Johannesburg: Trkiye's Directorate of Communications organized a panel on Saturday focusing on the country's mediation efforts, its role in peace processes, and its coordinated response model in crisis areas, ahead of the G20 Leaders' Summit.
According to Anadolu Agency, the panel, titled "Trkiye's Humanitarian Diplomacy and Assistance in the Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts," explored Trkiye's unique approach to peacebuilding and humanitarian assistance policies amidst escalating global humanitarian crises. Moderated by Kilic Bugra Kanat from the Turkish Presidency's Security and Foreign Policies Council, the discussion also delved into rising security threats in the information age and the leadership void in the international system, emphasizing the need for humanitarian diplomacy and peaceful conflict-resolution mechanisms.
The panel featured insights from several experts, including professor William Gumede from the University of the Witwatersrand School of Governance, professor Dr. Erman Akilli from Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University, Dr. Liaqat Alli Azam from the Leading Like Mandela Leadership Institute, Dr. Tunc Demirtas from Mersin University, and Daryl Swanepoel from the Inclusive Society Institute.
The event highlighted Trkiye's active role in humanitarian diplomacy under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership, with a special focus on cooperation with Africa. Speakers emphasized Trkiye's growing engagement in countries like Somalia, Libya, Sudan, and Ukraine, where it plays a dual role as a provider of humanitarian aid and a peace actor using diplomatic and development tools.
The panel underscored the global leadership and governance crisis, which has exacerbated humanitarian challenges, noting the inadequacy of current international institutions in addressing these issues. Speakers suggested that middle powers, like Trkiye and South Africa, could form critical partnerships to advance global peace, proposing the creation of a humanitarian solidarity platform for rapid and sustainable responses to 'forgotten crises' in Africa.
Furthermore, the panel highlighted Turkish President Erdogan's motto, 'The world is bigger than five,' as a call for reform, underscoring the need for justice and ethical responsibility in the international system. This motto symbolizes a humanitarian and ethical stance, advocating for a fair, humane, and sustainable global order.
The panel concluded with a consensus that a comprehensive model incorporating humanitarian diplomacy, mediation, development assistance, and strategic communication could foster peace and stability in crisis regions, aligning with Trkiye's vision for a just international system.