassa On September 23, 2025,
#Hawassa, Ethiopia
A panel discussion titled "Social Media and Hate Speech" was held at the Ker-Awud International Hotel in Hawassa. Organized by the Journalism and Communication Department of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at Hawassa University in collaboration with the Global Peace Bank, the event featured distinguished speakers, including the esteemed diplomat H.E. Ambassador Dina Mufti, H.E. Dr. Negeri Lencho, and Mr. Argaw Ayele, Operations Manager of the Global Peace Bank. The discussion provided a platform for exchanging ideas and fostering dialogue.
The event was officially opened by the President of Hawassa University, H.E. Dr. Chirotaw Ayele, with a welcoming address delivered by the Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Professor Zeleke Arficho. Contributions from the audience were noted as highly insightful and educational.
In his keynote address, H.E. Ambassador Dina Mufti, a member of the Standing Committee on Peace and Foreign Affairs in the Ethiopian House of People's Representatives, emphasized the potential of social media, stating, "If we use social media to address pressing issues, it offers numerous benefits." He advocated for the civilized exchange of ideas and overcoming hatred through constructive dialogue, quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Another panelist, H.E. Dr. Negeri Lencho, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Human Resource Development and Technology Affairs in the House of People's Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, discussed how digital media can be leveraged for peacebuilding. Citing various studies, he stressed the importance of addressing underlying issues that contribute to conflict in the digital ecosystem to ensure sustainable peace.
Mr. Argaw Ayele, Founder and Manager of the Global Peace Bank, highlighted the organization's "Priority to Neighbor" philosophy. He remarked, "If we all safeguard our neighbors' peace, regardless of their faith, gender, ethnicity, or skin color, we can overcome hatred and establish lasting peace." Beside, "In the context of Ethiopia's current situation, the primary issue stems from the pursuit of multiple identities, which creates a problem of superiority and inferiority complexes, complicating the relationships of our era," he stated his argument.
Dr. Melisaw Dejene (Associate Professor) another panelist, explained that social media and digital technologies have created a fertile ground for spreading hate in the post-truth era, referencing various studies. He outlined both short-term and long-term strategies to address the proliferation of hate speech on social media platforms.
Professor Zeleke Arficho, Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, defined hate speech as "deliberate narratives or messages targeting a community, group, or individual based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, or other identity markers, intended to cause moral or psychological harm." He noted that such speech increases distrust, conflict, war, and widespread instability within society.
The highly relevant and impactful panel discussion was attended by senior officials of Hawassa University, former presidents, faculty members, government representatives, journalists, social media influencers, activists, and representatives of youth associations.
For video new, click the link bellow.
2025-09-27
