Position Papers by Country

Position paper for Türkiye

Committee:	GA First
Topic:	Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours
Paper text:
The Republic of TÃ¼rkiye seeks to collaborate with all member states on the globally shared mission to establish norms and regulations for reducing space threats. TÃ¼rkiye is an emerging power in the realm of space, aiming to become one of the worldâs leading programs by 2030. With a brand new space program established in 2022, TÃ¼rkiye is able to clearly understand all perspectives of space exploration. TÃ¼rkiye understands the importance of unrestricted exploration of space for peaceful purposes, as well as ensuring that space exploration benefits the well-being of all member states. TÃ¼rkiye works to independently develop space capabilities inside the country, as well as continuing strong international cooperation to further promote peace. TÃ¼rkiye firmly believes that the realm of space offers countless opportunities for the development of humankind. Scientific research, universal exploration, and technological advancements are prominent in the future of TÃ¼rkiye, as well as the entire world. The Open- Ended Working Group regarding Reducing Space Threats Through Norms, Rules and Principles of Responsible Behaviours (OEWG) has been able to provide an appropriate foundation of norms and regulations for the use of space. TÃ¼rkiye is a member of the OEWG and encourages all member states to adhere to and comply with its recommendations. UN resolution 76/231 reaffirms and strengthens the principles of OEWG, and should be the opening ground for further cooperation and discussion under the umbrella of the First Committee. TÃ¼rkiye signed and sponsored multiple other agreements and resolutions regarding this topic as well. Some of the most important resolutions TÃ¼rkiye is part of include the Outer Space Treaty (1967), the Rescue Agreement (1968), the Registration Convention (1976), and the Moon Agreement (1984). All of the agreements above are the foundation on which TÃ¼rkiye wishes to build and pursue further collaboration among member states of this committee. Space should be a weapons-free area, used solely for scientific exploration for the benefit of humankind. Efforts to militarize and weaponize space should be condemned, and TÃ¼rkiye extends its hand to aid this committee and the United Nations in our efforts to maintain a peaceful universe.

Committee:	GA First
Topic:	The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects
Paper text:
The Republic of TÃ¼rkiye recognizes the large threat posed by illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. This issue affects international peace, stability, security, and development. With the nation of TÃ¼rkiye being geographically located between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, we recognize the need to combat illicit weapons and trade as a crucial crossroad between the three regions. The presence of illicit light weapons inside the borders of TÃ¼rkiye is an imminent challenge to its ability to maintain a peaceful environment in the region. Out of the 40 million civilian arms, 36 million consist of unlicensed weapons in the country. With 90% of firearms being illicit, this issue remains significant and larger than it is in most countries. Therefore, TÃ¼rkiye is committed to the global effort to minimize the threat of illicit weapons and trade and the resulting violence. TÃ¼rkiye is a signatory to the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), as well as the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). TÃ¼rkiye has actively participated in past conventions to fight this issue, including the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). TÃ¼rkiye believes that previous negotiations and treaties implemented must be reinforced and strengthened to promote further cooperation. In order to prevent the illicit transfer and trade of conventional weapons and technology goods. TÃ¼rkiye has been part of the Wassenaar Agreement (WA) since 1996, and believes that similar collaborative measures are necessary for a safer, more secure world. Cooperation and transparency are the cornerstones on which the Republic of TÃ¼rkiye is conducting its foreign affairs. Those values are expected to be upheld by the member states of this committee to create a fruitful arena for negotiations and real developments on that issue.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence
Paper text:
As all the noble members of the United Nations the Republic of TÃ¼rkiye stands in solidarity with the protection of the global climate for our present and to protect our future generations. Our nation is truly committed to achieving international and social cooperation, not only among the member states but across the whole world. TÃ¼rkiye believes the United Nations must further promote globalization and interdependence by strengthening multilateral cooperation under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 17. Enhanced North-South, South-South, and triangular cooperation are crucial to ensuring that technology, innovation, and knowledge are shared on equitable and mutually agreed terms. The UN can support this through a stronger system of coordination and by providing a targeted assistance to developing countries in mobilizing domestic resources such as taxation and revenue collection. For globalization to be inclusive, Member States must work to expand access to markets for developing countries starting from the least developed countries. TÃ¼rkiye supports a universal, rules-based, non-discriminatory multistaged trading system under the World Trade Organization, including the full implementation of duty-free and quota-free market access. Simplified and