About the Forum2026
Zero Waste Forum 2026
- 10,000+participants
- 335ministerial-level and senior delegates
- 183countries
- 500+partners
- 70panels150hours250+speakers
COP31 TÜRKİYE 2026
COP31 will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026.
The World's Climate Summit in Türkiye. Together for a Cleaner Future.
Antalya, TRNov 2026
Where and When is COP31?
COP31 is the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference and will be held in Antalya in November 2026. At the summit, world leaders, experts, and civil society representatives will discuss joint solutions to combat climate change and build a sustainable future. Hosted by Türkiye, this conference will be an important gathering for shaping global climate policies.
H.E. Emine Erdoğan
United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation
Chairperson
The establishment of the Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste was announced by the United Nations Secretary-General at the High-Level meeting on the role of zero waste as a transformative solution in achieving the sustainable development goals.
30 March 2023 • UN General Assembly
The Advisory Board was established for a three-year period. Comprising 12 members, the Board works in line with United Nations General Assembly resolution 77/161.
Core Objectives:
- Support the implementation of the zero waste approach through raising awareness.
- Promote zero waste initiatives at local and national levels.
- Disseminate best practices and success stories globally.
Official DocumentDownload Resolution 77/161
Climate Guide
What is COP31? A Climate Summit Guide for Everyone
Everything you need to know about COP31, the global climate summit hosted by Türkiye in 2026, shaping the future of our planet.
What Does COP31 Mean and Why It Matters?
COP31 (31st Conference of the Parties) is the latest session of the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Since 1995, these annual summits have served as the primary global platform for negotiating and advancing collective action against climate change. COP31 represents a critical milestone where countries are expected to strengthen their climate commitments and accelerate the transition toward a low-carbon future.
How Will COP31 Decisions Impact the World?
Decisions made at COP31 will influence a wide range of areas, from national carbon reduction targets and energy policies to sustainable development strategies and climate finance mechanisms. Landmark agreements such as the Paris Agreement (COP21) have already reshaped global policy frameworks, and COP31 is expected to further drive the next phase of climate action and economic transformation.
Decisions taken at COP31 will have far-reaching impacts, shaping global economies, international trade, and national environmental policies for decades to come.
SUSTAINABILITY VISION
Why Is Türkiye Hosting COP31?.
Türkiye is a country highly exposed to climate risks and globally recognized for its leadership in zero waste and the circular economy, while actively developing systemic solutions that place sustainable development at the core.
Through the Zero Waste initiative, Türkiye has emerged as a global model, demonstrating how national policy, international advocacy, and societal transformation can converge into a truly transformative sustainability movement.
Hosting COP31 strengthens Türkiye’s leadership in climate diplomacy, reinforces its role as a global zero waste champion, and accelerates regional and international cooperation toward climate-resilient development.
Purpose
Circular Economy & Waste Management
Water & Food Security
Access to Climate Finance
Role of Youth & Cities
Education & Awareness
Understanding COP31
An Accessible Climate Knowledge Platform for Everyone
An Accessible Climate Knowledge Platform for Everyone
Addressing the climate crisis requires collective awareness and global understanding. That is why we explain what COP31 is, how it works, and how its decisions impact countries around the world in a clear, simple, and accessible way.
Understanding what COP31 can change is essential for everyone. This section is designed both for those discovering COP31 for the first time and for those who want to follow the process more closely and in depth.
Leading the Change
Emine Erdoğan
First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye & Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation
“Withthehopeofafuturewhereraindropsrunclearandtheworld'swatersremaindeepblue,Igreetyouallwithloveandrespect.”
LIVE GLOBAL DATA
What's Happening in the World Right Now?
These numbers aren't fixed — they climb second by second, based on global data accumulated since the start of the year.
LIVE FEED
Recycled
Waste recovered through recycling this year
TONS
Waste Generation
TONS
Year to date
Plastic Waste
TONS
Year to date
CO₂ Emissions
TONS
Year to date
Water Withdrawal
LITERS
Year to date
Energy Consumption
KWH
Year to date
Food Production
KG
Year to date
Explore global waste, energy, water and population data on the live dashboard.
Explore Live DataOur Climate Impact
Tangible results of Türkiye's determination to combat climate change.
RENEWABLE CAPACITY
Projected installed capacity by 2035
Target by 2035
RECOVERY RATE
Zero Waste project goals
ha / year
AFFORESTATION
Annual average contribution
Zero Waste Vision
Turkiye Waste Statistics
Annual waste production in Turkiye and waste recovery targets
Waste Generated Since Start of Year
0
TONData provided by the United Nations and the Zero Waste Foundation.
Data provided by the World Bank
Target 35% Recovery Rate
%35
Approximately 36 million tons of solid waste is generated annually in Turkiye. With the Zero Waste Project, it is aimed to increase the waste recovery rate to 35%.
