Türkiye and the United Nations Sign the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2026–2030

The Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the United Nations signed the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2026–2030, on 26 November 2025 in Ankara, which will guide the UN’s development cooperation in the country over the next five years.

The signing ceremony, brought together government representatives, public sector, the diplomatic community, UN agencies, and international organizations.

In his opening speech, UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi highlighted the UNSDCF 2026–2030 as a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between Türkiye and the United Nations. He noted that the previous Cooperation Framework (2021–2025) unfolded during a period marked by Türkiye’s continued hosting of one of the world’s largest refugee populations, the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the devastating February 2023 earthquakes, and the growing effects of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems. Throughout these challenges, the UN worked closely with the Government of Türkiye to support national response and recovery efforts.

Dr. Ahonsi emphasized that the new Cooperation Framework is fully aligned with Türkiye’s 12th National Development Plan and is structured around four strategic priorities: inclusive and equitable social development; green, resilient, and inclusive economic development; climate change, environmental sustainability, and resilience; and good governance and quality of judiciary services.

He underscored Türkiye’s strong track record in addressing complex development challenges — from disaster management and migration governance to digital transformation and sustainable agriculture — and its growing role as a contributor of development expertise at the regional and global levels.

At a time of tightening financial resources and increasing global needs, Dr. Ahonsi stressed the importance of innovative and strategic partnerships across government, development banks, academia, civil society, local authorities, and the private sector.

Following his remarks, Mr. Selçuk Koç, Director General at the Presidency of Strategy and Budget, stated that the new Framework — prepared under the coordination of PSB with contributions from all relevant public institutions — “will significantly contribute to Türkiye’s sustainable development vision outlined in the 12th National Development Plan.”

In her address, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berris Ekinci described the signing ceremony as “more than the adoption of a document,” characterizing it as a reaffirmation of Türkiye’s commitment to sustainable development and multilateral cooperation.

Ambassador Ekinci reiterated Türkiye’s long-standing conviction that global challenges require global solutions, noting that climate change, inequality, protracted conflicts, demographic trends, and technological shifts demand governance systems grounded in inclusivity, adaptability, and solidarity.

Highlighting Türkiye’s active role in strengthening multilateralism, she emphasized that the United Nations remains the only global intergovernmental platform where all states are represented on equal footing.

She welcomed the Secretary-General’s UN80 initiative as an important opportunity to modernize core UN functions and strengthen the Organization’s relevance.

Ambassador Ekinci noted Türkiye’s substantial progress in regional development, green transformation, innovation, digitalization, youth policies, and social inclusion. She also underlined Türkiye’s long-standing commitment to hosting one of the world’s largest refugee populations, guided by the principle that “no one should be left behind.”

She stated that the UNSDCF’s four strategic priorities reflect Türkiye’s development vision and will help deepen cooperation in all areas, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness.

Tom Delrue, Head of Office at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, delivered a presentation on the transition from the 2021–2025 cycle to the new Framework. He noted that the UNSDCF 2026–2030 was designed based on lessons learned from the 2021–2025 period and the development results achieved in Türkiye, and that the new cycle is structured around four key axes: social development, economic progress, environmental protection and resilience, and good governance.

UNSDCF 2026–2030: A shared roadmap for joint action

Developed through extensive consultations with government institutions, UN entities, diplomatic missions, academia, the private sector, and civil society, the new Cooperation Framework serves as a blueprint for joint efforts toward the 2030 Agenda.

It aligns with Türkiye’s national priorities with global transformations in food systems, clean energy, digital connectivity, climate resilience, social protection, and education.

The Framework was formally signed by Ambassador Aylin Sekizkök, Director General for International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Resident Coordinator Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi and the ceremony concluded with a family photo. 

The UNSDCF is the UN’s highest-level strategic framework for planning and implementing development cooperation in partner countries. As a founding member of the United Nations, Türkiye continues to deepen its longstanding partnership with the Organization through this new Framework, which supports the country’s long-term vision, including Vision 2053 and its net-zero emissions pathway.