transparent rules are necessary to ensure that trade agreements actually benefit those who need them most. TÃ¼rkiyeâs long-standing engagement in regional and international agreements demonstrates our commitment to economic cooperation and integration. For example, the agreement creating an association between the Republic of TÃ¼rkiye and the European Economic Community, commonly known as the Ankara Agreement, was signed in 1963 to strengthen trade and political ties between TÃ¼rkiye and our European partners. Furthermore, the 1999 Agreement between the Republic of TÃ¼rkiye and the United States on the Development of Trade and Investment Relations demonstrates TÃ¼rkiyeâs dedication to fostering NorthâSouth partnerships that promote investment, technology transfer, and inclusive economic growth. These past efforts show TÃ¼rkiyeâs willingness to build bridges between economies and to use treaties as tools for promoting development, stability, and interdependence, the basic principles that align directly with the mission of this committee. TÃ¼rkiye stands ready to work with all Member States to strengthen partnerships for sustainable development, advance inclusive globalization, and create a future where no nation is left behind.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind
Paper text:
The Republic of TÃ¼rkiye stands allied with the entirety of the United Nations in the cause to protect the global climate for not only the current generation, but also for the generations to come. However, TÃ¼rkiye also stresses the importance of development and readiness in context with this issue. Nations that are still working to make large progress on their sustainable development goals (SDGs), specifically those outlined in SDG 8, 9, and 11, must expend large amounts of natural resources. While this might seem counterintuitive to climate protection, these actions are necessary. To create proper infrastructure that can handle the weighty task of climate protection, a nation must first have a firm foundation that can handle the shift to greener methods of energy. Reaching this state is only achievable through using natural resources like coal, timber, oil, and gas. Along with that, most developing nations do not currently possess nuclear energy, one of the most efficient and green energy methods. TÃ¼rkiye is intimately familiar with this struggle and would also like to recognize that even nations on the forefront of climate protection must fall back onto resources like coal when unforeseen circumstances like war force their hand. Expenditures of these resources should not be seen as backward steps from achieving climate protection, but as necessary measures taken to eventually reach the end goal of protecting the climate. With the Paris Agreement, it clearly lays out that developed nations are to assist the rest of the world in reaching climate goals, building each other up and bringing nations together through interdependence. TÃ¼rkiye, deeply concerned with this and understanding the steps outlined in the Paris Agreement, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Bank, the UN, IFC, EBRD, France, and Germany. These global partners are pledging technical and financial support to TÃ¼rkiye in their steps towards reaching carbon neutrality. TÃ¼rkiye strives to be a facilitator in assisting all nations build up and reach climate goals, not just because of our geographical location as the crossroads for Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, but also because we are a nation understands requiring outside assistance in reaching these goals. Developing countries must first facilitate the grounds for these changes to happen, but it is of vital importance that developed countries assist in accomplishing these goals as well. It is up to everyone to open the doors for anyone to reach the goals of climate protection.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination
Paper text:
TÃ¼rkiye believes that self-determination, a key right of the UN Charter, is necessary for the continuation and improvement of global peace. However, there are numerous historical examples where self-determination has led to fracture, destruction, and death. In Central Africa, South Asia, Interwar Eastern Europe, and Latin America thousands have been killed as new nations resolve border disputes following their independence. TÃ¼rkiye believes that this death is reprehensible and must be avoided at all costs. Thus, the issue of self-determination should be approached peacefully, through diplomatic and cooperative means to guarantee war is avoided. National sovereignty must be maintained and protected. Foreign force interventions within sovereign nations are a breach of the UN principle of national sovereignty. Problems should be solved through collaboration, discussion, and debate, without sending in armed soldiers. As written by S/RES/2788, the use of force in conflict resolution is prohibited. If one violently intervenes in the domestic affairs of another state, they are violating the norms and values of the United Nations, which this body must acknowledge. TÃ¼rkiye applauds its neighbors, who have set excellent examples in how to deal with parties that desire self-determination. In Iraq, the government fought its own war for self-determination against terrorist forces and has maintained stability while groups inside its nation are slaughtering civilians and neglecting peaceful alternatives. TÃ¼rkiye believes that the right to self-determination is guaranteed when disputes are interstate, and international borders are established. This places these issues under the jurisdiction of the United Nations, while issues inside a countryâs borders are within the jurisdiction of that country only. TÃ¼rkiye believes that the place of the United Nations should be what is specified in its Charter, international diplomacy and bettering humanity without interfering in the internal affairs of other nations. To rid the world of hunger, poverty, and lack of sanitation, relating to Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, and 6, it is imperative that war is prevented. In TÃ¼rkiye, we have been managing our internal disputes diplomatically and thus doing our part to further the SDGs. If nations desire self-determination and break out in armed rebellion, this destabilizes the world and limits our ability to pursue worldwide goals. Thus, the United Nations should not interfere in the affairs of independent, sovereign states.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas
