Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that his long-standing call that “the world is bigger than five” represents not only a critique of the current global order but also a vision for humanity’s collective future.
In an article published in Newsweek, Erdogan said widening inequality, climate crises, pandemics, terrorism and conflict are placing growing strain on the international system.
The United Nations, created after World War Two to safeguard peace and security, has become “regrettably” unable to fulfill that mission, Erdogan said. He argued that decision-making in the Security Council had been reduced “to the will and interests of merely five countries,” and called for urgent reform so the body can again function as “an effective hub of multilateralism.”
Ankara has made dialogue and mediation central to its foreign policy, he added, citing Türkiye’s role in the Black Sea Grain Initiative as an example of its commitment to regional and global stability.
From the Caucasus to Africa, the Middle East and the Balkans, Erdogan said Türkiye seeks “fair diplomatic solutions” to conflicts while also being among the world’s largest providers of humanitarian assistance.
Gaza conflict
Erdogan described the situation in Gaza as “one of the gravest tests of humanity’s conscience,” accusing Israel of atrocities against civilians. He said Türkiye had delivered more than 100,000 tons of aid to the enclave and reiterated calls for a ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.
“Recognizing Palestine is the strongest response to oppression, occupation and blockade,” Erdogan said, urging more countries to back Palestinian statehood.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed more than 65,300 Palestinians, most of them women and children, according to figures cited by Ankara. Israel faces cases at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice over its conduct in Gaza.
Syria’s future
Turning to Syria, Erdogan said reconstruction and recovery are vital to regional stability. He stressed that the country’s future must be decided by its people without “special privileges to any sect or group,” and repeated Ankara’s rejection of separatist movements.
Last December, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, ending nearly 25 years of rule and the Ba’ath Party’s dominance since 1963. A transitional administration led by Farouk al-Sharaa was formed in January.
Türkiye, Erdogan said, remains committed to Syria’s territorial integrity and political unity, and will continue to work for what he described as “a just and dignified future.”