President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York
President Erdoğan said:
“I pray to Almighty that the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly will be a blessing for all of humanity, especially the oppressed. I would like to thank H.E. Ms. Baerbock who has completed her term as President of the General Assembly, and I wish H.E. Mr. Rahman success as he assumes the Presidency. I extend my congratulations and gratitude to my dear friend, H.E. Mr. Guterres, who has served as Secretary-General of the United Nations for nearly 10 years with impartiality and, above all, with courage.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sadness over a matter: The esteemed President of the State of Palestine, officially recognized by the overwhelming majority of the member states, H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, has been unable to take his place in this hall for two consecutive years. This injustice against our Palestinian brothers and sisters wounds the consciences. I wish to reiterate that, even though Mr. Abbas cannot be present here in person, we will, just as we did last year, continue to serve as the voice of the free and sovereign State of Palestine and to proclaim the struggle of the Palestinian people to the world from this podium. Hereby, I once again call upon all countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to reconsider their decision.
“74,000 GAZANS HAVE FALLEN VICTIM TO ISRAEL’S STATE TERRORISM”
When the Charter of the United Nations was signed on 26 June 1945, Member States declared with great hope: ‘We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind; to establish the necessary conditions under which fundamental human rights, the dignity and worth of the human, justice and respect for the obligations arising from this Charter can be maintained; to live in peace with one another with the spirit of good neighborhood; and to unite our strength to preserve international peace and security.’ More than 81 years have passed since the Charter was signed; yet humanity still yearns for the day when the powerful resolve of that time will truly come to life.
There is no need to look too far… A glance at the picture of just the past year is enough. Consider this: The past 12 months have gone down in history as one of the bloodiest periods of the last 30 years, marked by over 60 conflicts and wars. From Gaza to Ukraine and Russia, from Myanmar to Darfur, from Iran to Lebanon, 250,000 people have lost their lives. Many more have endured indescribable suffering. Hundreds of thousands have been forced to leave the lands where they were born and raised. In Gaza alone, over the past three years, 74,000 of our brothers and sisters—most of them children and women—have fallen victim to Israel’s state terrorism. The people of Gaza are still searching for their loved ones beneath the rubble; they are uncovering the bodies of their spouses, children, mothers and fathers. Innocent children who have lost their arms and legs in Israeli attacks are trying to attend school and hold on to life with prosthetics made of wood. In hospitals in Gaza, more than 70 percent of generators are currently out of service due to fuel shortages.
As a father and a grandfather who cherishes his children and grandchildren dearly, I must state the following from this podium with my heart torn apart: Gaza today is not merely the world’s largest graveyard for children... It is also the territory with the highest rate of child amputees in the world. Gaza is the most inhumane and most shameful concentration camp of our time. Even after the ceasefire reached through the efforts of President Trump and the contributions of countries, including our own, the number of Gazans killed has exceeded 1,500. Although the Palestinian Resistance Movement has agreed to move to the second phase of the peace plan, the Israeli Government is unwilling to halt the occupation.
“UN, ESTABLISHED 81 YEARS AGO TO MAINTAIN PEACE AND SECURITY, HAS BECOME UNABLE TO FULFIL THIS MISSION”
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, we are witnessing the most severe period of settler terrorism. In Al-Quds, Muslims and Christians are being prevented from accessing their holy sites. There is an attempt to destroy UNRWA, a joint initiative of us all. Today, I will openly express certain realities here, without placing any barrier between my heart and my words: Let no one take offense, nor feel slighted or resented. This is not Tayyip Erdoğan’s personal issue... This is a humanitarian issue; it is a matter of conscience for us all. Before us stands a genocidal mentality that can never get enough of killing. Before us stands an extremely dire situation. No one who holds humanity, compassion and mercy in their heart, with a sense of justice and conscience, can turn a blind eye to this reality.
