The Zero Waste Foundation continues to strengthen its international efforts in the fields of zero waste, the circular economy, and sustainable development within the scope of global climate diplomacy through new collaborations. In this context, an important cooperation mechanism is being established to contribute to Africa's climate agenda between the COP31 Climate Summit to be hosted by Türkiye and the COP32 process to be hosted by Ethiopia.
Continuing its efforts in line with the vision of First Lady Emine Erdoğan, Founder of the Zero Waste Movement, Chair of the United Nations Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste, and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation, the Zero Waste Foundation carries out joint efforts with different regions to make the zero waste approach an effective element of global climate policies.
In this context, a special meeting focusing on Africa's climate priorities will be held within the body of the Zero Waste Forum in cooperation with the Ethiopian Government. At the Africa Meeting to be held in Addis Ababa; increasing the continent's resilience against climate change, sustainable development goals, resource efficiency, circular economy models, and zero waste solutions will be addressed on a multi-stakeholder platform.
Joint Climate Agenda for Africa in the Period Spanning from COP31 to COP32
The meeting, to be held with the aim of reducing Africa's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, supporting sustainable development goals, and popularizing environmental solutions; will bring together governments, international organizations, local governments, academia, the private sector, and civil society representatives.
A joint working period regarding the preparation process has been initiated between the Zero Waste Foundation and the Ethiopian Government for the Africa Meeting to be held within the scope of the Zero Waste Forum.
With the established cooperation mechanism, it is aimed to;
• Evaluate regional environmental and climate priorities,
• Share successful zero waste and circular economy applications,
• Carry out capacity building efforts,
• Determine joint project areas.
Zero Waste Forum Paves the Way for Global Climate Collaborations
The Zero Waste Forum, organized by the Zero Waste Foundation, has the characteristic of being an important platform bringing international actors together with the aim of popularizing the zero waste approach worldwide, accelerating the transition to a circular economy, and developing implementation-oriented solutions in the fight against climate change.
Along with the Africa Meeting, it is aimed to increase the visibility of the continent's environmental priorities in the global climate agenda. In the meeting; solution proposals under the headings of sustainable waste management, protection of natural resources, access to climate finance, sustainable cities, green development, and resource efficiency will be evaluated.
Diplomacy Traffic on the Road to COP32 in Addis Ababa
Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, held various contacts in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, within the scope of the preparations for the Africa Meeting.
During the contacts held on May 16, the content, cooperation areas, and regional contribution opportunities of the meeting to be held in Africa within the scope of the Zero Waste Forum were addressed.
In his meeting with Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and COP32 President, Ağırbaş made evaluations on Africa's climate agenda, sustainable development goals, and the contributions of the zero waste approach to climate action.
Meeting with Berk Baran, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the African Union, during his visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Addis Ababa, Ağırbaş evaluated the environmental and climate diplomacy efforts carried out with the African Union and regional cooperation opportunities.
Furthermore, in his meeting with Dr. Peter Hunter, Australia's Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ağırbaş exchanged views on multilateral climate collaborations that could be developed with the African Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and regional organizations.
Africa's Climate Resilience and Green Development Goals Were Discussed
In his meeting with Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation, addressed Africa's sustainable development goals, climate resilience, access to climate finance, and the stronger representation of the continent in global climate processes.
In the meeting held with Dr. Fitsum Assefa, Ethiopian Minister of Planning and Development, the country's climate-resilient green economy approach, renewable energy investments, sustainable land management, ecosystem restoration, and green development policies were evaluated.
Global Climate Action Extending from COP31 Leadership to COP32
The efforts carried out under the leadership of Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and COP31 President, during Türkiye's COP31 Presidency process contribute to the development of inclusive and implementation-oriented solutions in global climate diplomacy.
In line with the vision put forward during the COP31 process, the Zero Waste Foundation also aims to contribute to permanent climate solutions in the period extending from COP31 to COP32 by strengthening its international partnerships in the fields of zero waste, the circular economy, and resource efficiency.
The working mechanism established with the Ethiopian Government will support continuity in the areas of knowledge sharing, experience transfer, and joint project development between the two COP processes.
The Zero Waste Foundation continues to develop inclusive and solution-oriented collaborations that take the needs of different geographies into account in order to achieve global climate goals.
