Mr. President,

I thank you for convening this open debate.

I also thank the Presidents of the General Assembly, ECOSOC and the ICJ, as well as the Secretary-General for their informative briefings.

We welcome the Security Council’s increased focus on prevention at a time our world is facing unprecedentedly complex challenges.

Strong and effective multilateralism, based on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, is a prerequisite for security, stability, peace and prosperity. Preventive diplomacy, in particular, plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue and trust, and managing security challenges.

We cannot forget that multilateralism is not a mere concept. Its fate is determined by the actions of Member States. Successes are often hard earned, and failures of multilateralism are failures we must all own.

Thus, throughout our discussions, as we reflect upon the unacceptable levels of human suffering around the world today, we must acknowledge the simple fact that we, the Member States, have the power to mobilize all organs of the United Nations to uphold our duties under the Charter.

Mr. President,

Under the Charter of the United Nations, this Council is entrusted with the responsibility to maintain international peace and security. And the General Assembly, as the most representative and deliberative policy-making body, is tasked with reflecting the aspirations of the people we serve.

On many occasions, the Council has been divided, and unable to rise to the challenge. It is impossible to deny that there has been a growing gap between the Council’s responsibilities and performance. Often, the reason for failure, is the differences between its members, in particular, its permanent members.

The reform of the Security Council, is therefore an issue which requires serious attention. As we begin a new round of negotiations, we can work together to strengthen this body. We firmly believe that a more representative, accountable, and transparent Council will reinforce global solidarity and cooperation at this critical juncture.

Moreover, we trust that this Council, and the membership of the United Nations at large will work to strengthen the implementation of the Charter, to formulate rules and processes that expedite justice for those who violate the rule of law.

The lack of accountability for serious crimes signifies our collective failure to enable all mechanisms and tools of the multilateral system, to prevent violations from occurring, and re-occurring.

Mr. President,

The maintenance of peace and security is the primary raison d’etre of the United Nations, and the General Assembly has a critical role to play.

Let us not forget that when the Security Council fails to fulfil its responsibility, the General Assembly serves as a critical backstop for the maintenance of peace and security. Thus, the relationship between the two organs is an important element of preventive diplomacy.
Therefore, we expect the Security Council to work closely with the General Assembly to advance peace and security, without encroaching upon each other’s mandates.

This will not only enhance the accountability and transparency of the Security Council, but it will promote greater cohesion throughout the system.

After all, Council members are first and foremost members of the General Assembly, and non-permanent members are elected by and accountable to the GA. Neither this Council nor the General Assembly can achieve results if we neglect the symbiotic relationship between the two organs.

Mr. President,

In my region, we have borne witness to the Security Council’s failure to effectively prevent conflict which has led to some of the worst humanitarian tragedies in the history of this Organization.

The Security Council’s inability to take preventive action, has led to the outbreak of protracted conflicts, which leave Member States with little option but to safeguard their security through national measures.

The internal dynamics and decisions of this Council has reduced the role of the United Nations to intervention during conflict resolution, after the damage is done.

If we are to ‘save succeeding generations from the scourge of war’, this Council must focus more on preventive diplomacy and mediation in order to address root causes of conflict.

Conflicts do not emerge, nor do they evolve in a vacuum. Mediation is an important tool throughout different phases of the peace continuum. Timely intervention to mediate between parties can avert hostilities.

To put simply: preventive diplomacy can save lives.

Mr. President,

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that multilateral action in an increasingly complex environment requires innovation, flexibility, and greater cooperation between nations.

Parallel threats caused by conflict, and deepening inequalities resulting from climate change, famine, and technological developments, are now combined with non-conventional security risks.

To this end, we welcome the Secretary-General’s efforts vis-à-vis Our Common Agenda.
It is clear that the traditional approaches will not suffice. We call on all organs of the United Nations to work together to protect the people we serve, and in doing so, enhance our collective security.

I assure you, Mr. President, that Türkiye will continue to champion multilateralism and uphold the Charter of the United Nations.

Thank you.