This scene, which ought to shake us all to the core, tells us this: The United Nations, established 81 years ago to maintain peace and security, has become unable to fulfil this mission, or rather it has been made unable to do so. The Organization continues to lose blood. Those who have placed their hopes in the United Nations in Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan and other crisis areas are deeply disappointed. But I would like to remind you that one day, everyone will have to seek refuge in humanity’s collective conscience. Today, we may feel safe, prosperous and at peace. We may live in comfort, far away from conflict zones and crisis areas. But none of us knows what tomorrow will bring or what might happen to us. That is why I find this year’s General Assembly theme, which focuses on restoring confidence in the international system, exceptionally accurate.
We support the sincere efforts of the Secretary-General in this direction, including the UN80 Initiative. We expect this commitment for reform to be maintained during the tenure of the next Secretary-General. Of course, I would also like to state a fundamental truth quite clearly here... If we genuinely wish to boost confidence in the United Nations, the necessary steps are evident: Children in Gaza must be safe. When Palestinian children look up at the sky, they will see kites soaring freely, not fighter jets, UAVs or drones. Children in Lebanon will not wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of bombs. The labor of Asian workers will not be exploited by ruthless capitalists. Our African brothers and sisters will feel just as safe and full of hope for their future as the citizens of prosperous countries. Only in this way, trust in the United Nations can be restored. Let’s recognize that a system in which the will of more than 190 countries is subject to the whims of five countries is neither fair nor capable of fully establishing trust. The Security Council must absolutely be reformed in accordance with the principle that ‘the world is bigger than five.’
“AN INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM WHERE IMPUNITY HAS BECOME THE NORM IS DOOMED TO DECAY”
While we must keep pace with rapidly advancing technology, we also bear the arduous yet noble responsibility of building a fairer order. At this point, I want to share with you here some basic principles: First and foremost, we are compelled to change the current understanding where international law is applied differently to the strong and the weak. Let us not forget that an international system where wrongdoers get away with it and, worse still, where impunity has become the norm, is doomed to decay. Second; at every stage where the international will is obstructed in resolving crises, we must use regional ownership to open a new path. As Türkiye, in every instance, such as the Black Sea Grain Corridor, where we have acted upon this principle, we have achieved result; we contributed both regional and global security. Third; we must absolutely reestablish an approach that places cooperation and open diplomacy at the center of relations among states. History has shown us, through bitter experiences, that there is no winner in a political approach built upon mistrust. Fourth; we must jointly build a new paradigm that offers solutions to the increasingly deepening income inequalities around the world. We believe that the path to this lies in joint development, solidarity and connectivity. Societies connected to one another through roads, trade, energy networks and joint production will eventually be united in peace and stability as well. Finally, by reasserting a human-centered understanding of technology, we must prevent new barriers to be erected between those who possess technology and those who do not. It must be understood that techno-polarization and digital hegemony serve neither the interests of the United Nations-centered system nor those of the states that constitute its core.
“ATTEMPTS TO STRANGLE THE STATE OF PALESTINE WILL FAIL”
As Türkiye, we do not confine ourselves with merely articulating these principles. With every step we take, we seek a fairer and more humane international system. Through the Defense Alliance we have established with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, based on the understanding of regional ownership, we are both strengthening solidarity among us and aiming to generate solutions to the problems in our region from within the region itself. We are maintaining our efforts with the relevant actors to bring an end to the climate of conflict and war that has been ignited in the Gulf. I strongly underline that dangerous attempt such as spreading these conflicts to neighboring regions serves no one’s interests.
As for Gaza, we remain determined to uphold our commitments we made in Sharm el-Sheikh one year ago. We must begin the reconstruction of Gaza without delay. In this regard, I call upon you to exert greater pressure on Israel. Let everyone now understand and accept this: Attempts to strangle the State of Palestine will fail. Allah willing, we shall see those auspicious days where an independent State of Palestine, based on the 1967 borders, with territorial integrity and East Al-Quds as its capital, is established.
“WE WILL CONTINUE TO STAND BY THE BROTHERLY SYRIAN PEOPLE”
After 14 years of oppression, Syria embarked on a new path with the December 8 Revolution. Under the leadership of President Sharaa, we are witnessing that Syria is moving toward its goal of becoming a safe and peaceful country, despite all forms of internal and external provocation. We will continue to stand by the brotherly Syrian people on this journey. In Iraq, another neighboring country, we fully support the efforts to strengthen the state authority and consolidate stability. We are working with Iraq on strategic transportation and energy projects that will enhance the welfare of our region, particularly the Development Road Project.
