In his address to the UN, President Erdoğan urged a global rethink of power dynamics, stressed Turkey’s pivotal role in addressing the Syrian refugee crisis, condemned Israeli actions in Palestine, and called for joint efforts on terrorism, nuclear arms, and Cyprus.
President Erdoğan’s UN speech called for a major shift in global thinking, stressing that the current world order needs reform. He highlighted Turkey’s crucial role in fighting ISIS, hosting millions of refugees, and managing the Syrian crisis, while urging international cooperation to prevent further migration. Erdoğan also condemned Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and criticized the Greek Cypriot side for obstructing Cyprus’ resolution. He advocated for nuclear equality, proposing that all countries should either have the same access to nuclear technology or none at all. Closing with a political move, he announced his candidacy for the UN General Assembly Presidency, backing Volkan Bozkır for the role.
President Erdoğan: A Call for Change and Action on Global Issues
In his address at the 2024 United Nations General Assembly in New York, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated a powerful message from previous years, emphasizing that “The world is bigger than five,” calling for a shift in the global mindset regarding the structure of power and international decision-making. He asserted, “It is high time to change our mentality,” urging nations to reconsider the current global order.
During his speech, Erdoğan presented visual aids, including a map of Palestine and an image of Aylan Kurdi, the young Syrian child whose tragic death in 2015 became a symbol of the refugee crisis. Holding up the photograph of the lifeless toddler washed up on a Turkish beach, Erdoğan reminded the assembly, “The world forgot baby Aylan very quickly. The same thing could happen to you,” drawing attention to the plight of refugees and the broader humanitarian crisis in Syria.
Erdoğan also focused on the ongoing conflict in Syria, stating that “it is high time to end the Syrian crisis.” He emphasized Turkey’s role in countering ISIS, stating, “Turkey is the country that dealt the biggest blow to ISIS in Syria,” and highlighted the immense responsibility Turkey bears in hosting over five million refugees. “Turkey has no way to handle a new wave of migration,” he warned, stressing the urgent need for international cooperation to address the growing refugee crisis.
One of the key visuals presented by Erdoğan included a brochure outlining the safe zone established along Turkey’s southern border in northern Syria. He called for international support in eliminating terrorist organizations, particularly the PKK/YPG, which operates east of the Euphrates. Erdoğan stated, “The PKK/YPG terrorist organization must be eliminated. We can settle refugees in the safe zone. We must take the steps for this together. Turkey cannot meet this alone.” He proposed moving refugees from temporary shelters into more stable conditions in the newly established safe zone.
Further in his speech, Erdoğan drew attention to the ongoing Palestinian issue, condemning Israel’s occupation of Palestine and calling out the current Israeli administration for undermining human values. He reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to standing with the oppressed Palestinian people, pledging continued support for their cause.
Turning to the Mediterranean, Erdoğan addressed the unresolved Cyprus issue, blaming the uncompromising stance of the Greek Cypriot side for the lack of progress. “Turkey is the guarantor in Cyprus, Greece is the guarantor, England is the guarantor. It is obvious that those who say the Cyprus issue can be resolved with zero guarantees are malicious,” Erdoğan stated, highlighting the complexities of the conflict.
Erdoğan also spoke on nuclear disarmament, declaring, “Nuclear power should either be forbidden for everyone or free for everyone,” advocating for equal treatment on the global stage when it comes to nuclear capabilities.
In closing, President Erdoğan announced his candidacy for the Presidency of the United Nations General Assembly for the upcoming year, nominating former EU President and Ambassador Volkan Bozkır to represent Turkey in this important role. His speech reinforced Turkey’s position as a key player in global diplomacy, advocating for greater fairness and collective action on pressing international issues.
