New York: Trkiye believes that the path to peace, justice, and shared prosperity goes through the family, as articulated by Turkish first lady Emine Erdogan.
According to TRTworld.com, Erdogan emphasized the centrality of the family unit during a side programme titled "Better Together: Global Solidarity Rooted in the Family," held at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York. She described the family as not only the fundamental unit of society but also a key element in sustainable social, economic, and cultural development. Erdogan proposed the establishment of a dedicated structure within the United Nations to coordinate global efforts aimed at strengthening the family system.
Erdogan underscored the risks associated with digitalization, noting that children spend over six hours daily in front of screens, making them vulnerable to ideological manipulation and abuse. She also pointed out that modern working conditions often fail to support women in their roles as mothers and within family life. Highlighting research that correlates high crime rates with the prevalence of broken families, Erdogan argued that the family serves as the state's key partner and the primary setting for addressing social issues. She emphasized that children from healthy families are more likely to become compassionate, respectful, and peaceful individuals.
Addressing the impact of global conflicts, Erdogan noted that families frequently become the first casualties in wars and crises. She spoke of an unfolding orphan crisis in Gaza, where hundreds of families have been decimated, leaving tens of thousands of children parentless. She also referenced similar situations in Sudan, Yemen, Myanmar, and Ukraine, and mentioned that nearly 50 million children are currently displaced worldwide.
Erdogan concluded by asserting that the family is the carrier of values, the safest refuge for children, and the future of humanity. She called on the United Nations to adopt the strengthening of families as a standalone policy, expressing confidence that global actions to protect the family institution will be inspired by the opinions and suggestions made in this direction.
The event was hosted by Trkiye's Ministry of Family and Social Services and attended by ministers and representatives from Qatar, Hungary, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Nigeria, Serbia, Russia, and the United States.