Erdogan Calls for UN Security Council Reform and End to Veto Power
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for major reforms to the United Nations Security Council, including ending the veto power held by its five permanent members.
In an article published by Bloomberg, Erdogan argued that global institutions need to reflect current political, economic and security realities rather than continue operating under structures created after World War II.
Erdogan Calls for Concrete Reform Plan
Erdogan said recent global challenges, including pandemics, energy disruptions, supply chain problems and regional conflicts, have highlighted limitations in the current international decision-making system.
He said the need for UN reform should be turned into a practical roadmap and argued that removing the veto privilege should be at the centre of that process.
Türkiye has frequently used the slogan “The world is bigger than five” when calling for changes to the UN Security Council.
The five permanent members of the council are the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia and China, all of which have veto power.
Proposal to Remove Permanent Membership
According to Erdogan’s proposal, simply increasing the number of permanent members would not address what he described as the concentration of decision-making authority among a small group of countries.
He instead called for a Security Council without permanent members, with countries elected by the UN General Assembly for fixed terms.
Under the proposal, countries seeking another term would have to secure support from a majority of General Assembly members through elections.
Erdogan also called for stronger accountability of the Security Council before the General Assembly.
Greater Role for UN General Assembly
The Turkish president said the General Assembly should have a stronger role in global decision-making.
He argued that international institutions need to adapt to the emergence of new centres of economic, technological and diplomatic influence around the world.
Erdogan pointed to the growing economic importance of Asia and calls from African countries for greater representation in international institutions.
He also said regional issues should take greater account of the countries directly affected by them, rather than relying only on approaches developed outside those regions.
Focus on Global Economic Inequality
Erdogan also addressed economic disparities between developed and developing countries.
He argued that globalisation has not distributed economic benefits equally and said developing countries should have better access to financing and opportunities for economic development.
According to Erdogan, changes in technology and the global economy have also created new forms of dependency and competition.
He called for international responsibilities to be shared more fairly as global economic and political conditions continue to change.
Türkiye Backs UN Reform
Erdogan said Türkiye would continue supporting efforts aimed at changing the international system through its diplomatic relations and multilateral engagement.
He said Türkiye supports ending the veto privilege, increasing the influence of elected Security Council members and strengthening the role of the General Assembly.
Erdogan also said lasting international peace would require greater cooperation between different regions rather than deeper divisions between separate blocs.
