
, United Kingdom
A Taste of Arts and Humanities
When:
15 July - 25 July 2025
Credits:
0.0 EC
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Communication, Media and Journalism & International Relations Summer Course
When:
30 June - 04 July 2025
School:
UNICRI Specialized Courses Programme
Institution:
United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute
City:
Country:
Language:
English
Fee:
800 EUR
Technological advancements are revolutionizing how people connect, communicate, and access information, creating unprecedented opportunities for sharing knowledge and fostering cooperation and advancements in all human disciplines. However, these same innovations have enabled the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, posing significant risks to the integrity of the information ecosystem. Safeguarding this integrity is essential to protecting human rights, peace and security, and a sustainable future.
The international community continues to grapple with the geopolitical and societal challenges posed by these phenomena. Misinformation and disinformation increase vulnerability and amplify risks, while hate speech undermines dignity and safety, often inciting violence and creating societal instability. Recognizing the severity of these issues, the UN General Assembly has called for international cooperation to counter their spread, as reflected in the Secretary-General’s 2022 report on disinformation and the 2021 resolution establishing the International Day for Countering Hate Speech.
In June 2024, the UN published its Global Principles for Information Integrity, which addresses these challenges by promoting transparency, accountability, and collaboration among governments, tech companies, civil society, and individuals. These guidelines aim to combat harmful narratives, protect human rights, and foster trust by creating a secure and inclusive digital space.
The 3rd edition of the Summer School on Misinformation, Disinformation, and Hate Speech will be delivered in a hybrid format from 30 June to 4 July 2025 by UNICRI and the Italian Society for International Organization (SIOI). The Summer School will provide participants with a fundamental understanding of the various dimensions of disinformation, hate speech, and fake news, including the role of social media in war and political propaganda campaigns. The existing international legal and policy frameworks will be examined to improve participants’ ability to address the issue comprehensively and promote their role as advocates for an effective change in public policies, strategies, and practices.
The curriculum includes the following topics:
- The difference between disinformation and misinformation and the different types of disinformation and misinformation.
- The difference between hate speech and freedom of expression.
- An overview of the international legal framework and human rights standards used to counter hate speech and disinformation.
- The role of fake news in fuelling hate speech and the link between fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech.
- The role of social media hate speech and disinformation in war and political propaganda campaigns.
- The role of AI in disinformation.
- Disinformation: techniques and strategies. Tools to detect and debunk disinformation.
- Tools to monitor and respond to misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech – including the role of media.
- Proposing a counternarrative to hate speech – Debunking as a method of uncovering hate speech, disinformation, misinformation, and fake news.
Course Methodology
The Summer School adopts a hybrid model of learning, which allows participants to attend lectures either in person or virtually through their own device, so as to adjust to individual needs. Classes will be delivered live for those participants on-site and will be streamed for those connected remotely. Special attention will be devoted to ensuring synchronous and seamless interaction with and amongst instructors and participants, both online and in class.
In-person modality
Classes take place at SIOI in Rome (Italy) from Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm CEST.
Online modality
Classes will be streamed via a dedicated online platform from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm CEST from Monday to Friday. Online participants are expected to adjust their schedules to fully participate in the classes irrespective of the time zones they are in.
Participants need a computer (recommended) or a mobile device with audio and video capabilities, a headset with a microphone to connect to the audio through the computer or mobile device, as well as a reliable internet connection. We recommend accessing audio through the computer. No special software is required. Upon acceptance to the course, participants will be provided with the information to access the platform.
How to Apply
Application deadline: please complete and send the application form - and a scanned copy of your valid passport - to unicri.courses@un.org and formint@sioi.org by 16 June 2025.
Confirmation of acceptance: the results of the selection process will be communicated via e-mail within 1 week following receipt of the application.
Payment deadline: full payment has to be finalized within 1 week following confirmation of acceptance (i.e. candidates should provide UNICRI and SIOI with proof of payment via e-mail to unicri.courses@un.org and formint@sioi.org).
Certificate of Participation
Upon completion of the entire Summer School programme, participants will receive a certificate of participation jointly released by the United Nations and SIOI. The Organizers retain the discretion to consider severe reasons for absences when issuing the certificate.
The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), established in 1968, operates as an autonomous entity within the UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network. Governed by its 1989 Statute, UNICRI conducts research, training, and technical cooperation to address criminal threats, promote justice, and support efficient criminal justice systems. The Institute aids governments and the international community by advancing crime prevention policies, fostering international cooperation, and facilitating the exchange of information. UNICRI's activities align with UN priorities, addressing issues such as organized crime, judicial reform, counter-terrorism, cybercrime, environmental crimes, and gender issues in drug abuse. Its work is guided by a Board of Trustees composed of global experts.
The course is intended for university and post-graduate students, Ph.D. candidates, media and other professionals, including United Nations (UN) personnel, as well as anyone interested in gaining an understanding of disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech; how they manifest themselves and what tools are available to combat them.
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be enrolled in, or have completed, a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent).
- Possess a strong command of the English language.
Applications from students expecting to graduate at the end of the 2024/25 academic year will also be considered.
The Summer School offers professional, legal, social, scientific, and academic perspectives through theoretical lectures, group discussions, dynamic case studies, individual readings, and practical exercises. The faculty is composed of expert scholars and academics from leading universities, representatives of the United Nations system, international human rights bodies, and the civil society.
Whether attending the course in person at the SIOI’s historical premises in the centre of Rome (Italy), or through a dedicated online platform, participants will have the opportunity to interact with international recognized experts and peers from all over the world, to exchange view and opinions and build lasting professional relationships. The course experience aims to fostering intercultural dialogue and to promoting a deeper understanding of some of the world’s most complex and debated issues.
Fee
800 EUR, Online Modality - Registration Fee Includes: Tuition, Course material, and Lectures’ recordings (upon request)
Fee
1000 EUR, In-Person Modality at SIOI premises in Rome (Italy) - Registration Fee Includes: Tuition and Course material.
When:
30 June - 04 July 2025
School:
UNICRI Specialized Courses Programme
Institution:
United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute
Language:
English
, United Kingdom
When:
15 July - 25 July 2025
Credits:
0.0 EC
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Aarhus, Denmark
When:
02 July - 18 July 2025
Credits:
10 EC
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Nijmegen, Netherlands
When:
30 June - 04 July 2025
Credits:
2 EC
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