As for the Russia-Ukraine war, it is our sincere hope that it comes to an end with Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity being upheld. We continue our contacts with the parties with a view to restoring safety of navigation in the Black Sea, ensuring food security, and preventing the war from spreading to a wider geography. I would like to particularly emphasize that recent attacks against commercial vessels in the Black Sea, regardless of who carries them out, are unacceptable. We believe that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be maintained.
“SOVEREIGN EQUALITY AND EQUAL INTERNATIONAL STATUS OF THE TURKISH CYPRIOT PEOPLE MUST BE RECOGNIZED”
In the Aegean Sea and in the Eastern Mediterranean, we wish to see existing issues resolved on the basis of good-neighborly relations and in accordance with international law. Our proposal for an Eastern Mediterranean Conference will contribute to establishing a common ground. On this occasion, I once again repeat the call I have made at the United Nations General Assemblies: The sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people must be recognized, and the inhumane isolation to which they have been subjected must finally come to an end. I call upon the international community to recognize and establish political, diplomatic, and economic relations with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Türkiye, thanks to its growing defence industry, and its resilient economy, continues to be an island of stability amid conflicts in its vicinity. As an integral part of Europe, our country plays a significant role in ensuring the welfare and security of the continent. The NATO Ankara Summit, which we successfully hosted in July, was a concrete manifestation of our commitment to our common security. A Europe that the security architecture excludes Türkiye cannot, I’ll say this clearly, be stronger or safer. We are shaping our future with the European Union precisely through this strategic vision. We expect the same vision from the European Union as well.
The Balkans is a region that we have strong historical, cultural and human ties with. Within the Balkans Peace Platform, we are taking joint steps to deepen our cooperation. Our stance on the South Caucasus is also quite clear: We hope for the establishment of lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. We commend and support the commitment to a solution demonstrated by Mr. Aliyev and Mr. Pashinyan. We are also resolutely advancing the normalization process with Armenia.
“PROVIDED THAT CONSTRUCTIVE ACTION IS TAKEN, EVERY ISSUE CAN BE RESOLVED”
I would also like to express with pleasure that: The Organization of Turkic States has become an exemplary model of regional cooperation that is growing in strength year by year. The 13th Leaders’ Summit, to be held in Ankara on 30 October, will, Allah willing, open new doors and new horizons for the Organization. The 4th Türkiye-Africa Partnership Summit, which we will organize in Libya in December, symbolizes our institutional partnership we have been building for over 20 years.
In South Asia, it is important that all disputes, including the Kashmir issue, be addressed through dialogue, within the framework of United Nations charter and the relevant resolutions. Provided that constructive action is taken, every issue can be resolved. The same applies to tensions on the African continent. We fully support efforts for a ceasefire and lasting peace in Sudan, as well as efforts to strengthen security, development and institutional capacity in Somalia. Maintaining stability and tranquility in Libya is our priority. It is imperative that the ongoing reconciliation process be led and owned by Libyans.
As Türkiye, we maintain our support for the success of this process as well. Meanwhile, through our Asia Anew Initiative, we continue to strengthen our relations with our partners in the Asia-Pacific region. We regard the elevation of our relations with ASEAN to the level of Dialogue Partnership as a concrete outcome of this approach. Likewise, we are developing our relations with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on the basis of mutual respect, partnership and a win-win understanding.
“WE WILL HOST COP31 SUMMIT IN ANTALYA IN NOVEMBER”
We all derive our livelihood and the source of our life from the nature. Yet our world stands on the threshold of serious environmental and climate-related threats. Air, water and soil, as well as many living species, are being affected by the climate change. While developing countries and the Pacific region are experiencing the climate crisis to their very core, they unfortunately face serious difficulties in accessing the funding they need. This November, we will host COP31 Summit in Antalya. At the Summit, we will ensure that climate justice is given particular prominence. Through the partnership we have developed with Australia, we aim to make COP31 an “Implementation COP,” where financial commitments are fulfilled, technology transfer is accelerated, and promises are translated into concrete steps. Taking this opportunity, I invite you to the COP31 Leaders’ Summit.
