Head of Communications Altun said: "By declaring that 'a fairer world is possible,' our President has been leading a determined struggle on all international platforms, particularly at the United Nations, not just for today, but for the future, for you - our children - who are our greatest source of joy, our hope, and the promise of tomorrow."
The Presidency's Head of Communications, Fahrettin Altun, attended the TRT 47th International April 23 Children's Festival, held at the Beştepe National Exhibition Hall.
Beginning his speech by addressing the earthquakes that occurred in İstanbul, Head of Communications Altun extended his well wishes to all citizens and said, "May God protect our nation from all disasters."
Head of Communications Altun stated that the April 23 Children's Festival has been organised since 1979, bringing together children from all over the world in Türkiye, and continued his remarks:
"The children and their families we host build deep bonds with our country to last a lifetime. Of course, since 1979, our country has grown, advanced, and become more prosperous under the leadership of our President. It has become a centre of attraction, a regional power and a global actor. As our country developed and grew, it also worked to resolve regional and global crises, striving to make the world we live in a fairer, more livable place, defined by peace rather than war. By declaring that 'a fairer world is possible,' our President has been leading a determined struggle on all international platforms, particularly at the United Nations, not just for today, but for the future, for you - our children - who are our greatest source of joy, our hope, and the promise of tomorrow."
"In order to build a future that is peaceful, we must value children"
Emphasising that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s efforts, struggles, and goal are all focused on the cause of 'sparing all children on earth from shedding even a single tear,' Head of Communications Altun said:
"Our President's political ideal is to ensure the future of all children worldwide, especially the brave children of Palestine. May Allah bestow strength upon our esteemed leader. The bright, sweet-hearted children from all over the world who are present today serve as a reminder that in order to build a future that is peaceful, we must value children. If we want to build the future with freedom, we must look through the eyes of children. If we want to build the future together, we must bring children together."
"We need hope, fraternity and peace"
Noting that the theme of the TRT 47th International April 23 Children's Festival is "Life is Beautiful When Children Smile," Head of Communications Altun said:
"A poet once said, 'The smile of a child is like the prayer of a nation.' Protecting that smile is the duty of all humanity. In this world of injustice, oppression, wars, crises and genocides, we need hope, fraternity and peace. A morning when a child awakens to the sound of birds rather than warplanes. A life where a child knows about playgrounds, not migration routes. A world in which a child internalises knowledge rather than thirst. It is a more beautiful world, a fairer world. Children need justice the most. Children need peace the most, and we, as Türkiye, will continue to be their hope and strive for their future under the global leadership of our President."
"The world becomes more beautiful when children sing the same song"
Emphasising that they view this festival not only as entertainment but also as a form of cultural diplomacy and a celebration for humanity, Head of Communications Altun said:
"Because we know that when children step on the same soil, countries get closer. When children play the same game, nations make peace. The world becomes more beautiful when children sing the same song. With the hope for a better world, I congratulate the 105th anniversary of the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and on April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day, and I express my gratitude for your attendance and honouring our programme."