Türkiye has nominated diplomat Feridun Sinirlioğlu, with appointment dependent on a UN process beyond the backing of the nominating state.
Ankara’s nomination, explained by its envoy
Hürriyet Daily News reported on 31 October 2026 that Türkiye submitted the nomination on 30 October. Envoy Ahmet Yıldız told Anadolu Agency that the letter included a résumé and vision statement, following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s approval. This is a formal candidacy, not an announcement that Sinirlioğlu has been appointed. Hürriyet Daily News
Who is the Turkish candidate?
His official OSCE biography records his appointment as its secretary-general in December 2024, service as Türkiye’s UN representative from 2016 to 2023, and a term as foreign minister in the interim government of 2015. He also held senior ministry positions. In 2023, António Guterres appointed him UN coordinator for the independent assessment mandated by the Security Council. His biography also records a doctorate from Boğaziçi University’s School of Political Science and International Relations. Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Security Council recommendation, General Assembly appointment
The UN Charter provides for appointment by the General Assembly on the Security Council’s recommendation and describes the secretary-general as the Organization’s chief administrative officer. It sets out each institution’s role in appointment alongside the administrative responsibilities of the post for which Ankara has proposed its candidate. United Nations Office of Legal Affairs
Candidate documents and public dialogues
The UN selection-process page explains that a Member State or group of Member States nominates a candidate, supplying a vision statement, curriculum vitae and campaign-financing disclosures. The General Assembly president convenes webcast interactive dialogues with candidates. This stage allows professional visions to be presented and discussed publicly within the selection process. United Nations
His current office is separate from the UN role
The OSCE Secretariat provides operational support under its secretary-general and assists the chairmanship with expertise, analysis and draft decisions. Its work includes conflict prevention and resolution, border management, combating human trafficking, and economic and environmental activities. Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
