Deadline for application: 21 June 2026 

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 4th edition of the Summer School on Misinformation, Disinformation, and Hate Speech will be delivered in a hybrid format from 6 to 10 July 2026 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. More specifically, 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.

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.

Key information

1. Entry requirements

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.
   

2. 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.

The class schedule may be subject to change for additional activities, which will be communicated before the course begins. Absences resulting from inadequate planning will not be considered justified. Participants who do not complete the course will not be entitled to the certificate award, refunds, or reductions in registration fees.

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.

3. 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.

4. How to apply

Application Procedure

• Online application via INDICO platform (UN):
  Applicants are required to register on the INDICO platform of the United Nations and submit their application exclusively through the online system. PLEASE CLICK HERE.
• Required documents:
  During the application process, candidates will be required to:
  • upload a recent photograph (which can be taken directly through the platform using the website tools)
  • upload a scanned copy of a valid passport or another valid identification document.
• Application deadline:
  Applications must be completed and submitted through the INDICO platform by 21 June 2026. The selection is carried out on a rolling basis. 
   

5. Applicants requiring a VISA (IMPORTANT)

Applicants requiring a visa are advised to submit an early application (preferably by 31 March 2026) and notify the Administrative Office of this circumstance. The visa shall be issued by the competent Italian Diplomatic Authorities in the countries of nationality or residence of participants or the relevant Visa Application Center.
Please consider that booking an appointment with the competent Italian Diplomatic Authorities or the Visa Application Center may take up to 3 months and issuing a visa takes approximately 30 days. Neither UNICRI nor SIOI can be held accountable in case of visa refusal.
 

6. Selection and Acceptance

• Confirmation of acceptance:
  The outcome of the selection process will be communicated to applicants via e-mail within one week following submission of the application.

• Acceptance of the application:
  Once the application has been reviewed and accepted, it will be formally registered in the system.

• Enrollment of the candidate:
  The enrollment of the candidate will be finalized only upon receipt of proof of payment (see sections #7, #8 and #9)

7. Registration Fees

In-person modality: 1,000 Euro.
Online modality: 800 Euro.

Registration fee includes:

• Tuition
• Course material
• Lectures’ recordings (upon request)

8. Payment

• Payment deadline:
  Upon approval of the application, the full payment must be completed within one week.
• Payment procedure:
• Proof of payment:
  A copy of the payment receipt must be sent by e-mail to the following addresses:
  • unicri.courses@un.org
  • formint@sioi.org

Once your application has been approved, detailed payment instructions and the relevant bank details will be provided. Please note that payment may only be made via bank transfer. 

9. Cancellation and refunds

In the event of a participant cancellation for any reason, including visa denial, registration fees will not be refunded.