Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan marked United Nations Day, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the UN's founding, and called for significant reforms in the Security Council to enhance the organization's effectiveness and responsiveness to global challenges.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan congratulated the UN on its milestone anniversary, emphasizing the organization's role in promoting peace and cooperation since its creation after two world wars. He highlighted the major tests the UN has faced and overcome over the past eight decades.

Erdogan stated that as the world grapples with issues such as wars, humanitarian crises, hunger, poverty, Islamophobia, terrorism, and climate change, the UN's responsibilities are more crucial than ever. He stressed that fulfilling these duties requires a stronger adherence to its founding principles.

The Turkish president argued that reforming the UN Security Council is essential to ensure it meets "the rightful expectations of all humanity." He criticized the council's response to the war in Gaza, highlighting its inaction while thousands of Palestinians were killed and the region was devastated.

Reiterating his call for UN reform under the motto "The world is bigger than five," Erdogan expressed support for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's UN80 Initiative, which aims to strengthen the organization for future challenges.

Erdogan also announced Trkiye's ambition to transform Istanbul into a UN hub, citing the city's global accessibility, skilled workforce, and strategic position linking continents and civilizations. He affirmed Trkiye's commitment to working for peace, stability, and security, both regionally and globally, expressing hope that the UN can once again become "a source of hope for humanity."