Turkey is considering nominating veteran diplomat Feridun Sinirlioğlu for the post of United Nations secretary-general as the organisation prepares to choose its next leader.
Sinirlioğlu, 70, served briefly as Turkey’s foreign minister and represented the country at the United Nations before becoming secretary-general of the OSCE.
Diplomatic sources say he informally explored support during the recent UN General Assembly in New York, but Ankara has not yet filed a formal nomination.
The selection begins in the 15-member Security Council, where any of the five permanent members can block a contender, before the General Assembly gives final approval.
His extensive multilateral experience could strengthen a potential campaign, including years spent handling security, regional diplomacy and Turkish relations with major powers.
Resistance may nevertheless emerge from governments that have disputes with Ankara, while expectations about regional rotation could also shape the race.
Sinirlioğlu’s current OSCE mandate runs until December 2027, and the Vienna-based organisation has declined to comment while his UN candidacy remains unofficial.
The next secretary-general will succeed António Guterres after his second five-year term ends, making early diplomatic coalition-building especially important.
Sources: Associated Press; Kathimerini.
Featured photo: Meizhi Lang/Unsplash.
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
