UNSDCF (2026-2030) Launch Event Opening Remarks by the Resident Coordinator

On behalf of the United Nations Country Team, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Launch Event of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2026–2030.

Allow me to begin by expressing our sincere appreciation to the Presidency of Strategy and Budget and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their leadership and close cooperation throughout the formulation of this new Framework. Your continued engagement reflects our strong and mature partnership in advancing Türkiye’s sustainable development vision.

Today marks an important milestone in the long-standing and evolving partnership between the Government of Türkiye and the United Nations. As we officially launch the new Cooperation Framework, we stand on a solid foundation - one shaped by the achievements and lessons learned during the outgoing cycle (2021–2025).

The previous UNSDCF period witnessed unprecedented challenges:

• the ongoing refugee response in a country hosting one of the largest refugee populations in the world,
• the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,
• the devastating twin earthquakes of February 2023, and
• the growing effects of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems.

In each of these situations, the United Nations and its partners, together with the Government of Türkiye, mobilized its full commitment, expertise, and resources to complement national efforts. Our collective response demonstrated the strength of multilateralism rooted in solidarity, agility, and shared responsibility.

The new Cooperation Framework (2026–2030) is designed to carry forward this spirit. It builds on the key priorities of the 12th National Development Plan and focuses on four pillars that will guide our work over the next five years:

1. Inclusive and equitable social development;
2. Green, resilient, and inclusive economic development;
3. Climate change, environmental sustainability, and resilience;
4. Good governance and quality of judiciary services.

These pillars are deeply aligned with Türkiye’s development agenda and reflect the country’s ambition for inclusive and sustainable growth.

Türkiye continues to make strong and commendable efforts to foster social equity, expand economic opportunity, and enhance environmental and climate resilience. As an upper middle-income country, Türkiye has accumulated rich experience in managing complex and interconnected development challenges. It has done so through innovative policy approaches, strong institutions, and adaptive governance.

This experience positions Türkiye not only as a country implementing sustainable development solutions, but also as a country that can increasingly export its sustainable development expertise to other parts of the world - especially in areas such as natural disaster management, migration governance, digital transformation, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive social development. 

Dear Guests,

Türkiye’s growing role in multilateralism is evident. Today, the country hosts numerous multilateral organizations and UN offices, serves as a hub for critical humanitarian and development operations, and contributes to global UN initiatives - including the Zero Waste movement, which has inspired action far beyond Türkiye’s borders. It is in this context that we warmly congratulate the government and people of Türkiye for securing the right to host COP31 in Antalya next year. This is a commendable accomplishment as the annual COP conferences are the world's main forum for driving climate action.

Thus, in this new Cooperation Framework, the UN will redouble efforts to further leverage Turkiye’s evolving global role by deepening partnerships that position Türkiye as a key regional and global contributor to the Sustainable Development Goals.

As we move into a new five-year cycle, we must also be realistic about the global landscape in which we are operating. Multilateralism – and the UN - is facing extremely challenging times. The international financing environment is undergoing profound shifts. Development resources are tightening. Humanitarian needs are increasing whilst the available resources are drastically shrinking. At the same time, the expectations from middle-income countries - including Türkiye - are expanding.

This reality calls upon us to do more with less, and to do so strategically.
The future of development cooperation requires innovative, targeted, and niche partnerships - not only between the UN and the Government, but also with development banks, academia, civil society, local authorities, and the private sector operating in Türkiye’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

It is only through such partnerships that we will be able to address the interconnected challenges of our time and unlock transformative, scalable solutions.

The UNSDCF 2026–2030 is not just a document. It is a joint commitment to Türkiye’s long-term development aspirations, including its Vision 2053 and its pathway toward net-zero emissions.

It reflects the lessons learned from the previous UNSDCF, integrates global norms and standards, and consolidates the comparative strengths of the entire UN system working in Türkiye.

Most importantly, it serves as a roadmap for how we will together accompany Türkiye in delivering inclusive prosperity, strengthening resilience, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Before closing, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to:

• all line ministries and public institutions who contributed tirelessly to this process;
• the diplomatic community and international organizations for their partnership and valuable insights;
• the UN Country Team for its professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to supporting Türkiye’s sustainable development vision; and
• the civil society, academic, and private sector partners without whom we would not have been able to make the progress we collectively made during the last five years.

I look forward to a successful and impactful implementation of the UNSDCF 2026–2030. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust.