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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed world leaders at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 22, the opening day of the General Debate, highlighting Türkiye's growing defense industry, resilient economy and regional projects, and announcing that Türkiye will host COP31 in Antalya this November. Held over five days, the General Debate brought together heads of state and government to address the most pressing issues on the global agenda.
Underlining Türkiye's efforts to contribute to international peace and security, particularly amid crises in its region and neighboring countries, President Erdoğan called for a more equitable international order and reform of the UN Security Council, based on the principle that the world is bigger than five. The President also noted that when international efforts fall short, solutions led by countries in the affected region can deliver results, citing the Black Sea Grain Corridor as an example.
Turning to the global economy, the President drew attention to widening income inequalities and proposed a new paradigm based on joint development, solidarity and connectivity. Societies connected through roads, trade, energy networks and joint production, the President argued, will ultimately share in peace and stability as well. In this context, he pointed to the Development Road Project, a strategic transportation and energy initiative that Türkiye is advancing with Iraq, as well as the recently established defense alliance with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
On technology, President Erdoğan called for a human-centered approach and a common international legal framework for artificial intelligence. The President cautioned that techno-polarization and digital hegemony could pose risks and cause harm to the international system and called for faster progress on the UN International Convention on Artificial Intelligence.
Referring to the regional significance of Türkiye's growing defense industry, President Erdoğan continued his remarks: "Thanks to its growing defense industry and resilient economy, Türkiye continues to be an island of stability amid the conflicts in its vicinity. As an integral part of Europe, our country plays a significant role in ensuring the welfare and security of the European continent. A Europe that excludes Türkiye from its security architecture cannot be stronger or safer."
The President also recalled the NATO Summit hosted by Ankara in early July, the second time Türkiye has welcomed the Alliance's leaders, describing it as a concrete demonstration of the country's commitment to common security. Looking eastward, he said the Asia Anew Initiative is deepening Türkiye's ties with the Asia-Pacific region, with the elevation of relations with ASEAN to dialogue partnership serving as a tangible result.
Drawing attention to the climate crisis, President Erdoğan recalled that Türkiye will host COP31 in Antalya this November, with climate justice given particular prominence through the partnership developed with Australia. Outlining his ambition for the summit, the President noted, "We aim to make COP31 an 'implementation COP' where financial commitments are fulfilled, technology transfer is accelerated and promises are translated into concrete steps."
Closing his address, President Erdoğan called for the world to move beyond fear, conflict and isolation and build a future grounded in justice, solidarity and shared prosperity, affirming Türkiye's commitment to this path and expressing hope that the international community will walk it together.