2025 Target
Zero Waste in Action
Zero Waste Forum 2026
The Road to Antalya: Zero Waste as Climate Action
Our high-level platform unites ministers, city leaders, international organizations, businesses and civil society to advance circular economy solutions.
Side Event5 June 2026
COP31 Session
Zero Waste Ministerial Dialogue on the COP31 Action Agenda
- Chaired by H.E. Murat Kurum, President of COP31 and Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye
- Ministers and senior representatives of international organizations: Erfan Ali, UN-Habitat Regional Office Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia; Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary-General; H.E. Michał Kurtyka, COP24 President; H.R.H. Princess Dana Firas, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage
- Focus: Circular economy, resilient cities, resource efficiency, climate finance, technology and youth engagement
Outcome:
Zero waste was highlighted as a key pillar of the COP31 Action Agenda, underscoring the importance of international cooperation and practical action to accelerate the transition towards sustainable, resource-efficient and climate-resilient societies.
Side Event5 June 2026
Ministerial Session on Industry and Technology
Greening Industrial Transformation: A Zero Waste and Circular Economy Perspective
- Chaired by H.E. Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye
- Ministerial representatives and senior officials from more than 30 countries; Deodat Maharaj, Managing Director of the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries, and Humberto López, World Bank Country Director for Türkiye
- Focus: Resource efficiency, circular production models, technological innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices
Outcome:
The indispensable role of international partnerships in advancing a resilient and low-carbon industrial future was highlighted.
Side Event6 June 2026
Ministerial Session on Agriculture and Forestry
Post-Harvest Loss Reduction
- Chaired by H.E. İbrahim Yumaklı, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye
- Ministerial representatives from more than 35 countries and senior representatives of international organizations: Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi, UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye; Monica Merino Domínguez, UNDP Resident Representative in Türkiye; Stephen Cahill, Representative and Country Director of the World Food Programme in Türkiye
- Focus: Reducing post-harvest losses, sustainable food systems, resource efficiency across agricultural value chains and international cooperation
Outcome:
Innovative approaches to supporting global food security while minimizing food waste were explored.
Side Event7 June 2026
Ministerial Session on Energy and Natural Resources
Energy Efficiency and Resource Management for a Sustainable Future
- Chaired by H.E. Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Türkiye
- Ministerial representatives from more than 25 countries; senior participation from international organizations, including Sohail Mahmood, Secretary General of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, and Svetlana Radionova, Head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resource Usage (Rosprirodnadzor)
- Focus: Energy efficiency, responsible resource management, technological innovation and cross-sectoral cooperation
Outcome:
The importance of supporting sustainable economic growth while advancing global climate and zero waste goals was emphasized.
Side Event2026
Side Events
- Complemented the Forum’s main programme by creating dedicated spaces for focused dialogue, technical exchange and collaborative action
- Organized in partnership with governments, international organizations, academic institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector
- Participants explored specialized topics, shared practical experiences and strengthened partnerships supporting the global transition to zero waste
OUR NETWORK
Explore our ecosystem
Zero Waste Academy
A knowledge hub connecting practitioners, researchers and city planners globally.
Coming soon
LATEST UPDATES
COP31 Preparation Process & News
Follow the latest developments regarding Ministry statements, pavilion works, and international collaborations.
Zero Waste Foundation
24 October 2026
Emine Erdoğan and Diana Fox Carney Review the Work Carried Out at the Zero Waste Foundation on Site
Her Excellency Emine Erdoğan, Founder of the Zero Waste Movement, Chair of the United Nations High-Level Advisory Board on Zero Waste and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation, visited the Zero Waste Foundation together with Diana Fox Carney, spouse of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada’s Special Representative for the Ocean. During the visit, efforts to spread the zero waste approach to all segments of society and to turn sustainable living into a lasting culture were discussed.
Read More
Zero Waste Foundation
2 October 2026
Business Community’s Role in Climate Action and a Just Transition Gains Strength Ahead of COP31
At the third meeting of “Towards COP31: The Role of the Private Sector in the Climate Action Agenda – Private Sector Engagement Series,” organized by the Zero Waste Foundation in cooperation with the United Nations in Türkiye and UN Global Compact Türkiye, biodiversity, water management, inclusiveness and just transition were addressed.
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Zero Waste Foundation
2 October 2026
Joint Steps for Sustainable Aviation, from Waste to Carbon Reduction
A strategic cooperation protocol covering joint work on zero waste, sustainable aviation, the circular economy and the fight against climate change has been signed between the Zero Waste Foundation and Turkish Airlines. Under the cooperation, work will be carried out to increase resource efficiency in aviation operations, reduce waste and food waste, lower the carbon footprint and strengthen passenger awareness.
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