Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his call for restructuring the United Nations Security Council to enable it to meet the legitimate aspirations of all the world’s peoples, describing what Gaza has witnessed over the past two years as an “abject failure of the Security Council to fulfill its role.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, this statement was made in a message on the occasion of United Nations Day and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the international organization, observed annually on October 24. Erdogan congratulated the United Nations on its founding, highlighting its establishment in the aftermath of two world wars with the aim of promoting peace, solidarity, and international cooperation.

The Turkish President acknowledged the UN’s success over the past eighty years in overcoming various challenges but emphasized the increasing historical responsibility on the organization amid ongoing global issues such as wars, humanitarian crises, famines, poverty, Islamophobia, terrorism, and climate change. He stressed that these responsibilities require a strong adherence to the UN’s fundamental principles and founding values, and pointed out the urgent necessity of reforming the Security Council to make it more representative and just.

Erdogan focused on the situation in Gaza, describing the events there over the past two years as a “genocide” and a blatant violation of international law and basic human values. He criticized the Security Council’s failure to protect innocent civilians and UN staff, noting the significant casualties and destruction in the region.

The Turkish President highlighted efforts to strengthen the United Nations, particularly the reforms under the slogan “The world is bigger than five,” as correct steps that deserve support. He also expressed Turkey’s backing for the “UN 80” initiative launched by Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres, which aims to enhance the UN system’s efficiency and explore structural reforms.

Erdogan expressed his ambition for Istanbul to become a center for United Nations activities, citing its strategic location and abundant resources. He reiterated Turkey’s commitment to promoting peace and security globally and supporting initiatives that restore the United Nations’ role as a beacon of hope for humanity.