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 yet unforeseen
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 said:
"No institution, with its collective mandate from the peoples 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 between member states and an effective administrator of the world's only universal multilateral institution."
Impartiality, 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 become more agile, transparent, digitally competent, fiscally responsible and accountable. We need a single UN that produces concrete results. Diplomacy means 'Finding a way where no way seems possible.' It means. I believe there is a need for 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."
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.
