Opening remarks at the High-Level Event on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, emphasized that Islamophobia is evolving in scale and complexity, requiring a principled, resolute, and forward-looking response. He proposed a set of concrete measures: (1) adopt a principled and forward-looking response that matches the growing scale and complexity of Islamophobia; (2) ensure full implementation of international human rights laws and resolutions, including criminalizing incitement to religious hatred, discrimination, and violence; (3) strengthen national legal and institutional frameworks to prevent hate crimes, address discrimination, and ensure accountability; (4) enhance global cooperation among the United Nations, Member States, and technology companies to regulate online spaces and curb hate speech, disinformation, and incitement; (5) promote inclusive education that fosters respect for diversity, cultural understanding, and interfaith harmony; (6) encourage sustained intercultural and interreligious dialogue to build trust and reinforce shared human values; and (7) move from rhetoric to action through stronger international cooperation, sharing best practices, and implementing a comprehensive global Action Plan to combat Islamophobia. The remarks outline a collaborative pathway for addressing Islamophobia at the international level.