Istanbul — Human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman delivered a stark warning about the “erosion and dismantling” of the global order, while urging collective international action to rebuild a more just system, during a high-level forum session in Istanbul.

Speaking in a one-on-one discussion moderated by Kılıç Buğra Kanat, Karman described the current moment as both a crisis and an opportunity for transformation. The session, focused on “being the voice of conscience amid conflict,” brought together debates increasingly shaping global political discourse.

Karman argued that the international system established after World War II—built on rules, institutions, and human rights—has failed to deliver equitable outcomes, particularly for countries in the Global South. Instead, she said, it has long been marked by double standards and has primarily served the interests of powerful nations.

“What we are witnessing today is not reform, but collapse,” Karman said, pointing to the role of major powers in undermining the very system they helped create. She singled out policies pursued by the United States under Donald Trump as accelerating this decline, warning that efforts to dismantle the global order pose serious risks.

While critical of the system’s structural flaws, Karman emphasized that the solution lies in reform rather than abandonment. She called for a more inclusive and equitable framework, including changes to institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, where veto power held by five permanent members has long been a source of imbalance.

She also highlighted shortcomings in global institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the International Criminal Court, arguing that political constraints have limited their ability to deliver justice and equitable development.

Beyond governance structures, Karman warned of a broader decline in international cooperation, particularly in humanitarian efforts. She cited reductions in foreign aid and disengagement from global agreements—such as the World Health Organization and the Paris Agreement—as evidence of weakening global solidarity.

“In 2015, the world committed to a shared development agenda, but that commitment is now fading,” she said, referring to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. “The gap is widening, and vulnerable populations are being left behind.”

Karman urged countries, particularly in the Global South, to assert a stronger collective voice against inequality and geopolitical dominance. She framed the current moment as a “historic opportunity” to rebuild a global system based on justice, equality, and human dignity, and expressed hope that countries like Turkey could play a leading role in shaping a new order.

Addressing questions on global public opinion, Karman pointed to a growing awareness among younger generations, driven largely by digital platforms. She said social media has become a central arena for mobilization against injustice, enabling voices from conflict zones to reach global audiences directly.

However, she cautioned that these platforms also carry significant risks. While describing social media as a powerful tool for advocacy and awareness, Karman warned that it is increasingly used by authoritarian regimes and large technology companies to monitor users, shape narratives, and restrict freedom of expression.

She called for a balanced approach that protects free speech while introducing regulations to prevent misuse, particularly algorithmic suppression and content restrictions. At the same time, she encouraged users to remain critical and verify information, describing disinformation as one of the most serious challenges facing humanity.

Karman also linked current debates on disinformation to historical precedents, arguing that state-driven misinformation predates social media and has long been used to justify wars and shape public opinion.

In the final segment of the discussion, Karman highlighted the role of women in times of crisis and transformation. Reflecting on the Arab Spring, she said women have consistently played leading roles in revolutions and conflicts, only to be marginalized once stability returns.

She called for greater inclusion of women in decision-making across all sectors, emphasizing that their participation is essential not only for gender equality but for broader societal progress. “Women’s rights are human rights,” she said, stressing that accountability remains the cornerstone of protecting freedoms.

Karman concluded with a call for unity, urging people worldwide to resist authoritarianism, defend human rights, and work collectively to rebuild a fairer global system. “This is a historic moment,” she said. “We must stand with the people, defend democracy, and ensure that no one is left behind.” She also reiterated her opposition to war against Iran, stressing that true justice cannot come through destruction but through freedom and democracy.

Karman saluted women across conflict zones—from Iran and Yemen to Syria, Palestine, the United States, and Ukraine—emphasizing that their courage embodies the conscience of humanity. She further expressed hope that Turkey could play a leading role in shaping a new, just global order.