The Silent Cry of Gaza: A Historic Call at TRT World Forum – Why the World is Turning a Deaf Ear
The first day of the “TRT World Forum 2024”, one of the largest and most high-profile forums in the media sector worldwide, held in Istanbul Congress Center yesterday. Renowned figures from various backgrounds, including academics, politicians, civil society activists, think tank experts, bureaucrats, and journalists, gathered at the TRT World Forum to deliver important messages to the world. The opening speeches were delivered by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, and TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobacı. Notable figures at the TRT World Forum included former Croatian President Ivo Josipović, Lebanese Information Minister Ziad Makary, and former Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė. The first day of the program addressed topics such as “2024 Elections in the US and EU: What to Expect for Global Democracy?”, “Transforming Tomorrow: The Power of Eco-Regeneration”, and “Turkey’s Path to the Future: Promoting Dialogue and Managing Global Crises”.
President Erdoğan: “I congratulate our TRT for opening a vital communication corridor from Gaza to the world”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has been speaking at TRT World Forums since 2017, delivered important messages to the world this year. Before President Erdoğan’s speech, a short film featuring three children searching for prayer beads among the ruins of the Gaza war was shown. At the end of the screening, President Erdoğan was presented with a specially designed prayer beads made from olive trees in Jerusalem as a token of remembrance. Throughout his speech, President Erdoğan kept the prayer beads on the lectern. President Erdoğan expressed great satisfaction in being at the TRT World Forum, a platform that does not remain indifferent to the future of the world and engages with participants who care about global issues. He emphasized that the public broadcaster TRT is one of Turkey’s leading institutions with its responsible, inclusive, human-centered, and value-oriented broadcasts. Erdoğan stated, “The TRT World Forum is a platform that brings diversity to the world’s thought climate. We consider the TRT World Forum not only as a discussion platform but also as a platform of will where solutions to global problems are concretized. We see that this platform, where critical issues are discussed on an intellectual basis, reaches more people every year, and we attach great importance to this.” After his speech, TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobacı presented President Erdoğan with a painting inspired by the architectural structure of Al-Aqsa Mosque, designed by calligrapher Bilal Akkaya.
Communications Director Altun: “We are building authentic dialogue platforms on the international stage”
Speaking at the opening of the Forum, Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun stated that through international platforms such as TRT World Forum, Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Istanbul Security Forum, and STRATCOM, they are trying to build authentic dialogue platforms on the international stage to create global awareness about peace, security, prosperity, and the well-being of humanity.
TRT Director General Sobacı: “Dealing with regional and global issues is a necessity for Turkey”
In his opening speech at the Forum, TRT Director General Sobacı emphasized that many of the current global issues are happening in the region where Turkey is located. He stated, “Dealing with regional and global issues is not just a choice but a necessity and a historical responsibility for Turkey. The unique political and diplomatic model led by our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan not only protects and enhances the rights and interests of our country but also presents a recipe for a fairer world to humanity.”
“2024 Elections in the US and EU: What to Expect for Global Democracy?”
Moderated by Andrea Sanke, the panel discussed how the 2024 elections will shape the global political landscape and what they mean for the future of democracy. Speaking at the panel, Akif Çağatay Kılıç, Turkey’s Presidential Foreign Policy and Security Advisor, highlighted how misinformation and disinformation trigger violence and unrest in society. Former Croatian President Prof. Dr. Ivo Josipović also warned about the extremism dangers facing the EU and emphasized that the future of the EU as a peace project is closely related to this factor.
Climate change and energy topics were on the agenda
In the panel “Transforming Tomorrow: The Power of Eco-Regeneration” opened by Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum, climate change and energy topics were discussed. Minister Kurum stated, “Our world is going through one of its most challenging periods. The tensions in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, along with the horrific genocide by Israel in Gaza, highlight the great suffering caused by these conflicts. In addition, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine continues to deepen global pain. In the midst of all these difficulties, it is crucial to discuss nature’s capacity for renewal.” Stressing the importance of global resources, Minister Kurum said, “By acknowledging that our resources are limited, we must prioritize transforming them and reintroducing them into the economy. The Zero Waste Movement is an important step towards achieving this goal.”
Also speaking at the same panel, Stephen John Cahill, Representative and Country Director of the United Nations World Food Programme Turkey Office, emphasized that climate change is the main reason 72 million people are struggling with poverty. He also pointed out that the resulting instability in global food prices disproportionately affects vulnerable communities.
“Turkey’s Path to the Future: Promoting Dialogue and Managing Global Crises”
In the last panel of the day, “Turkey’s Path to the Future: Promoting Dialogue and Managing Global Crises”, Turkey’s role in controlling global crises was highlighted. Speaking at the panel, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. Dr. Burhanettin Duran emphasized, “Turkey, under the strong leadership of President Erdoğan, is playing an increasingly important role in building peace. Leadership diplomacy is important; President Erdoğan’s contacts with world leaders from Russia-Ukraine to Somalia-Ethiopia make him effective.”
Many prominent figures are expected to continue participating in the TRT World Forum today, with panels such as “War and Order: Guiding Geopolitical Changes in a Changing World”, “Smart Technology, Big Challenges: Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Politics and Society”, “Unveiling Media Bias: Revealing the Forces Behind Polarization”, “The Test of International Law: Evaluating Severe Human Rights Violations in Conflicts”, and “Dealing with Global Economic Uncertainties: Resilience Strategies”. On the second day of the Forum, important statements are expected from Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, and Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek.
