Ahmet Davutoğlu calls for regional unity, global responsibility at MEPS24

Nov. 22, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Former Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu delivered a comprehensive and impassioned address at the Middle East Peace Forum 2024 (MEPS24), held in Duhok. His speech emphasized the necessity of regional cooperation and global accountability to overcome entrenched conflicts and build a sustainable peace framework.

Davutoğlu, warmly welcomed by senior Kurdish and Iraqi officials, including Masoud Barzani, President Latif Abdul Rashid, and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, began by reflecting on the shared history and challenges of the region. "Our destiny is the same," he said, underscoring the need for unity beyond ethnic or sectarian divides.

A Region Shaped by Global Wars

Davutoğlu framed the Middle East’s struggles within the context of global conflicts, from the First and Second World Wars to the Cold War. He criticized the legacy of the Sykes–Picot Agreement, which fragmented the region and divided families across artificial borders. "Sykes–Picot divided us," he lamented. "But how can we reunite again?"

The former premier argued that the root causes of ongoing regional instability lie in historical injustices, including the unresolved Palestinian issue. Highlighting the lack of progress since the United Nations’ 1947 partition plan, he stated, "For 76 years, there is no fulfillment of the UN commitment to a Palestinian state. This is the root cause of the conflict."

Global Power Dynamics and Regional Implications

Davutoğlu criticized the inconsistent strategies of global powers, particularly the United States, for contributing to instability. "The concept of 'First America' signals the end of the post-Cold War order," he said, warning against the prioritization of national interests over collective global responsibilities.

He expressed concerns about escalating tensions in Palestine and the broader Middle East, accusing international powers of failing to address violations of international law. "Every day, we are observing a genocide in Palestine," he stated, calling for a renewed global commitment to human dignity.

A Blueprint for Peace

Davutoğlu proposed a three-pillar framework for achieving lasting peace in the Middle East:

1. Norms: Human dignity, democracy, and respect for territorial integrity must underpin efforts to resolve conflicts. "Not Arab dignity, not Turkish dignity, not Kurdish dignity—human dignity must be the first value," he asserted.

2. Methods: Constructive diplomacy and high-level dialogue are essential. Drawing parallels with the European Union’s post-war reconciliation, he urged regional leaders to minimize the role of borders and foster interconnectedness.

3. Institutions: Strong institutions are needed to uphold these norms and ensure stability. Davutoğlu called for regional ownership in addressing challenges, criticizing the United Nations for its ineffectiveness in recent decades.

Hope for Regional Collaboration

Davutoğlu praised Iraq’s progress toward unity, commending leaders from diverse ethnic and sectarian backgrounds for working together. He expressed optimism about the Middle East’s potential, drawing on its rich history of cooperation. "Together, we achieved many successes," he said. "In the future, we can achieve similar success only if we agree on common norms and values."

A Call to Action

Concluding his address, Davutoğlu appealed to regional leaders and the international community to act decisively. "If we want real peace, we must adopt a new mindset," he said. "Only through shared values, constructive dialogue, and effective institutions can we secure a peaceful future for all."

The MEPS24 forum in Duhok continues to provide a vital platform for dialogue, bringing together leaders and experts to discuss pathways to peace in a region historically plagued by division and conflict.