President Şeker attends Summit of the Future
TÜBA President Prof. Muzaffer Şeker attended the Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow Session at the United Nations (UN) Summit of the Future held in New York between 22 and 23 September 2024.
Organized within the framework of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the session was subtitled “Enhancing Multilateralism for International Peace and Security” and emphasized the importance of international cooperation at a time when the world is facing increasing geopolitical tensions, the emergence of a multipolar power structure and threats such as terrorism, and the need for strong, comprehensive and multilateral solutions to ensure peace and security. Particular emphasis was placed on the impact of technology on security and emerging challenges such as the threat of terrorism. It was discussed that the challenges facing the international community are not of a magnitude that any one country can overcome alone. The impact of multilateral cooperation, the permanence and sustainability of peace on solving problems were discussed. At the same time, it was emphasized that it is critical to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in decision-making mechanisms on peace and security issues. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' policy brief titled “A New Agenda for Peace” was among the key issues discussed in the session. Guterres pointed to a period in which collective action is inevitable for rebuilding trust and solidarity and for global peace.
Prof. Şeker chaired the session on “Enhancing Multilateralism for International Peace and Security”, which was also attended by several heads of state, including President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere of Fiji and President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe. The session also included foreign ministers and deputy foreign ministers from Slovenia, Iceland, Guatemala, Angola and many others.
The UN should adopt common legislation on social media
TÜBA President Prof. Muzaffer Şeker's participation in the session demonstrated Türkiye's scientific and diplomatic commitment to international peace and security goals. “As part of the UN's multilateral cooperation and peace efforts, Türkiye's role in this field is important. We find it very valuable in terms of our ongoing work and our strategic roadmap within the framework of our future vision that TÜBA conducts science diplomacy on a platform that emphasizes the strong links between science and peace through international cooperation.” Prof. Şeker emphasized the importance of scientific and academic contributions for the solution of global issues and underlined Türkiye's active role in this field.
Prof. Şeker said that the negative effects caused by the misuse of social media on the security problems of the individual and society, as well as the long-term negative effects on cultural values, especially trade, politics, education, family, language and art in social life, pose a risk to social peace and the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual if measures are not taken. He underlined that social media causes an uncontrolled power as a result of addiction and digital ignorance, and that there is a danger that vital damage in the unhealthy information pit that feeds ignorance, gossip, selfishness, vindictiveness and enmity with deliberate sharing is in danger of evolving towards a process that cannot be corrected. He emphasized the urgent need for countries and policymakers to adopt joint legislation under the UN umbrella.
Necessity of reforms
The session also discussed the need to reform the UN Security Council. It was stated that reform is long overdue in order to build a structure in the global security architecture that is more in line with the realities of the 21st century. Prof. Muzaffer Şeker stated that strengthening multilateral cooperation will further enhance Türkiye's contributions to global security and peace goals.
During the Summit, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and discussed the need for a transition to a more inclusive and equitable system of global governance. The Summit is expected to adopt the “Pact for the Future”, and important documents such as the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations were also on the agenda as part of this pact.