U.S. second gentleman Doug Emhoff met with former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Auckland on July 21 to discuss ways to combat online hate and extremism as the FIFA Women's World Cup commenced. The meeting was part of Emhoff's delegation to the prestigious football tournament and his diplomatic engagements.
Addressing a gathering at the Christchurch Call, Emhoff spoke passionately about the growing menace of online hate around the world. He described it as a "global epidemic of hate" that demanded immediate action and collaboration between nations. Being Jewish himself, Emhoff shared a personal connection to the cause, stating that he was actively working against the scourge of anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred. He emphasized that his efforts were not solely focused on the Jewish community but aimed at combating hate in all its manifestations.
“But my work is not just about Jews. It’s about all of us. It’s about combating hate in all of its forms,” he said.
The Christchurch Call, named after the New Zealand city where a tragic mass shooting occurred in 2019, is a collaborative initiative to combat online extremism and the misuse of social media platforms to spread hatred and violence. The attack, which took place at two mosques, claimed the lives of 51 innocent Muslim worshippers and was live-streamed online, highlighting the urgent need for global efforts to address such threats.
Jacinda Ardern, who had co-launched the Christchurch Call with French president Emmanuel Macron two months after the tragic attack, expressed her gratitude to Emhoff for his dedication to this important cause. Ardern's commitment to the initiative was further evident as she continued to serve as a special envoy for the Christchurch Call, even after stepping down as New Zealand's Prime Minister earlier that year. Remarkably, she had voluntarily declined to receive any compensation for her role as a special envoy.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed strategies to strengthen international cooperation in tackling online hate and extremism. They also explored ways to promote inclusivity, tolerance, and respect on digital platforms, ensuring that they do not become breeding grounds for hate speech and violence.
Following the discussions in New Zealand, Doug Emhoff is scheduled to travel to Samoa as part of his diplomatic mission.
As the FIFA Women's World Cup kicks off, Emhoff's meeting with Jacinda Ardern signifies the global community's determination to stand united against online hate and strive for a more compassionate and harmonious world.
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