Located in a region marked by active and frozen conflicts as well as potential international disputes, Türkiye plays a pioneering role globally in raising awareness and building capacity for mediation—a key method for the peaceful resolution of conflicts—to promote sustained peace, stability, and prosperity both in its neighbourhood and beyond.
Türkiye fulfils this role through a multi-layered and diverse framework of initiatives. These include peace mediation efforts on the ground, initiating and co-chairing the Groups of Friends of Mediation at the United Nations (UN), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as well as hosting international mediation conferences and training programs.
To institutionalize its increasing impact and leadership in the field of international peace mediation and to adopt a systematic and continuous approach to the discipline, Türkiye established the Directorate General for International Mediation within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 6, 2024. The Directorate General is responsible for managing mediation, conflict prevention, and crisis management activities within international organizations, preparing and developing mediation and facilitation processes that Türkiye has undertaken or may undertake, as well as conducting or supporting mediation activities.
Türkiye’s Mediation Endeavours
In line with its strong commitment to preventive diplomacy and mediation, Türkiye actively works to resolve conflicts peacefully and leads numerous initiatives across a wide geography. In this context:
- Efforts to achieve internal reconciliation in Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, and Kyrgyzstan,
- The establishment of the trilateral cooperation mechanism with Afghanistan and Pakistan and the launch of the “Heart of Asia - İstanbul Process” based on the principle of regional ownership,
- The establishment of trilateral consultation mechanisms between Bosnia and Herzegovina-Croatia-Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina-Serbia-Türkiye,
- Trust-building efforts between Sudan and South Sudan through joint economic projects,
- Facilitating indirect talks between Israel and Syria,
- Promoting the peaceful resolution of Iran’s nuclear program through dialogue,
- Supporting the peace process in South Philippines,
- Assisting discussions between Somalia and Somaliland,
- Mediation and facilitation efforts to support dialogue between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, including the Black Sea Grain Initiative and Russian-Ukrainian prisoner exchanges,
- The Ankara Declaration between Ethiopia and Somalia,
are among the examples that highlight Türkiye’s notable contributions to mediation efforts on the global stage.
An important lesson learned from these efforts is that every conflict has its own dynamics and unique circumstances. Therefore, mediation efforts must adopt a flexible approach tailored to the specific needs of each situation, avoiding a “one-size-fits-all” strategy. However, there are fundamental principles of preventive diplomacy that must always be observed, regardless of the nature of the conflict. Successful mediation requires the explicit consent of all parties, a thorough understanding of the conflict’s dynamics, inclusivity and impartiality throughout the process, and a long-term commitment to achieving a lasting solution.
Equally important, mediators must adopt a strategy that is both flexible and principles-based from the outset. They should present a shared vision to the disputing parties, earn their trust, and demonstrate strong dedication to the process.
Türkiye continues to pursue mediation activities in accordance with these principles, fostering relationships of mutual trust with all parties to disputes and upholding universal values.
Türkiye’s Activities at the United Nations (UN)
On September 24, 2010, Türkiye, in partnership with Finland, launched the “Mediation for Peace” initiative at the UN in New York. The initiative aims to enhance the visibility of mediation as a vital tool in preventive diplomacy and dispute resolution within the international community while advocating for increased resources and efforts dedicated to mediation.
A significant milestone in this initiative was the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on June 22, 2011 (A/65/283), marking the first-ever resolution on mediation at the UN. This momentum was sustained with the release of the UN’s Guidance for Effective Mediation by the Secretary-General in June 2012 (A/66/811) and a follow-up resolution adopted in September 2012 (A/66/291). Türkiye further contributed to this effort by leading the translation of the Guidance for Effective Mediation into Turkish, making it the first non-UN official language into which the document was translated.
In July 2014, the Group of Friends of Mediation initiated another resolution emphasizing the role of regional and sub-regional organizations in mediation (A/68/303). This resolution, co-sponsored by 86 member states, was unanimously adopted by the General Assembly. Building on this progress, the UN General Assembly adopted a fourth resolution in September 2016, titled “Strengthening the Role of Mediation in the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, Conflict Prevention and Resolution” (A/70/304), with the support of 69 co-sponsoring member states.
The “Mediation for Peace” initiative has garnered substantial international interest, leading to a significant increase in the membership of the Group of Friends of Mediation, which now includes 61 members (53 countries and 8 major regional and international organizations, including the UN). This growing support underscores the rising global awareness of the critical role of peace mediation.
Most recently, the 14th Ministerial Meeting of the UN Group of Friends of Mediation was held on September 26, 2024, at the Turkish House in New York. Hosted by Türkiye during the high-level week of the 79th UN General Assembly, the meeting focused on the theme “Staying the Course: Reinforcing Mediation in a Changing Conflict Environment.” Co-chaired by Türkiye’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan and Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, the event was attended by 36 members of the ADG at high-level, primarily from capitals. On behalf of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo delivered an address to the meeting.
UN documents about peace mediation and conflict prevention
Information on the UN Group of Friends of Mediation
Türkiye’s Activities at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
Following the success of the initiative at the UN, a Group of Friends of Mediation was created in 2014 within the OSCE under the leadership of Türkiye, Finland, and Switzerland. The group aims to enhance the visibility of mediation within the OSCE, promote capacity-building, and facilitate the exchange of experiences to support the peaceful resolution of disputes. Its inaugural meeting was held on March 6, 2014, in Vienna.
