Former Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu delivered a powerful address at the Middle East Peace Forum 2024 (MEPS24) in Duhok, emphasizing regional cooperation and global accountability as key to resolving entrenched conflicts and establishing sustainable peace in the Middle East.

Warmly received by senior Kurdish and Iraqi officials, including Masoud Barzani, President Latif Abdul Rashid, and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Davutoğlu opened by highlighting the interconnected destiny of the region. "Our destiny is the same," he declared, urging leaders to move beyond ethnic and sectarian divides.

Historical Context and the Legacy of Division

Davutoğlu framed the region's challenges as rooted in the aftermath of global conflicts, such as the World Wars and the Cold War. He criticized the Sykes–Picot Agreement for creating artificial borders that fractured communities. "Sykes–Picot divided us," he said. "But how can we reunite again?"

He also drew attention to unresolved injustices, particularly the Palestinian issue, citing the United Nations’ failure to fulfill its 1947 commitment to a Palestinian state. "For 76 years, there is no fulfillment of the UN commitment to a Palestinian state. This is the root cause of the conflict," he argued.

Critique of Global Powers

Davutoğlu criticized global powers, particularly the United States, for policies he said prioritize national interests over global responsibilities. Referring to the "First America" doctrine, he warned, "This signals the end of the post-Cold War order."

He condemned international inaction on Palestine, accusing world leaders of ignoring daily violations of human rights. "Every day, we are observing a genocide in Palestine," he said, urging renewed global efforts to protect human dignity.

A Three-Pillar Peace Framework

Proposing a blueprint for peace, Davutoğlu outlined a three-pillar approach:

Norms: Emphasizing human dignity, democracy, and respect for territorial integrity, he asserted, "Not Arab dignity, not Turkish dignity, not Kurdish dignity—human dignity must be the first value."

Methods: Advocating for constructive diplomacy and dialogue, he referenced Europe’s post-World War II reconciliation as a model for the Middle East. "We must minimize borders and foster interconnectedness," he urged.

Institutions: Highlighting the need for strong, effective institutions, Davutoğlu called for regional ownership of peacebuilding efforts while criticizing the United Nations’ diminishing influence.

Optimism and a Call to Action

Davutoğlu expressed hope for the region's future, praising Iraq’s strides toward unity and the collaboration of leaders from diverse backgrounds. "Together, we achieved many successes," he said. "In the future, we can achieve similar success only if we agree on common norms and values."

He concluded with an appeal to both regional leaders and the international community to embrace a new mindset for peace. "If we want real peace, we must adopt a new mindset," he stated. "Only through shared values, constructive dialogue, and effective institutions can we secure a peaceful future for all."

A Platform for Dialogue

The MEPS24 forum continues to serve as a critical venue for discussions on peace and security in the Middle East, bringing together leaders and experts to seek solutions to the region’s deep-seated challenges. Davutoğlu’s address added a compelling voice to the call for unity and collective action.