Opening remarks for United Nations at 80 Panel Discussion by Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi

Eighty years ago, in a world scarred by war, leaders made a choice: Cooperation over chaos. Law over lawlessness. Peace over conflict. That choice gave birth to the United Nations — not as a dream of perfection, but as a strategy for survival.

Many of its founders knew that true leadership meant more than power — it meant foresight. They built a system to keep history from repeating itself: a firewall against the flames of war, a forum for dialogue over division, and a living testament to a simple truth — none of us stands alone.

For eighty years, this belief has been the backbone of the United Nations. It is the reason why leaders still gather around its table. And it’s why we are gathered here today.

Because at its best, the United Nations is more than a meeting place. It is a bridge, connecting people, ideas, and generations in pursuit of common goals.

Today’s panel is part of that mission. 

Together, we continue the work that began eighty years ago: building our future together.

It is truly an honor to open today’s panel discussion marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. 

Our panel, “How Türkiye’s Support for the UN and Multilateralism Advances Global Peace and Development,” is part of our commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the establishment of the UN.

It is a moment to reflect on what the UN represents today and how we can renew its promise for future generations in this changing world. Not a celebration of the past.

Over the next 1.5 hours, we will hear from voices that embody this spirit of partnership and purpose — from government, development institutions, and youth — as we discuss what multilateralism means in practice, and how it can continue to deliver for people and planet.

Our world has changed dramatically since 1945. Yet the vision of the UN Charter remains as urgent and relevant as ever: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, and to promote social progress and better standards of life — a vision now embodied in our collective commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Through decades of collective effort — from eradicating smallpox to preserving the ozone layer, from setting global development goals to peacekeeping and humanitarian action — the UN has demonstrated that when we act together, we can achieve the seemingly impossible.

This journey has never been walked alone. Like many other countries, Türkiye has been part of this journey from the very beginning as a founding member of the United Nations and a strong supporter of multilateralism.

Our partnership with Türkiye continues to deepen through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, which aligns our joint efforts in inclusive growth, equality, climate action, and resilience. The new UNSDCF for 2026 – 2031 will soon be signed with the Government of Türkiye, further strengthening our collaboration.

Türkiye also plays an indispensable role in promoting peace, regional stability, and humanitarian response. Its leadership in areas such as hosting one of the world’s largest refugee populations and the Black Sea Grain Initiative exemplifies how international cooperation can translate into tangible benefits for global peace and food security. Türkiye is also the host of the United Nations Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries, underscoring its commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation as drivers of sustainable development.

As we mark this anniversary, we do so in a moment of great challenge. We see rising conflicts, the devastating impacts of the climate crisis, deepening inequalities, and technological disruption that is reshaping societies faster than governance can adapt.

These realities test the strength and purpose of multilateralism. They remind us that our work is far from over and that we must continue to reform, innovate, and build trust among nations and peoples.

That is precisely why the Secretary-General has launched the UN80 initiative, a system-wide effort to make the United Nations more agile, accountable, and effective in delivering for the people it serves.

The initiative builds on past reforms and aims to strengthen the UN’s impact across all its pillars peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development.

As we look ahead, the voices and ideas of young people will be essential. Young people today are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are active changemakers of today: volunteering, innovating, and driving progress in their communities and beyond.

I am delighted that a youth representative is part of our panel today, and that we have many young people among the audience bringing the voice and vision of a new generation that will carry forward the ideals of the UN Charter in an entirely new world. 

Before we begin, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our moderator, Mr. Yasser Hassan, Director of the ILO Office for Türkiye, for guiding today’s discussion. I also warmly thank our distinguished panelists: H.E. Mr. Zeki Levent Gümrükçü, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Rahman Nurdun, Vice President of TİKA; and Ms. Hilal Gedik, Youth Representative from the Capital Youth Assembly. Your presence and insights embody the spirit of multilateralism and partnership we celebrate today

As Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in his UN Day message:
“Now, more than ever, the world must recommit to solving problems no nation can solve alone.
On this UN Day, let’s stand together and fulfil the extraordinary promise of our United Nations.
Let’s show the world what is possible when ‘we the peoples’ choose to act as one.”

The UN is the whole world’s shared journey in which the SDGs are our compass, the Pact for the Future is our commitment, and we still have so much to do. 

Let’s build our future—together.