Address to International Relations Students of Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara by the Resident Coordinator

Distinguished students, faculty members, and colleagues:

It is an honor to be here with you today at one of Türkiye’s most respected institutions of higher learning. On behalf of the United Nations family in Türkiye, I extend warm greetings and appreciation for the opportunity to speak to you. 

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. Our Organization was born out of the ashes of the Second World War, forged from a collective promise: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. It was also a signal to the world that a new era of international cooperation, grounded in justice, fairness, and human rights, had begun.

Over the past eight decades, the United Nations has supported peace processes, advanced development, coordinated humanitarian assistance, and promoted international law. Through all this, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to human dignity.

As we look to the future, our commitment to human rights and the rule of law also remains unwavering. These are the bedrock of peaceful, inclusive, and resilient societies—and the foundation upon which sustainable development must be built.

Today, we find ourselves facing a set of challenges that are no less daunting than those of 1945. Armed conflicts are escalating. Climate disasters are intensifying. Inequalities are deepening. Trust in institutions, including the UN, is being tested. And yet, despite all this, I remain hopeful—because of young people like you.

At a time when the United Nations is often criticized—sometimes harshly and unfairly—I want each of you to also remember the difference this organization continues to make around the world every single day.

Let me share just ten ways the UN makes a difference:

1. UN assists and protects 139 million people fleeing war, famine and persecution.
2. UN provides food and assistance to 123 million people in over 120 countries and territories.
3. UN supplies vaccines to 45% of the world's children, helping save 3 million lives a year.
4. UN works with 196 nations to keep the global temperature rise well below 2°C.
5. UN keeps peace with 61,000 peacekeepers in 11 operations worldwide.
6. UN tackles the global water crisis affecting over 4 billion people.
7. UN promotes and protects human rights globally through 80 treaties and declarations.
8. UN coordinates a $45 billion appeal for the humanitarian needs of 186 million people.
9. UN uses diplomacy to prevent conflict and assists some 50 countries a year with their elections.
10. UN provides life-saving sexual and reproductive healthcare to more than 22.5 million people.

These are real lives. Real impact. And they are a reminder that, despite its flaws, the United Nations remains a force for good.

The 80th anniversary is not just a moment to reflect, but a call to act. Last year, United Nations Member States adopted the Pact for the Future during the historic Summit of the Future. This Pact is our roadmap for reinvigorating multilateralism, for achieving peace in all its dimensions, and for building a future that includes everyone—especially youth.

The Pact recognizes that sustainable peace is only possible with sustainable development. It strengthens our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals—our global blueprint for ending poverty, fighting inequality, and protecting the planet. It calls for reforms in global finance, investments in youth, and inclusive digital cooperation, including in areas like Artificial Intelligence.

Importantly for you, the Pact makes a promise to young people: to listen to your concerns, include your voices, and invest in your future. It calls for more youth participation in peacebuilding, governance, and development. And it recognizes that decisions made today must be rooted in intergenerational justice—so we don’t mortgage the future of generations yet to come.

No single generation can tackle today’s global challenges alone. Intergenerational solidarity is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity. By combining the fresh ideas of youth with the wisdom of experience, we can foster innovation and resilience—from climate action to public health—and craft solutions that stand the test of time.

Türkiye itself has long played an important role in international diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. As a founding member of the United Nations and host to millions of refugees, this country is at the heart of regional and global peacebuilding. The diplomatic talent trained in institutions like the Middle East Technical University is crucial in navigating complex crises—from the Middle East to the Balkans and beyond. We count on you to continue Türkiye’s tradition of constructive engagement on the world stage.

Young people around the world are already shaping the futures of their countries and the world—from grassroots movements to innovation labs. They are championing renewable energy, green jobs, and climate adaptation. As more than half of the world’s population lives in cities—and with urban areas accounting for 70 percent of global emissions—the role of youth in transforming our cities is particularly crucial. By empowering young people to co-design green, inclusive, and resilient urban spaces, we can accelerate climate action and drive sustainable development for all.

Dear students, 

Youth voluntarism also plays a vital role in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals by channeling energy, creativity, and innovation into community-driven action. Across the globe, young volunteers are leading climate action campaigns, supporting digital literacy programs in underserved communities, and promoting gender equality through grassroots initiatives. For example, in Nigeria, youth-led organizations are reforesting degraded lands to combat climate change (SDG 13), while in Tajikistan, student volunteers are running after-school tutoring for marginalized children to improve access to quality education (SDG 4). By engaging in such initiatives, youth not only contribute to sustainable development but also build civic responsibility and leadership skills, positioning themselves as key agents of change.

By 2030, six out of ten urban residents will be under the age of 18. That is not just a statistic—it is a powerful reminder that today’s decisions must reflect the needs and dreams of the next generation. We must ensure young people have not only a seat at the table, but also the tools, resources, and support to shape the cities and societies they want to live in. The UN is leading by example in this regard. Established by General Assembly resolution 76/306 in 2022, the UN Youth Office is the first dedicated entity for youth affairs within the United Nations Secretariat. It champions the rights, perspectives, contributions and potential of young people everywhere. It leads efforts to enhance collaboration, coordination and accountability on youth affairs, ensuring that the United Nations works effectively and inclusively with young people in all their diversity. By fostering meaningful, inclusive, and impactful participation of youth in decision-making processes, it is empowering young people as agents of transformative change in addressing global challenges in the areas of sustainable development, peace and security, human rights and humanitarian action. 

The United Nations Country Team here in Türkiye is already aligning its work with the Pact of the Future. We are working with government, civil society, academia, youth networks, and communities to accelerate progress on the SDGs, promote gender equality, support earthquake recovery, and ensure that no one is left behind.

In fact, this country—with its young, vibrant population and rich history of resilience—is well positioned to be a champion of the values enshrined in the Pact for the Future.

I have a message especially for you, the students of Middle East Technical University: you are not only the leaders of tomorrow—you are the partners of today. Your ideas, your energy, and your commitment to justice, equality and sustainability are essential to building a better world where no one is left behind. 

As we mark the UN’s 80th anniversary, let us together also mark a new chapter of solidarity, action, and partnership.

So, as I conclude my speech, let me ask you: what kind of world do you want to inherit—and shape? A world with stronger global cooperation or more fragmentation? A world that embraces innovation for good, or one that is ruled by fear and disinformation? The answers to these questions are not theoretical. They are being written—right now—with your ideas, your activism, and your choices. 

I am here to listen to you now and answer any questions you may have, including sharing a few memorable experiences I have had as a senior UN official regarding the force for good that the UN represents for the world. 

Thank you.