Türkiye calls for 'democratic' and 'accountable' UN Security Council reform

Türkiye's Permanent Representative to the UN called Tuesday for reforming the global governance system and strengthening multilateralism to tackle global challenges.

"No country can overcome the challenges of the modern era alone," Ahmet Yildiz said at a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council on multilateralism and global governance reform.

He stressed that global issues such as pandemics, climate change, food crises, conflicts, terrorism and poverty require international cooperation and solidarity.

"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.

Noting the severe impact of poor governance, terrorism and climate change on Africa, he said that such issues lead to mass 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 said.

Emphasizing the UN's "central role" in multilateralism for nearly 80 years, Yildiz stressed that "despite its flaws and need for reform, the UN has no alternative."

He called to "devise new methods to increase the constructive, preventive and remedial role of the UN" and noted that "we must reform the Security Council into a more democratic, representative, transparent, effective and accountable body."

"The reform must address the shortcomings of the Security Council, rather than consolidating the already existing ones," he added.

He further stressed the importance of improving the international financial system and strengthening the role of the UN General Assembly.

"To strengthen multilateralism, we need a stronger General Assembly, and we fully support the intergovernmental process for its revitalization."

Reaffirming Türkiye's commitment to multilateralism and global development, Yildiz said: "Türkiye remains a strong development partner for the Least Developed Countries in their efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals."

"Our efforts for a true and effective multilateralism must be centered upon the spirit and letter of the UN Charter. The purposes and principles enshrined in the resilient and visionary Charter must remain our guideline in the path forward," he added.