UCWEP President Taşkın: The Republic safeguards our future
UCWEP President Hasan Taşkın marked the Republic’s 103rd anniversary and stressed that protecting a free press, the will of the people and the Republic’s values is a shared responsibility.
In his message for Republic Day on 29 October, UCWEP President Hasan Taşkın celebrated the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye. He described the Republic as one of the most important achievements of independence, the will of the people, free thought and modernisation.
Taşkın stressed that the Republic was founded on the will of the people after a struggle for independence won at great sacrifice. He said:
“The Republic embodies a nation’s refusal to submit and its determination to shape its own future. The struggle for independence led by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms reached a historic turning point when the Republic was proclaimed on 29 October 1923. Our duty today goes beyond commemorating that legacy in ceremonies. We must keep its values alive and leave a stronger Türkiye to future generations.”
A free press safeguards a strong republic
Taşkın said freedom of thought and expression are among the Republic’s fundamental values and drew attention to the press’s responsibility in a democratic society.
“The Republic grows stronger when citizens can access accurate and reliable information. A free, independent and responsible press is indispensable to democracy and public trust. Countering disinformation in the digital age, upholding journalistic ethics and standing by the truth are important parts of our responsibility to the Republic.”
Digital transformation in the Republic’s second century
Taşkın stressed the importance of strengthening Türkiye’s position in science, technology, education and digital transformation in the Republic’s second century. He said artificial intelligence and emerging media technologies should be used for the common good.
He said UCWEP values ethical journalism, digital media literacy and international solidarity among media professionals. He added that technological advances should be considered alongside freedom of expression, human rights and social responsibility.
The Republic is our shared future
Taşkın closed by saying that the Republic is a historic legacy and a responsibility to future generations.
“The Republic is the honour of our past, the safeguard of our present and the hope of our future. Keeping it alive means standing together across our differences, defending our shared values and taking responsibility for our country’s future.
I remember with respect, gratitude and prayers the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, all the heroes of the National Struggle, those who gave their lives and our veterans.
Happy 103rd anniversary of our Republic. Long live the Republic!”
