Project Kickoff for International Cooperation Against Online Hate

United Against Hate on the Internet

Prevention and intervention strategies for young people, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), East-West Dialogue program

Duration: January - December 2025

Projectdescription

In the digital age, online hate poses a serious threat to young people. This is especially true for adolescents growing up in insecure and conflict-affected contexts.

The project “Together Against Online Hate: Prevention and Intervention Strategies for Young People”, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service, aims to combat online hate. In cooperation with colleagues from Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, and Ukraine, tools for conflict management and conflict prevention are being developed and tested. Building on previous research, the project focuses on implementing effective prevention and intervention strategies specifically tailored to the needs and challenges faced by young people.

The project is carried out in collaboration with several partner institutions. These include Svitlana Khadzhyradieva from the State University of Intelligent Technologies and Telecommunications, who coordinates additional Ukrainian partners such as the Izmail State University of Humanities and the South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushynsky. The project team also includes Jyldyz Doolbekova and Almagul Osmonova from the Taalim-Forum Public Foundation, as well as Svetlana Haraz from the Free International University.

The current project builds on the findings of the previous project “Navigating the Digital Space: Conflict-Sensitive Support Strategies for Young Refugees” As part of that project, a study on online hate was conducted with young people in Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, and Ukraine.

Summer School

In August 2025, a summer school will be organized at the University of Hamburg as part of the project. This event will provide an opportunity to discuss current issues related to combating online hate. The one-week program will include seminars, lectures, and workshops. Its aim is to deepen academic knowledge and develop practical solutions to the challenges young people face in the digital world. Together, we seek to raise awareness of the dangers of cyberhate and equip young people with effective tools to confront these challenges.

Team

Julia Levin, UHH, Project Management

Dr. Nadine Cruz Neri, UHH, Evaluation

Jakobs Lilian, Project Assistance

Roshva Mariia, Projekt Assistance

Cooperation Partners

Prof. Dr. Svitlana Khadzhyradieva, State University of Intelligent Technologies and Communications (Ukraine)

Almagul Osmonova and Jyldyz Doolbekova, Ph.D, The Taalim-Forum Pubic Foundation (Kirgistan)

Svetlana Haraz, Free International University in Moldawien