"I have always believed that the media have a responsibility to unite, not divide. This is not a preference; it is a duty," Mr Pappas told SBS Greek.
He said uninformed opinions on social media have contributed to an already divided world.
"This makes it even more important for broadcasters like SBS to serve as beacons of respect and tolerance. Of course, that does not mean abandoning our journalistic duty to report the truth accurately," Mr Pappas said.
"It is a difficult balance to maintain, but in these times we must do everything we can to be mindful of what we say, to show respect to one another, our colleagues, our fellow citizens, our neighbours, and to avoid deepening divisions," he added.
Mr Pappas has been a member of the SBS Board since December 2024, serving as Acting Deputy Chair since September 2025.
Australia celebrates 21 March as Harmony Day, while internationally it is known as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Several audio language teams, including Greek, Italian, Russian, Hebrew and Arabic, are broadcasting live radio programs from the Bondi Pavilion in Sydney's Bondi Beach to mark Harmony Day and celebrate social cohesion.
"Social cohesion does not maintain itself; it requires care, attention, effort, and sometimes compromise. In that sense, a broadcaster like SBS has a unique and important role to play," Mr Pappas said.
"It is, first and foremost, an instrument of tolerance, but I think it is more than that. It is part of the country’s DNA, carrying within it the heritage we bring and contribute through our experiences, whether as First Nations peoples or as migrants."
Mr Pappas said SBS plays a critical role not only in showcasing Australia’s multicultural identity, but also in preserving it.
"Stories are at the heart of everything SBS does. We are all fortunate to have access to a rich Indigenous storytelling tradition, which offers deep insights into the cultures of our First Nations peoples," Mr Pappas told SBS Greek.
"At the same time, newer migrants have brought with them important stories that help us understand, respect, and appreciate the experiences and sensitivities of our fellow citizens."
