Turkish President Erdogan’s UN message lit up the streets of New York. Posters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appeared across central streets and avenues in New York City this week. Alongside his photo, two of his most famous quotes were displayed: “The world is bigger than five” and “A fairer world is possible.” These mottos, central to Erdogan’s long-standing campaign for UN reform, also lit up LED screens in Times Square.
Criticism of the UN Security Council structure
Erdogan has consistently criticized the current structure of the UN Security Council. For decades, the council’s five permanent members—the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China—have held veto power. Critics, including Erdogan, argue that this concentration of power sidelines most member states and prevents fair global decision-making.
Erdogan reiterates call at UN General Assembly
Speaking at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Erdogan repeated his call for reform. “I sincerely believe that our collective responsibility is to take steps that will return the UN to its founding spirit in its 80th year,” he told world leaders.
“The world is bigger than five”: Erdogan’s UN Message Lights Up New York Streets
Erdogan reaffirmed his signature phrase during his speech. “We will continue to say, ‘The world is bigger than five!’ until a system is established where the just, not the powerful, prevail,” he declared. His message targeted the need for a more representative and democratic UN framework that gives equal weight to all nations.
Global visibility for reform message
The appearance of Erdogan’s slogans on major streets in New York and on Times Square’s digital billboards gave his campaign global visibility. By linking his speech at the UNGA with these public displays, Erdogan underscored his demand for change at the world body.