The Zero Waste Movement launched by my wife, Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, in 2017 with the slogan “The World is Our Common Home” has since evolved into a global campaign to raise awareness. It is a fact that there are undoubtedly many ways to tackle the climate crisis. The Zero Waste Movement is the strongest bridge where all these paths meet. I believe that, with your support, this bridge will become even stronger.
I would also like to draw your attention to the following fact: Another threat as serious as climate change is the spread of a culture of waste fueled by the desire for consumption. Every year, 5.8 trillion plates of food end up in the bin worldwide, meaning that over 2 billion tons of food are wasted. We cannot speak of justice in a world where tons of food are thrown into the garbage on one side while hundreds of millions of people collect food from garbage on the other. As Türkiye, we are ready to make every possible contribution both to preventing waste and to ensuring global food security. With this understanding, we nominated Dr. Mehmet Mehdi Eker for the position of Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. I am confident that you will not withhold your support.
“XENOPHOBIA, CULTURAL RACISM AND ANTI-SEMITISM ARE TOXIC TRENDS THAT MUST BE COMBATED WITH DETERMINATION”
It is also worth noting that: As our world changes rapidly, humanity has simultaneously begun to face new social threats. Islamophobia, which is spreading like the plague in the West, is at the forefront of these issues. Most of all, Muslim women and girls are subjected to greater discrimination in recent years. We regard the headscarf bans introduced in schools by certain countries as an attack on women’s most fundamental rights. Rising xenophobia, cultural racism and anti-Semitism are also toxic trends that must be combated with determination. Global gender-neutralization policies as well have turned into a siege targeting innocent children, alongside the family institution. We can break this siege only by protecting the family consisting of women and men. Türkiye will continue to take initiatives in protecting families and children, despite attacks from lobby groups.
Another threat that undermines social peace is the spread of disinformation on social media. Standing up for the truth has become more important today than ever before. We are also facing the same risk with artificial intelligence, which is becoming increasingly difficult to control. It is long overdue to establish a common international legal framework for artificial intelligence. It is crucial to accelerate the work being carried out to draft and bring into force the United Nations International Convention on Artificial Intelligence.
“WE WILL NOT REMAIN SILENT IN THE FACE OF INJUSTICE”
The realities I have spoken of here today with an open heart will undoubtedly upset some people, disrupt their comfort, and unmask their lies. I also know very well that they will resort to all kinds of perception management operations in an attempt to silence our voice. In the words of a late poet: ‘They think that if we remain silent, the issue will disappear/But even if we remain silent, history will not./History may remain silent, but the truth will not./They believe that if they get rid of us, the problem will be solved./Yet even if they get rid of us, they would not be able to escape the pangs of their conscience./Even if they were to escape the pangs of their conscience,/They would not be able to escape the pangs of history,/Even if they were to escape the pangs of history,/They would not be able to escape the wrath of Allah.”
As Tayyip Erdoğan, as the President of a great nation guided by its conscience, its history and its compassion, Allah willing, for as long as Allah grants me life, I shall continue from this rostrum to defend the rights of the oppressed, the aggrieved and the voiceless; to be their voice; to speak on their behalf; and to fight for them. If necessary, we will endure hardship; if necessary, we will pay the price. But we will not remain silent in the face of injustice, and we will never consent to oppression.
When we look at the course of the world, we can see that there are two paths before us: Either we will deepen uncertainty through fear, conflict and isolation... Or we will build the future together through justice, solidarity and common will. It is, of course, easy to punch the darkness. The difficult thing is to light a candle that will dispel that darkness. Türkiye has chosen the second path and hopefully will follow it with patience. May Allah ease our way and be our guide and helper, I pray. I invite our friends listening to us in this hall and from every corner of the world to embrace this shared vision of the future. Until we meet again, I salute you all once more with respect.”
