World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Turkish UN chief candidate pledges support for Ukraine peace efforts
Turkey’s candidate for UN secretary-general, Feridun Sinirlioglu, has set out his priorities during a meeting at UN headquarters.
The former Turkish foreign minister said he would support efforts to reach a negotiated and just settlement to the war in Ukraine if elected.
He said the UN secretary-general should keep communication open between parties and help build trust.
Sinirlioglu also named conflict prevention, human rights, climate action and sustainable development among his priorities.
He said he would uphold the UN Charter and act as an independent guardian and honest broker among member states.
Seven other candidates are also seeking the post, and it is not yet clear who will win support.
The current secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, is due to leave the role when his term ends on December 31.
Former Turkish foreign minister Feridun Sinirlioglu said he would support efforts to secure a negotiated and just end to the war in Ukraine if elected UN secretary-general.
He made the pledge during a dialogue at UN headquarters, where he set out his proposed priorities for the role.
Sinirlioglu said the UN secretary-general should keep communication channels open and act as an honest broker among member states.
He also called for stronger conflict mediation, renewed confidence in multilateralism and reforms to make the UN more effective.
Turkey nominated Sinirlioglu in late October, as the contest to succeed Antonio Guterres continued.
- Who
- Feridun Sinirlioglu, former Turkish foreign minister and current OSCE secretary-general.
- What
- He pledged to support genuine efforts toward a negotiated and just settlement to end the war in Ukraine if elected UN secretary-general.
- When
- He made the pledge during a dialogue at UN headquarters reported on November 7, 2026.
- Where
- UN headquarters.
- Why
- He said the UN should help create conditions for peace, keep communication channels open and build confidence.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Turkey nominated Sinirlioglu for the post of UN secretary-general.
Sinirlioglu spoke at a dialogue at UN headquarters and pledged support for efforts to reach a negotiated settlement in Ukraine.
The term of current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is due to expire.
- Candidate
- Feridun Sinirlioglu
- Nominated by
- Turkey
- Current role
- OSCE secretary-general
- Ukraine policy pledge
- Support genuine efforts toward a negotiated and just settlement
- Current UN secretary-general
- Antonio Guterres
- Term end
- December 31
6 sources
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Türkiye’nin BM Genel Sekreter adayı Sinirlioğlu hedeflerini açıkladı
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What people are saying
My aim would be to support every genuine effort toward a negotiated and just settlement to end the war in Ukraine,
Diyalog, her zaman mümkündür. Bunun için yalnızca bir platforma ihtiyaç vardır. BM ise bu platformların en önemlisi.