Challenges Facing the Global Community
In a recent statement, TBMM (Grand National Assembly of Turkey) President Numan Kurtulmuş highlighted the concerning trend of non-compliance with international law and United Nations (UN) decisions, particularly in regions like Gaza, Palestinian territories, and Lebanon. Kurtulmuş emphasized that the failure to implement these decisions has led to a state-sponsored terrorism that continues to plague these areas. He called for a serious discussion on the suspension of Israel’s UN membership, citing the urgent need for action in light of the ongoing crises.
Attending the 10th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) in the Brazilian capital of Brasília, Kurtulmuş addressed the session on “Parliaments’ Contribution to Combating Hunger, Poverty, and Inequality.” He stressed the importance of coming together to discuss transformative decisions for the future and laying the groundwork for a fairer world order.
The Universal Value of Kindness and Justice
Reflecting on the concept of “maruf” in Anatolian culture, which celebrates common goodwill and kindness in a universal sense, Kurtulmuş underscored the significance of elevating justice to promote global spread of fairness. He emphasized that viewing this summit as an opportunity requires a deep understanding of the serious crises unfolding worldwide and the shared responsibility of humanity in addressing them.
Kurtulmuş outlined three fundamental principles – justice, prosperity, and solidarity – as essential pillars for addressing issues of hunger, poverty, and inequality. He highlighted the critical role of justice in achieving true peace and the need for a just perspective to combat all forms of inequality. Stressing that those who act as stewards rather than owners of the world must uphold justice and responsibility, Kurtulmuş emphasized the importance of prioritizing sustainability and lasting peace through a perspective centered on preserving the entrusted legacy.
Global Governance and the Call for Action
Expressing concern over the current state of affairs where even UN decisions are not being implemented, Kurtulmuş pointed to a global governance crisis. He emphasized that without a fair playing field, lasting peace remains unattainable, noting that no country can sustain a peaceful existence without peace being established worldwide. Kurtulmuş highlighted that instability extends beyond conflict zones to impact various regions, including Gaza, Ukraine, Russia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Yemen, where conflicts deprive people of their basic rights.
The TBMM President drew attention to the failure to implement international law and UN decisions, resulting in a state-sponsored terrorism in Gaza, Palestinian territories, and Lebanon, leading to the killing of women and children, as well as pushing millions into hunger and disease. Kurtulmuş condemned Israel’s government declaring UN Secretary-General Guterres as an ‘unwanted man’ and its attacks on organizations like UNIFIL and UNRWA, signaling a need to question the functioning of the United Nations. He drew parallels to South Africa’s support for the Palestinian cause during the dark apartheid era, asserting that the time has come to discuss suspending Israel’s UN membership.
Kurtulmuş underlined that the establishment of a world based on justice, fairness, and peace requires a collective commitment to the common good. He emphasized that uniting around the concept of “common good” is the shared responsibility of world parliaments in building a world that upholds justice, fairness, and peace.
