Humanitarian Diplomacy in Action: How Türkiye’s Global Aid Strengthens Its International Standing

When I think about diplomacy, I often imagine negotiations and treaties. But Türkiye’s humanitarian actions remind me that compassion itself can be a diplomatic tool. I’m speaking of humanitarian diplomacy - using aid, relief, and development assistance to foster goodwill and international partnerships. It emphasizes negotiation and advocacy, not for strategic advantage, but for the betterment of human lives. Today, we’ll look at how Türkiye’s humanitarian response in Sudan illustrates our growing role as a responsible and cooperative global actor.

Last June, Türkiye delivered 37 tons of medical aid to support Sudan’s fight against cholera–a dangerous epidemic in Sudan, contributing to over a thousand deaths and tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year. The aid included medical supplies, intravenous solutions, and medication. Turkish agencies AFAD and TİKA, the World Health Organization, and Sudan’s Ministry of Health collaborated to deliver this effort, and it showcases Türkiye’s ability to coordinate multilaterally.

These actions extend Türkiye’s soft power, strengthening our image as a reliable, compassionate, and proactive nation. We are now one of the world’s top humanitarian donors relative to our GDP, signaling a consistent foreign policy focus on global welfare. Even throughout the pandemic, Türkiye contributed significantly more than the UN target of 0.7%, on par with affluent European countries like Sweden, Norway, and Luxembourg, solidifying our place in the world’s eye as a country that cares for those outside of its borders. In International Relations theory, soft power comes from attraction, not coercion, and Türkiye’s humanitarianism shows that empathy can be an instrument of statecraft.

But Türkiye’s involvement with humanitarian efforts in Africa is not a recent engagement. In 1998, we launched our “African Initiative Policy,” which evolved into the Africa Partnership Policy in 2013, with growing efforts through TİKA offices in more than 20 African nations to date. The Policy is built on several key objectives; most important to note are mutual benefit and equal partnership, emphasizing that the goal is not to exploit, but for both parties to gain from collaboration. Humanitarian missions such as these enhance Türkiye’s relations with African nations, build trust in multilateral institutions, and open channels for cooperation in other fields such as education, trade, and healthcare. I see it as part of Türkiye’s effort to redefine its global image; not only as a bridge between continents, but as a bridge of care.

The concept of constructivism in International Relations explains why countries value cooperation. Through constructivism, we learn that it is better than unilateral efforts and that global issues require joint responsibilities. This gives rise to multilateralism: cooperation between two or more nations to achieve a common goal through shared norms and beliefs. These beliefs are not arbitrary–they are a result of diplomacy and lengthy discussion. Both concepts support one another and shape positive international engagement; one example being humanitarian diplomacy.

Türkiye’s humanitarian diplomacy enhances its credibility in global forums such as the UN, OIC, and the African Union. Our global influence is no longer measured only by military or economic might, but by how much we are willing to contribute to human security. It shows that global leadership today depends not only on power, but on purpose. Actions like the Sudan aid mission align with our broader ambition to play a constructive role in global stability. And as I continue studying International Relations, I find Türkiye’s evolving diplomacy inspiring. I’m reminded that kindness, when used strategically, can also be transformative.

Reference Article: Sudan Receives 37 Tons of Medical Supplies As Humanitarian Aid From Turkey to Combat Cholera - allAfrica.com