UN Türkiye Celebrates 79th Anniversary of the UN

The United Nations in Türkiye marked the 79th anniversary of the UN’s establishment with a series of commemorative events, beginning with a visit to Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and continuing with a reception at CerModern on November 15.

Visit to Anıtkabir

Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi, UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye, led a delegation of UN Türkiye Country Team members and staff to Anıtkabir. The ceremony commenced with the delegation’s procession along the Lion Road. A wreath was laid at Atatürk’s mausoleum, followed by a moment of silence. 

In the Memorial Notebook housed in the Misak-ı Millî Tower, Dr. Ahonsi reflected on Atatürk’s enduring legacy. He wrote about his deep honor in standing at Anıtkabir on the 79th anniversary of the United Nations, paying tribute to a leader whose ideals continue to inspire global solidarity and responsibility. Highlighting Atatürk's words, "Mankind is a single body and each nation a part of that body," Dr. Ahonsi emphasized their alignment with the UN's mission and referenced the recently adopted Pact for the Future as a guiding framework for building a better world for all.

Reception Highlights the UN’s Mission, SDGs, Pact for the Future 

Later in the day, a reception at CerModern brought together members of the diplomatic community, public and private sectors, civil society, academia, university students, UNCT and UN staff. The event highlighted the UN’s global mission, Sustainable Development Goals, the Pact for the Future and UN’s work in Türkiye. 

In his opening remarks, Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi emphasized the United Nations' critical role as an indispensable multilateral convening platform to address the interconnected crises of the 21st century, including the climate emergency, inequalities, and the challenges posed by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. He highlighted the need for inclusive, networked frameworks that draw on the expertise and participation of diverse stakeholders—governments, civil society, academia, the private sector, and especially youth. "The world belongs to us all," he said, underscoring the importance of ensuring all voices are represented in shaping global decisions.

Dr. Ahonsi also praised the Pact for the Future, adopted at the Summit of the Future held in September at UN Headquarters in New York, as a transformative roadmap for addressing these complex challenges. He noted that the Pact prioritizes sustainable development and inclusivity, calling for ambitious reforms to global financial systems to support low- and middle-income countries. He further underscored the importance of the Global Digital Compact, a groundbreaking annex to the Pact that seeks to govern artificial intelligence universally and equitably, ensuring technology serves humanity's collective good. The Pact for the Future, Ahonsi concluded, "represents a renewed commitment to building a just, sustainable, and inclusive global system fit for the challenges of our time."

The Resident Coordinator also emphasized the importance of the second annex of the Pact, the Declaration on Future Generations which echoes the call of the United Nations Charter to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, committing governments for the first time to taking the interests of our descendants into account in decisions taken today.

Ahonsi highlighted Türkiye’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism as a founding member of the United Nations, emphasizing its role as a steadfast advocate of global solidarity. He stated that through strong and forward-thinking partnerships at all levels, Türkiye and the UN remain dedicated to ensuring that no one is left behind, supporting Türkiye’s vision of becoming a high-income nation that benefits all its citizens and residents. 

Reflecting on the resilience demonstrated in the wake of the 2023 earthquakes, Ahonsi remarked, “In the words of the Secretary-General, ‘We are a divided world, but we can—and must—be united nations.’” He concluded his speech by underlining that the choices made today, guided by hope and determination, will shape a better future—not only for the present but for generations to come. The full speech is available here.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Ayşe Berris Ekinci expressed her appreciation for reviving the tradition of UN Day receptions: 

"We are honored to celebrate this day with our partners from various sectors. Türkiye remains a staunch supporter of the UN’s mission and values, including the commitments laid out in the Pact for the Future. Multilateralism is more vital than ever as we work toward peace, justice, and equality.” 

Ambassador Ekinci also paid tribute to the sacrifices of UN personnel, particularly those lost in conflict zones, underscoring the organization’s enduring importance in upholding international law and human rights. 

Youth Engagement 

Members of Model United Nations Clubs of four universities in Ankara attended the UN Day reception. At the youth corners of the event the university students explored the work of various UN agencies in Türkiye.