Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called for comprehensive reform of the United Nations during an address to the General Assembly in New York, arguing that the organisation’s present structure is failing to protect international peace.
Erdoğan criticised the concentration of decision-making power in the five permanent members of the Security Council. He said the interests of more than 190 UN members should not remain dependent on the approval of a small group of states.
The Turkish leader also focused heavily on Gaza, describing the humanitarian situation there as intolerable and accusing the international community of failing to stop civilian suffering.
He expressed support for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and said Abbas’s absence from the gathering reflected the wider injustices facing Palestinians in international diplomacy.
Erdoğan urged governments that have not recognised a Palestinian state to reconsider their positions. He argued that wider recognition could strengthen the diplomatic foundation for a two-state settlement.
Turkey has remained one of Israel’s strongest critics during the Gaza conflict. Ankara describes Israel’s campaign as genocide, an allegation rejected by the Israeli government.
The speech linked Turkey’s longstanding demand for UN reform with its Middle East policy, presenting both as tests of whether the international system can apply rules fairly and respond effectively to crises.
Source: Reuters.
Featured photo: Nils Huenerfuerst/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.