ANKARA/ISTANBUL 

Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications organized a panel Saturday that focused on Türkiye’s mediation efforts, role in peace processes and its fast, inclusive and coordinated response model in crisis areas ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.

Panelists on the “Türkiye’s Humanitarian Diplomacy and Assistance in the Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts" examined in detail Türkiye’s unique approach to peacebuilding, mediation efforts and humanitarian assistance policies at a time when global humanitarian crises are deepening.

Moderated by Kilic Bugra Kanat, a member of the Turkish Presidency’s Security and Foreign Policies Council, the panel also addressed rising security threats in the information age and the leadership vacuum in the international system, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian diplomacy, strategic communication and peaceful conflict-resolution mechanisms.

Speakers included professor William Gumede of the University of the Witwatersrand School of Governance; professor Dr. Erman Akıllı of Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University; Dr. Liaqat Alli Azam, CEO of the Leading Like Mandela Leadership Institute; Dr. Tunc Demirtas of Mersin University and researcher at SETA; and Daryl Swanepoel, CEO of the Inclusive Society Institute.

Cooperation with Africa highlighted

The panel underlined that, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, Türkiye has become one of the world’s most active actors in humanitarian diplomacy over the last two decades, with special emphasis on cooperation with the African continent.

Highlighting Türkiye’s growing engagement in Africa, speakers noted that in countries such as Somalia, Libya, Sudan and Ukraine, Türkiye acts not only as a provider of humanitarian aid but also as a peace actor utilizing diplomatic, political, security and development tools in a holistic manner.

The panel stressed that the global leadership and governance crisis has deepened humanitarian tragedies, pointing out that existing international institutions have been unable to address these challenges.

Speakers argued that an important part of the solution lies in cooperation among middle powers, stating that Türkiye and South Africa, with their experience in humanitarian diplomacy, mediation and aid, could serve as critical partners in advancing global peace.

They proposed establishing a humanitarian solidarity platform through which middle powers could develop rapid and sustainable response mechanisms for “forgotten crises,” particularly in Africa.

Turkish president's 'The world is bigger than five' motto underscored

The panel emphasized that injustices and representation problems in the international system have become unsustainable.

Speakers noted that Turkish President Erdogan’s well-known motto: “The world is bigger than five,” represents not only a political stance but also a humanitarian and ethical call for reform.

They stressed that achieving lasting global peace requires placing justice, humanitarian values, effective leadership and ethical responsibility at the core of the international order.

The panel concluded with a shared view that a fair, humane and sustainable international system is achievable, noting that Türkiye has developed a comprehensive model that simultaneously applies humanitarian diplomacy, mediation, development assistance and strategic communication to promote peace and stability in crisis regions.