On September 12, 2026, Prof. Dr. Naheed S. Goraya, Director, Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS), University of the Punjab, Lahore, delivered a keynote address on “Digital Insecurity: Countering Hate Speech, Disinformation & Online Radicalization”, during the PEMA Virtual Dialogue Series: “Building a Culture of Peace".

The dialogue was hosted by Peace Mindset Ambassador Int’l (PEMA), a youth-focused non-profit peacebuilding organization primarily based in Nigeria. The event was a part of its initiative to promote a culture of peace and address emerging challenges confronting societies in the digital age.

Speaking as the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Dr. Goraya highlighted the growing threat posed by hate speech, disinformation and online radicalization to social cohesion, peace and security. She observed that digital platforms have transformed the speed, scale and reach of harmful content, making digital insecurity an increasingly important dimension of contemporary security. Dr. Goraya explained how online hate can develop through a progressive cycle of stereotyping, dehumanization, demonization, normalization of hatred and incitement, creating an environment in which intolerance can potentially translate into real-world hostility and violence.

She also discussed the role of social media algorithms and echo chambers in reinforcing polarized narratives. Repeated exposure to similar content can limit engagement with diverse perspectives and contribute to deeper social and political divisions. Emphasizing the need for a comprehensive response, Dr. Goraya called for greater digital literacy, responsible online communication, effective legal and institutional mechanisms, responsible platform practices and stronger protection for victims of cyber abuse and hate speech. She stressed that countering hate speech should not be viewed solely as a matter of restricting speech, but as a broader effort to build responsible digital citizenship, resilience against disinformation and a culture of dialogue and peace.

The virtual dialogue brought together participants interested in peacebuilding, digital security, human rights and contemporary challenges associated with online communication. The event provided a platform for discussion on how societies can respond collectively to the growing risks emerging from the digital environment.

Prof. Dr. Goraya’s participation as Keynote Speaker reflects the Centre for South Asian Studies’ continued engagement with contemporary issues of peace, security, digital transformation and social cohesion, and its commitment to contributing academic perspectives to important national and international debates.