President Erdogan calls for ground-up reform of UN Security Council

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, criticizing its current structure as inadequate in maintaining global peace and security.

Responding to a social media post by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Erdogan emphasized the need for the Security Council to align with modern realities. “It is crucial that you sincerely and vocally express your views on the necessity of reforming the United Nations Security Council in a fair manner that suits today’s conditions,” Erdogan stated.

Erdogan also highlighted the importance of giving Africa and its nations the opportunity to contribute to a just global system. “The structure of the UN Security Council, which is currently far from fulfilling its duty to ensure global peace and security, must be radically changed,” he said.

Guterres, addressing the Security Council, had stressed the urgency of Africa’s representation, noting that the Council was designed by the victors of World War II and reflects outdated power structures. He remarked that in 1945, most African countries were under colonial rule and had no voice in international matters.

Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to advocating for a more inclusive and equitable international system, asserting, “We will continue to assert that ‘The world is bigger than five’ and uphold the principle that ‘A more just world is possible.'”