Turkish president demands overhaul of UN Security Council to break global deadlock

In a recent article for Newsweek, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a stark assessment of the United Nations’ current capacity to address global challenges. Established after World War II to uphold peace and security, Erdoğan lamented that the UN “is regrettably no longer able to fulfil its core function in the face of today’s crises and conflicts.”

He criticized the UN Security Council’s decision-making structure, which remains dominated by five permanent members, describing it as “an unjust structure” and “a primary source of the deadlocks of our time.” Erdoğan called urgently for reforms to restore the UN as an effective multilateral institution capable of delivering just solutions to global issues.

Highlighting the multitude of contemporary challenges—ranging from conflicts, terrorism, and pandemics to climate disasters and rising inequality—Erdoğan outlined Türkiye’s foreign policy, which prioritizes dialogue, mediation, and adherence to principles of justice, peace, and solidarity. He cited the Black Sea Grain Initiative as a prime example of Türkiye’s constructive role in fostering regional and global stability.

Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s commitment not only to conflict resolution but also to humanitarian assistance, underscoring its status as a leading global provider of aid. He condemned the ongoing Israeli occupation and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered delivery of aid, and a revival of the two-state solution based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of a sovereign Palestinian state. He urged international recognition of Palestine as a critical step toward justice and peace.

Turning to Syria, Erdoğan stressed the importance of respecting the country’s territorial integrity and political unity while prioritizing the collective will of the Syrian people. He opposed separatist agendas and terrorist groups, advocating for a cooperative security approach to rebuild stability in the region.

Concluding, Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s dedication to leading global efforts toward a future founded on truth, justice, and solidarity, emphasizing that “a just peace is achievable only through collective will.”

By Vafa Guliyeva