The Great Lakes region can be proud of its cultural and human diversity, including its abundant natural resources. The interconnected diversity of this region is one of the foundations of its immense potential for sustainable and inclusive growth.

However, this diversity continues to be challenged by the persistent threat of political tensions and ethnic divisions, often fuelled by hate speech.

Hate speech tears communities apart, exacerbates inequalities and undermines social cohesion. It creates divisions, incites violence and compromises peace across borders.

It is not simply offensive speech — it is fertile ground for targeting people because of who they are.

Today, the challenge is greater than ever: amplified by social media, hatred spreads faster and wider than at any other time in history.

Influential voices can manipulate digital spaces to spread hatred, deepen divisions and dehumanise others — turning what should connect us into destructive weapons.

As the region experiences an important moment in its history, particularly due to ongoing progress in peace processes that are reviving hopes for lasting peace, we must resolutely confront all forms of hate speech so as not to compromise ongoing efforts and preserve hard-won gains.

The Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region recognises the threat posed by hate speech and is therefore continuing to work alongside MONUSCO, communities, partners and stakeholders to counter this scourge and promote a culture of tolerance and peace.

The Living Better Together campaign invites us all to reject words that hurt and divide, and to embrace those that bring us together.

All of us who live in the Great Lakes region — from Kinshasa to Bujumbura, from Kampala to Nairobi, from Dar es Salaam to Luanda — must unite our voices against hatred!

Political leaders, the youth and women, the media, content creators on digital platforms: we must all commit to bridging divides and promoting dialogue. We must replace hatred with trust!

Let us all reaffirm our common destiny as peoples of the Great Lakes and citizens of the world. Let us promote dialogue, inclusion and responsible speech, from the community level to the regional level. Let us unite across borders, generations and identities.

Living better together is not just a slogan – it is an imperative that must be translated into a promise and a commitment. Let us honour this promise and commitment.