RismadarVoice Reporters
September 23, 2026
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for reform of the United Nations Security Council, arguing that its current structure no longer adequately represents the international community.
Erdogan made the call while addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.
The Turkish leader criticised a system in which five permanent members of the Security Council — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — possess veto powers.
He argued that allowing five countries to exercise such influence over decisions involving more than 190 countries was neither fair nor capable of building sufficient confidence in the international system.
Erdogan said the United Nations, established to maintain international peace and security, had become increasingly unable to fulfil that responsibility.
The Turkish president has for years advocated changes to the Security Council, including a more representative structure.
Turning to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Erdogan urged countries that have not recognised the State of Palestine to reconsider their positions.
He also called for increased international pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza, while strongly criticising the humanitarian situation in the territory.
Erdogan referred to the absence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from the General Assembly for a second consecutive year and described the situation as an injustice to Palestinians.
Türkiye has been among the countries strongly critical of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and has accused Israel of committing genocide.
Israel has rejected allegations that its actions amount to genocide.
Erdogan’s remarks came amid renewed debate at the United Nations over reforming international institutions and increasing representation within the Security Council.
