Türkiye calls for ‘democratic’ and ‘accountable’ UN Security Council reform
The United Nations logo is seen at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Sept. 24, 2019. (AFP Photo)
Türkiye has reiterated its call for reforming the United Nations Security Council to make it more democratic, accountable, and representative, stressing the need for effective multilateralism to address global challenges.
Ahmet Yildiz, Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the U.N., delivered remarks on Tuesday at a high-level Security Council meeting focused on multilateralism and global governance reform.
He emphasized that no single nation can tackle modern global issues alone.
In a social media post on X, Yildiz said, “I underscored the importance of multilateralism as well as the need for U.N., U.N. Security Council, and international financial system reform in my address to the U.N. Security Council today.”
Global challenges require collective action
Yildiz underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing major global crises, including pandemics, climate change, food shortages, armed conflicts, terrorism, and poverty.
“Whereas today, millions of people in the Middle East still suffer the consequences of brutal attacks, illegally occupied territories, politicized humanitarian aid and forced displacements as a result of blatant violations of international law and international humanitarian law,” he said.
He also highlighted Africa’s struggles with poor governance, terrorism and climate change, which have led to widespread displacement, migration, and food insecurity.
“Effective multilateralism, therefore, is not a choice but a necessity, along with the maintenance of international law, respect for human rights and the rule of law,” Yildiz stated.
UN reform as a priority
Despite the U.N.’s central role in global governance for nearly eight decades, Yildiz acknowledged its shortcomings and called for reforms that strengthen its effectiveness rather than reinforcing existing inefficiencies.
“We must reform the Security Council into a more democratic, representative, transparent, effective and accountable body,” he said. “The reform must address the shortcomings of the Security Council, rather than consolidating the already existing ones.”
He also emphasized the need for new mechanisms to enhance the U.N.’s preventive and remedial role in global governance.
Strengthening UN General Assembly, financial system
Yildiz highlighted the importance of a robust UN General Assembly in strengthening multilateralism and expressed Türkiye’s full support for intergovernmental efforts to revitalize the assembly.
“To strengthen multilateralism, we need a stronger General Assembly, and we fully support the intergovernmental process for its revitalization.”
Additionally, he called for improvements to the international financial system to ensure greater global stability and equitable development.
Türkiye’s commitment to multilateralism
Reaffirming Türkiye’s dedication to global development, Yildiz stressed the country’s ongoing support for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
“Türkiye remains a strong development partner for the Least Developed Countries in their efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.”
He concluded by emphasizing the necessity of upholding the principles of the U.N. Charter.
“Our efforts for a true and effective multilateralism must be centered upon the spirit and letter of the U.N. Charter. The purposes and principles enshrined in the resilient and visionary Charter must remain our guideline in the path forward.”
