Sinirlioğlu, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and currently Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), talked about the policies he would follow and the areas he would prioritize if elected UN Secretary General, in his speech at the "Interactive Dialogue Start" meeting held at the UN Headquarters.
Sinirlioğlu emphasized that adhering to the UN Charter is not a matter of idealism and is the only way to resolve disputes between states.
Pointing out that the UN Charter determines the rules and principles of international dialogue and cooperation, Sinirlioğlu said, "We will not reinvent it. The UN Charter was created with the wisdom of people who know very well the indescribable price that war inflicts on humanity." he said.
Sinirlioğlu stated that he would strictly adhere to the UN Charter if he won the candidacy race.
TESTS THAT ARE NOT YET FORESEEABLE
Pointing out that the distrust between states in the international arena is gradually deepening, Sinirlioğlu stated that the international system is insufficient to address threats to peace and security.
Sinirlioğlu expressed his belief that the UN is humanity's best chance to overcome current problems and unforeseen challenges and said, "I am applying for the post of Secretary General because I am here not because I think the UN is perfect, but because I believe it is indispensable." he said.
Emphasizing that the UN has universal legitimacy, the power to bring the parties together and moral authority, Sinirlioğlu said that there is no other institution with these features.
Sinirlioğlu noted: "No institution, with the common authority it receives from the people of the world, has the commitment to serve each individual without discrimination and to leave no one behind. The Secretary-General must be an independent guardian of the UN Charter, an honest mediator among member states and an effective manager of the world's only universal multilateral institution."
OBJECTIVITY, EXPERIENCE, COURAGE
Pointing out that this task requires honesty, impartiality, experience, courage, the ability to listen carefully and leadership qualities, Sinirlioğlu said that if he is entrusted with the task, he will focus on the agendas of "prevention and resolution of conflicts, restoring trust in multilateralism, preparation for new challenges, sustainable development and acceleration of climate action, protection of human rights".
Sinirlioğlu stated that he will see dialogue with the parties as a responsibility, not a concession, in cases where there may be a difference of opinion during his term of office, and said, "It is essential to prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of miscalculation in the variable security environment." made his assessment.
EFFECTIVE MEDIATION AND QUIET DIPLOMACY
Pointing out that the UN needs a secretary general who is an active and experienced diplomatic mediator who is ready to go to places where peace is needed most, Sinirlioğlu said, "Silent diplomacy is a must for effective mediation. If there is one lesson I have learned in my 40-year diplomatic career, it is this: Dialogue is always possible. Only one platform is needed for this. The UN is the most important of these platforms." he said.
Emphasizing that the UN needs reform in order to fulfill its critical roles, Sinirlioğlu said: "The organization must have a more agile, transparent, digitally competent, financially responsible and accountable structure. We need a single UN that produces concrete results. Diplomacy means 'Finding a way when no way is visible.' It means. I believe we need a secretary general who understands the dynamics that trigger major conflicts. I have dedicated my career to addressing the issues that threaten international peace and security today. "While many of these issues are rooted in the larger region where I was born and raised, their effects are felt around the world."
"THE DEVELOPMENT PILLAR AT THE CENTER OF THE UN"
Sinirlioğlu stated that he believes that "a determined leadership that listens to the voices of member states, responds to their needs and keeps the development pillar at the center of the UN is vital" in the realization of the "2030 Sustainable Development Agenda" followed by the UN, and said:
Noting that conflicts, economic vulnerabilities, climate change and humanitarian crises are increasingly weakening the global sustainable development agenda, Sinirlioğlu said, "With only four years left, we need to increase investments, renew determination and take concrete steps to ensure gender and geographical balance."
"THESE ARE MY WORDS"
Stating that threats to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea and the Black Sea show that they have consequences that extend far beyond the regions in question, Sinirlioğlu said that threats to commercial and civilian ships and unfair restrictions on navigation "cannot be accepted regardless of their source or justification."
Sinirlioğlu said, "My basic principles are moderation at sea, dialogue between states and respect for international law under all circumstances. These are my words and I stand behind them. Human rights cannot continue to remain the least-funded pillar of the UN." he said.
WOMEN'S RIGHTS
Noting that "there is still a long way to go" on gender equality and women's rights, Sinirlioğlu said that these agendas should be at the top of the UN's global agenda.
Sinirlioğlu said, "I have a history of increasing women's representation in decision-making mechanisms in all institutions I manage. I will continue to do this in my role as Secretary General." he said.
"INTERNATIONAL LAW" ANSWER TO THE HAMAS QUESTION
Israel's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Danny Danon asked, "Will you be able to clearly and unequivocally condemn Hamas for its attacks in October 2023?" if he is elected as the UN Secretary-General. Sinirlioğlu answered the question: "I served as my country's ambassador in Israel for 5 years. I know the country very well. International law will be my guide. I condemn terrorism in all its forms, completely and unconditionally. If Hamas or any other organization violates any of the rules defined by international legal institutions and instruments, then of course they must be held responsible and accountable."
DUTIES AND CANDIDACY
Turkey made its official application for Ambassador Feridun Sinirlioğlu's candidacy for UN Secretary General at the end of October.
Türkiye's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız, said in his statement: "Our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, found it appropriate to nominate Ambassador Sinirlioğlu for the post of UN Secretary General, taking into account his qualifications, abilities, experience in the international arena and his confidence in himself." He used the following expressions.
Senior Turkish diplomat Feridun Sinirlioğlu, who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs between August and November 2015 and Türkiye's Permanent Representative to the UN between 2016 and 2023, currently serves as OSCE Secretary General.
