New York: Trkiye’s first lady, Emine Erdogan, emphasized the critical role of families in achieving peace, justice, and shared prosperity during the 80th UN General Assembly in New York. She spoke at an event titled “Better Together: Global Solidarity Rooted in the Family,” highlighting the family as the fundamental unit of society and an essential element for sustainable social, economic, and cultural development.
According to TRTworld.com, Erdogan proposed the creation of a special structure within the United Nations to focus on strengthening the family system. She advocated for a dedicated mechanism within the UN to coordinate global efforts aimed at family support and empowerment.
Erdogan addressed several pressing issues, including the dangers of digitalization. She noted that children are spending significant amounts of time in front of screens, making them vulnerable to ideological manipulation and abuse. She also pointed out the challenges modern working conditions pose for women, particularly in balancing their roles as mothers and participants in family life.
Citing research, Erdogan highlighted the correlation between high crime rates and the prevalence of broken families in urban areas. She stressed that the family is a crucial partner to the state and a primary center for addressing social issues. In her view, healthy families nurture compassionate, respectful, and peaceful individuals.
Erdogan also drew attention to the impact of global conflicts on families, noting that they are often the first casualties of wars and crises. She referenced the situation in Gaza, describing it as the largest orphan crisis of modern history, with tens of thousands of children left without parents. She also mentioned other regions affected by conflict, such as Sudan, Yemen, Myanmar, and Ukraine, where nearly 50 million children are currently displaced.
Emphasizing the family’s role as a refuge and value bearer, Erdogan asserted that “solidarity begins with the family.” She concluded by urging the UN to prioritize family strengthening as a standalone policy, expressing confidence that this approach will inspire global initiatives to protect family structures.
The event was organized by Trkiye’s Ministry of Family and Social Services and attended by ministers from various countries, including Qatar, Hungary, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Nigeria, and Serbia, as well as representatives from Russia and the United States.