Webinar Recording Youth Engagement in Combatting Hate Speech

Overview

The Memory Makers “Youth Engagement in Combating Hate Speech” webinar brought together experts who are leaders, human rights advocates, and youth experts from across Europe. They explored how young people can challenge hate speech narratives, and foster inclusive societies. This discussion highlighted grassroots initiatives, policy advocacy, and educational approaches that empower youth to take a stand against discrimination and intolerance.

Our presenters included the following experts:

  1. Ece Ciftci a founder of the SosyalBen Foundation and a member of the Council of Europe’s Conference of INGOs which champions youth empowerment and access to education.

  2. Dora Bender an Executive Director at the Democracy and Federalism Hub which is dedicated to promoting inclusive governance and civic democracy.

  3. Piotr Sadowski the Vice President of the Conference of INGOs, Council of Europe, and a leading advocate for participatory democracy.

  4. Isuf Halimi the Director of the European Centre for Human Rights and Co-founder of the No Hate Speech Network which has been involved in human rights advocacy for over 20 years.

  5. Nazarii Boiarskyi a human rights activist, and Co-founder of Democratic Initiatives Incubator in Ukraine which specialises in civic education and combating hate speech.

  6. Hera Luma the Program Manager of ATRC in Kosovo which has a focus on youth empowerment and anti-hate speech advocacy.

  7. Irena Topalli an international youth work expert and member of the National Youth Congress and is on it Albania’s International Relations Manager. She has two decades of experience in youth policy and training.

  8. Elena Perotti the Executive Director of Media Policy and Public Affairs at WAN-IFRA which is a leading initiative on media freedom and news literacy worldwide.


These experts share their best practices and inspire a Europe where youth engagement drives equality, and social resilience. We see how advocacy can be a driver for change and to include those voices less heard in society.