NEW YORK: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has warned that hostility toward Islam and Islamophobia are spreading around the world, while calling for reforms to the United Nations and stronger international action on the situation in Palestine.
Addressing the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Erdoğan questioned the effectiveness of the existing international system and argued that the United Nations, established to maintain international peace and security, needs structural reforms. The UN’s own account of his address confirms that he called for reform and efforts to restore trust in the multilateral system.
Erdoğan Raises Palestine and Gaza
The Turkish president devoted a significant part of his speech to the situation of Palestinians, including conditions in Gaza and the West Bank.
He called for greater international pressure over the situation in Gaza and renewed efforts to support Palestinian statehood. He also urged countries that have not yet recognised Palestine to consider doing so.
Erdoğan also criticised the continued absence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from the General Assembly and said Türkiye would continue raising what it considers the Palestinian cause at the UN.
He called for Gaza’s reconstruction to begin without delay and urged the international community to increase efforts to address the humanitarian crisis.
Kashmir and UN Security Council Reform
Erdoğan also referred to Kashmir, saying disputes in South Asia, including the Kashmir issue, should be addressed through dialogue and negotiations within the framework of the UN Charter and relevant resolutions.
He further called for reform of the UN Security Council and broader changes to the international system, arguing that the existing structure does not adequately reflect current global realities.
The speech came as the 81st UN General Assembly opened amid discussions over the effectiveness of multilateral institutions, conflicts in Gaza and elsewhere, and proposals for reform of the United Nations.