Erdoğan presents UN chief Guterres with Ataturk International Peace Prize

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presented the Ataturk International Peace Prize to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Ankara on Thursday, honoring the UN chief's contributions to international peace and his principled stance on humanitarian crises. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Erdoğan said Ankara is conducting intense diplomatic efforts to prevent the Iran-centered spiral of violence from expanding further, stressing that diplomacy and dialogue are the safest path to a just and lasting peace.

Recognition of leadership

Erdoğan expressed pleasure in hosting Guterres, noting the UN chief has carried out his duties with neutrality and wisdom since 2017. He recalled Guterres' valuable contributions to protecting refugees, promoting global justice and shuttle diplomacy efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war context. "I am very pleased to present the Ataturk International Peace Award to my dear friend, who has become the voice of the silent majority for the establishment of international peace and security, on the occasion of his sixth visit," Erdoğan said.

Türkiye's peace efforts

"We continue to keep at the center of our foreign policy the principle of 'Peace at home, peace in the world,' inherited from the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, by blending it with a proactive, bold and entrepreneurial approach," Erdoğan stated. He said Türkiye has been one of the strongest supporters of the UN's founding values and works to extinguish fires wherever they occur: "From conflicts, wars, oppression and humanitarian crises in our region to anywhere there is a fire, we carry water to extinguish it. Wherever there is pain, drama, tragedy or tears, we strive with all our strength to ease it."

Gaza stance praised

Erdoğan said Guterres' stance regarding Gaza, "where one of the greatest atrocities of the era is taking place, will always be remembered with praise." He noted the UN chief strongly demonstrated the principled stance expected against this brutality and never wavered from working toward a two-state solution based on UN parameters.

COP31 and Zero Waste

Erdoğan highlighted Guterres' dedication to combating climate change, noting Türkiye is preparing to host COP31 in November 2026. He also thanked the UN chief for supporting the Zero Waste Project, launched in 2017 under First Lady Emine Erdoğan's leadership, which has become a global initiative.

UN reform call

Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye's call that "the world is bigger than five," stressing the need for UN reform. He expressed readiness to implement the UN House Project, bringing UN offices under one roof in Istanbul, contributing to the UN80 initiative. Following the ceremony, Erdoğan and Guterres toured the exhibition "Gazans Youth Resisting Pain with Hope."