New York, October 25, 2025 — The Europe Today: Türkiye on Friday called for sweeping reforms to strengthen the United Nations and make it “more effective and transparent,” as the world body celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.
Addressing the UN Security Council, Türkiye’s Permanent Representative, Kemal Onur Ekren, reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the UN Charter, emphasizing that the organization must evolve to address contemporary global challenges.
“As we mark 80 years of this indispensable organization, we have the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the UN while taking stock of the long-term vision that will define its future,” Ekren stated.
Highlighting Türkiye’s steadfast support for the UN as a founding member, he underlined that the organization must continue to serve as “a forum for diplomacy and cooperation and the beacon of hope for those whose voices are often unheard.”
Ekren stressed the need for a United Nations that is “more agile, transparent, and responsive” to the evolving needs of the international community. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s backing for ongoing reform initiatives, including the UN80 process, aimed at enhancing the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness.
The envoy also renewed Türkiye’s longstanding call for reform of the Security Council, criticizing its current structure and frequent inaction as undermining the UN’s credibility.
“Türkiye would like to see a more democratic, representative, transparent, effective, and accountable Security Council,” Ekren said, reiterating calls for a UN that is equipped and resourced to uphold international peace and security.
He added, “As we look to the future, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to a United Nations that is better prepared to respond to the ever-changing and increasing challenges of our time.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has long advocated for UN reforms, encapsulated in the slogan, “The world is bigger than five,” highlighting the disproportionate influence of the five veto-wielding Security Council members – the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China.
Ekren’s remarks come at a time when calls for reform are intensifying, underscoring the importance of a UN capable of meeting 21st-century global challenges.
