Emine Erdoğan Calls for Global Solidarity and Ethical Multilateralism at Vatican Conference

The conference, held at the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, brought together prominent figures including Prof. Jeffrey Sachs (Head of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network), Cardinal Peter Turkson, Sister Helen Alfrod, and Miguel Angel Moratinos (High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilizations). The event focused on multilateralism, multipolarity, UN reform, and global citizenship.

Emine Erdoğan’s Speech:
In her address during the panel on “Multilateralism for Global Citizenship,” Erdoğan expressed her satisfaction at being part of a distinguished gathering that believes in the strength of humanity’s diversity.

Humanity as a Family:
Erdoğan emphasized that humanity is one large family, stating, “We are all members of a great human family gathered around the Earth’s table. That’s why we call the world our shared home. Just as Rumi said, ‘The sky is my home, humanity is my family.’ Our different races, languages, cultures, and faiths create a magnificent mosaic, making the world more meaningful and livable. In our faith, humans are entrusted to one another.”

Global Challenges:
She highlighted the alarming state of the global human family, citing statistics such as:

• Over 150 million orphaned children.
• 32 million people in Africa suffering from chronic hunger.
• 3 billion people living on less than $5.50 a day.
• 244 million children without access to education.
• 70 million displaced refugees.
• 10 million people without hope, homes, jobs, or passports.
• The tragic loss of lives in Gaza, including babies who never celebrated their first birthdays.

Critique of Consumerism:
Erdoğan criticized the “use-and-throw” mentality that has turned humanity into a mass of consumers, stating, “These are signs that the systems promising a prosperous world are broken. With current approaches and a system that repeatedly fails humanity, building a fair world seems impossible. We need new solutions to uplift the human family.”

Turkey’s Humanitarian Efforts:
She highlighted Turkey’s role as a compassionate nation, welcoming nearly 4 million refugees since the Syrian War began. “We are the most generous country in the world relative to our GDP because we believe that lighting another candle does not diminish our own light,” she said.

Global Citizenship and Multiculturalism:
Erdoğan stressed the importance of redefining global citizenship, stating, “Global citizenship should not erase differences or force people into a single identity. A monochrome, monotone world would mean the loss of humanity’s millennia-long heritage. We must give new meaning to global citizenship, ensuring it respects diversity and fosters unity.”

Call for Ethical Multilateralism:
She called for ethical multilateralism, emphasizing that no country can tackle global crises alone. “We need alliances based on moral and spiritual grounds, where we treat others’ interests as our own. The unequal burden of climate change is a stark example of this injustice,” she said.

Zero Waste Project:
Erdoğan also spoke about Turkey’s Zero Waste Project, which has become a global movement under a UN resolution. “The starting point of our Zero Waste Project is our loyalty to humanity. We see this as not just an environmental responsibility but also a test of intergenerational justice,” she said.

Digital Age Risks:
She warned of the risks of the digital age, noting that 31% of people and 60% of youth are addicted to the internet, social media, and video games. “While technological advancements are accelerating, half the world’s population still lacks internet access. This is one of the greatest paradoxes of the digital age,” she said.

Vision for a Fairer World:
Erdoğan reiterated President Erdoğan’s message that “The world is bigger than five,” calling for a more just and equitable global order. “This vision is a manifesto for the oppressed and a call for global justice. It invites us to care for everyone without exception,” she said.

Common Ground of Religions:
She concluded by emphasizing the shared values of all religions, stating, “Human life and dignity are the common sacred values of all faiths. Muslims believe saving one person is like saving all humanity. In Christianity, loving one another is a divine duty. This common ground is the only balm that can heal the wounds in humanity’s conscience.”