In subsequent years, the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) Mediation Support Team (MST), in collaboration with Türkiye, Switzerland, and Finland organized regular events in Vienna. These events have recently addressed critical topics, including “The Role of Women and Youth in Peace Processes” (November 17, 2023), “Exploring Prospects for the OSCE's Role as a Mediator” (March 5, 2024), and “Multitrack Approaches to Dialogue” (June 3, 2024).
Türkiye’s Activities at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Recognizing the prevalence of numerous conflicts within the OIC region, Türkiye has intensified its mediation capacity-building efforts, particularly since assuming the Term Presidency and Executive Committee Chairmanship at the OIC. Within this framework, Türkiye spearheaded the adoption of five resolutions titled “Strengthening the Mediation Capacity of the OIC” during the 45th (53/45-POL), 46th (56/46-POL), 47th (55/47-POL), 48th (53/48-POL), and 49th (51/49-POL) Councils of Foreign Ministers of the OIC.
These resolutions paved the way for the establishment of the OIC Contact Group on Mediation, designed to support capacity-building efforts in mediation. Shortly after its creation, the group became the second-largest contact group within the OIC. It is co-chaired by Türkiye, the OIC General Secretariat, Saudi Arabia, and The Gambia. The group held its inaugural meeting at the ministerial level on September 24, 2018, during the margins of the 73rd UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York.
The OIC Contact Group on Mediation continues its efforts to strengthen mediation capabilities by preparing a guide for mediators that incorporates cultural and local sensitivities and by establishing a network of experts, mediators, and special representatives nominated by member states.
İstanbul Mediation Conferences
As part of its pioneering role in the field of mediation, Türkiye hosts the İstanbul Mediation Conferences under the auspices of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. These conferences bring together domestic and international experts in the field, serving as a significant platform for knowledge and experience sharing through an innovative agenda focused on mediation.
The 8th İstanbul Mediation Conference was held on March 10, 2022, under the theme “Spotlight on Mediation in a Changing Peace Landscape” ahead of the Second Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF). The conference brought together more than 200 participants from over 40 countries. During the high-level opening session, in addition to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye as the host, the Foreign Ministers of Kuwait and Palestine delivered speeches, while UN and OSCE Secretary Generals addressed the audience via video messages.
The first panel “Masters’ Stage”, featured senior participants with extensive experience in mediation who shared their insights, discussed the essential qualities mediators must possess, underlined the elements of a successful mediation process, and emphasized the importance of preventive diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
The second panel titled “Women and Youth in Peace Mediation” focused on the participation of women and youth in mediation processes. It highlighted the barriers to inclusivity and strategies to overcome them, underscoring that mediation processes involving these traditionally underrepresented groups tend to achieve higher success rates.
Statements made during the conference underscored the significance of Türkiye’s efforts at a time when threats to peace are increasing and diversifying. Furthermore, the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and the Russian Federation, facilitated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye just prior to the conference, demonstrated Türkiye’s unique approach to bridging theory and practice in mediation.
Preparations are ongoing for the organization of the 9th İstanbul Mediation Conference.
Information on past conferences and summary reports
OIC Member States Conferences on Mediation
As part of Türkiye’s efforts to raise awareness and build capacity in mediation, another series of conferences focusing on OIC member countries was launched in 2017. While the first three OIC Member States Mediation Conferences were held in Türkiye, the fourth was hosted by Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on June 5-7, 2022. Preparations are underway for the fifth conference within the framework of 51st OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting to be hosted by Türkiye in 2025.
Information on the first three OIC Member States Conferences on Mediation
Mediation for Peace Certificate Program
Within the framework of the resolutions titled “Strengthening the Mediation Capacity of the OIC”, adopted by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, Türkiye has been organizing the "Mediation for Peace Certificate Program" since 2018. This program is aimed at contributing to the development of mediation capacity within the OIC, targeting diplomats from the OIC Secretariat and member states.
The fifth edition of the program was held in Ankara from October 21-25, 2024, with the participation of 19 diplomats, including 14 from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of OIC member states and 5 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye. To date, the certificate program has provided training in international peace mediation to a total of 92 diplomats from the OIC Secretariat and 35 member states.
Other Notable Activities
- On December 9-13, 2024, an international peace mediation-focused training program was organized for young diplomats serving at the Secretariats of the African Union (AU), the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of their member states.
- On November 28, 2024, a workshop on "International Peace Mediation" was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye. Organized in collaboration between the Centre for Strategic Research (SAM) and the Directorate General for International Mediation, the workshop brought together senior officials from relevant departments of the Ministry, academics from various universities, and representatives from think tanks.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan attended the workshop, delivering a speech on Türkiye’s ongoing mediation efforts and future vision. Minister Fidan shared insights and experiences from past mediation activities, highlighting Türkiye's unique role in the peaceful resolution of international conflicts, and engaged in discussions with academics and think tank representatives.
Throughout the day-long sessions, participants thoroughly analysed Türkiye's current position in international peace mediation and evaluated priority areas.
- On October 1, 2024, the "Martti Ahtisaari Peace Mediation Seminar" was held at Bilkent University in Ankara to commemorate the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Finland. Organized by the Finnish Embassy with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, the seminar featured a keynote address by Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, and Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Dr. Burhanettin Duran, also delivered speeches and responded to questions during the event.