The 2025 Atatürk International Peace Prize Presented to António Guterres

The Atatürk International Peace Prize, which is awarded as a State Prize to individuals and organizations that contribute to world peace, international friendship, and goodwill in line with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s principle of “Peace at home, peace in the world,” was presented to António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a ceremony held at the Presidential Complex.

In his speech at the award ceremony, President Erdoğan stated that during Guterres’s successive visits to Türkiye, the international community has witnessed his valuable contributions to the protection of refugees, the implementation of initiatives aimed at establishing global justice, and the shuttle diplomacy he conducted in the context of the war in Ukraine.

Continuing his remarks, President Erdoğan said:
“I am very pleased to present the Atatürk International Peace Prize to my esteemed friend, who has become the voice of the silent majority in the pursuit of international peace and security, on the occasion of his sixth visit.”

UN Secretary-General Guterres also noted that he is aware that the award comes at a time when great suffering is taking place in the region. He stated:
“The Atatürk International Peace Prize shows us that peace is more than a noble vision. I am honored to accept this award.”

The ceremony, the preparations for which were carried out by the Atatürk Supreme Council for Culture, Language and History, was also attended by the President of the Council, H.E. Prof. Dr. Derya Örs, as well as the presidents of its affiliated institutions.