Paper text:
TÃ¼rkiye acknowledges that the situation of women and girls in rural areas is an essential topic which needs to be discussed. Access to education, personal security, and health are essential rights for women and girls and should not be obstructed. In many rural areas, access to healthcare is limited, hospitals are far from the population, and there are significant financial challenges to health infrastructure. This is why TÃ¼rkiye decided to work in collaboration with UNWOMEN, through programs focusing on women's health and nourishment, preventing violence against women, and empowering refugees and civil society organizations in order to promote the safety and security of women and girls in rural areas. Too often however, international organizations seek to impose cultural norms on member states that violate traditional cultures and ways of life. Safety and security should be the concern of this body, not destroying culture. Thus, TÃ¼rkiye believes that this body should focus on advancing the safety and security of women and girls in rural areas. A right to water is guaranteed in United Nations Resolution 76/153 and yet many areas still suffer from water scarcity. Rural areas, due to their limited water-sanitation facilities are hit hard by water scarcity as people are forced to drink unclean and unsafe sources of water. Women are especially hit hard, as they are over double as likely to retrieve water for their households than men. If there are no clean sources of water nearby, women must travel farther each day to retrieve water, preventing them from pursuing other ventures. Food resources may also be sparse in rural areas, and women are likely to suffer from malnutrition. Without these basic resources, women are stripped of their dignity. A study by the International Labor Organization found that 56% of rural areas worldwide lack basic healthcare. TÃ¼rkiye would look kindly upon this body working together to provide rural areas with hospitals, clinics, and transportation so that women can have access to healthcare when they need it. If we spend our time debating whether cultures should be destroyed to further secular values, we are actively letting women die. This body should focus on key necessities that women lack, such as water, food, and medicine, not identity politics.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	Our ocean, our future, our responsibility
Paper text:
The Republic of TÃ¼rkiye is in the grip of a climate emergency that is claiming lives and reshaping the nationâs future. In July 2025, deadly heat waves, wildfires, and coastal flooding destroyed regions across the country, killing dozens and displacing thousands. In response, TÃ¼rkiye has signed the GA Resolution A/RES/76/300 that promotes the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. TÃ¼rkiye has also aligned with Human Rights Council Resolution A/HRC/32/33, which emphasized the adverse impact of climate change on children and urged all parties to integrate human rights into climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. TÃ¼rkiyeâs unique geographyâstraddling southern Europe and Asia and bordered by four seasâmakes it especially vulnerable. From scorched inland plains to eroding shorelines, no region is spared. This crisis is not a one-off but part of a relentless patternâ droughts are drying up rivers, crops are falling, and food insecurity is rising. At the center of this struggle is the ocean. Itâs not just a backdrop, itâs a lifeline. The ocean produces half of the oxygen we breathe, absorbs dangerous heat and carbon, and sustains billions through fishing and coastal industries. But itâs under attack from pollution, warming, and overuse. TÃ¼rkiye is fighting back, even with limited resources. It is a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and ratified the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015 as a landmark legally binding international treaty on climate change, with the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2Â°C. TÃ¼rkiye is investing in clean energy, supporting sustainable fishing, and strengthening disaster response in vulnerable communities. Through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Barcelona Convention and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, TÃ¼rkiye is working with neighbors to protect marine ecosystems and push for urgent climate action. This is a fight for survival not just for TÃ¼rkiye, but for all of us. The ocean connects every nation, and its collapse would be catastrophic. TÃ¼rkiye is calling on the global community to act not with empty promises; but with bold, immediate steps to protect our oceans, cut emissions, support those on the frontlines and stop this fait accompli. Saving the ocean means saving billions of lives.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations
Paper text:
The Republic of TÃ¼rkiye is persistent in its efforts to provide aid to neighboring nations and nations in need. TÃ¼rkiye believes that the coordination of the UN to distribute emergency humanitarian assistance to countries needs to be more effective and organized. Assistance is best defined as efforts to aid through funding, rehabilitation, health services, and human necessities, including food and housing. TÃ¼rkiye recently struggled with reconstruction after devastating earthquakes in February 2023, and was assisted through donations, refugees, health supplies, and more. TÃ¼rkiye wants to use this tragedy to provide more for other countries. Currently, TÃ¼rkiye hosts over 3,000 refugees from countries also affected by natural disasters. We welcome them into the workplace and provide them with both food and shelter. Fortifying the speed in which the UN supplies aid and resources can be the difference between life and death for thousands of citizens across the world, no matter the circumstances in which they are struggling. The UNs Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 11 are directly reinforced through quicker, more-reliable, larger, and organized assistance. Though the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) may focus on economics, it promises mutually beneficial cooperation with regional and international organizations. As TÃ¼rkiye is a part of ECO, it therein opens its arms to aid and alliance with signatory members and organizations. The Republic of TÃ¼rkiye wishes to create solutions to provide clear, easy-to-follow guidelines to strengthen the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the UN. As TÃ¼rkiye is a bridge between Europe and Asia, it is of great strategic importance to provide transportation of these supplies and otherwise aid their distribution through our nation. TÃ¼rkiye strongly believes that all nations can come together in mutual agreement and cooperation to push this concept further and benefit through stronger collaboration, partnership, aid, and community.

Committee:	IAEA
Topic:	Nuclear security
Paper text:
The Republic of TÃ¼rkiye firmly supports the enhancement of global nuclear security standards to ensure the peaceful, safe, and secure use of nuclear materials and technology. TÃ¼rkiye continues to develop its first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, in partnership with other nations in the Near East. This project highlights TÃ¼rkiyeâs commitment to developing nuclear energy responsibly while following strict international safety and environmental standards. TÃ¼rkiyeâs stance on nuclear security urges international disarmament and non-proliferation. To work towards these goals, TÃ¼rkiye has signed multiple treaties, such as the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM). By adhering to these agreements, TÃ¼rkiye demonstrates its dedication to a transparent and rules-based nuclear order. It continues to play an active role by hosting IAEA regional training events and advocating for continued and expanded technical assistance to developing countries. Additionally, TÃ¼rkiye is in support of UN Security Council Resolution 1540, which recognizes the serious threat of nuclear terrorism. TÃ¼rkiye also emphasizes the importance of building strong national infrastructures and sharing best practices to strengthen collective nuclear security capabilities. TÃ¼rkiye claims that preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-state actors is essential in maintaining international peace and security. The Republic of TÃ¼rkiye sees cooperation, transparent regulations, and international dialogue as the most effective tools for advancing global nuclear security and preventing the misuse of nuclear materials.

Committee:	IAEA
Topic:	Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications
Paper text:
Recognizing the potential of nuclear technology, the Republic of TÃ¼rkiye emphasizes the need to strengthen the IAEAâs activities in science, technology, and applications. TÃ¼rkiye believes that advancements in nuclear sciences can play a vital role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and access to clean water. TÃ¼rkiye also recognizes the power of peaceful nuclear technology in supporting sustainable development goals, specifically in energy, education, agriculture, and water management. TÃ¼rkiye reaffirms its commitment to international agreements such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), reflecting its dedication to peaceful, safe, and transparent nuclear development. TÃ¼rkiye strongly supports the IAEAâs mission to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear science and believes that equal access to these technologies is a right of all nations. TÃ¼rkiye advocates for fair and inclusive international cooperation to ensure that all nations, regardless of economic status, can benefit from peaceful nuclear advancements. TÃ¼rkiye supports the expansion of the IAEAâs technical cooperation program, which enables developing countries to access training, research opportunities, and nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. Furthermore, TÃ¼rkiye supports enhancing education partnerships and knowledge exchange programs under the IAEA to help developing nations build skilled workforces in nuclear sciences. This program closely aligns with TÃ¼rkiyeâs views and goals in strengthening the IAEA. While understanding the need for strengthening these programs, TÃ¼rkiye also calls for transparency and adherence to non-proliferation standards in all nuclear activities to maintain global trust and security. TÃ¼rkiye looks forward to collaborating with Member States to develop innovative frameworks that ensure the responsible, equitable, and forward-looking advancement of nuclear science and technology worldwide.

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