Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, has intensified diplomacy traffic during his contacts in Kenya as part of the COP31 process to ensure that disadvantaged groups most affected by the climate crisis are strongly represented at the summit to be held in Antalya.
In line with the efforts carried out under the auspices 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 continues its international contacts to ensure the active participation of non-state actors in the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will be held in Türkiye from November 9–20, 2026.
Critical Messages at the Africa Urban Forum
Ağırbaş participated in the Africa Urban Forum organized by the African Union in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, from April 8–10, where he delivered an opening speech and held numerous bilateral meetings.
Throughout the program, Africa's urban transformation and sustainability perspective were evaluated on-site, while the global impact achieved by the Zero Waste Movement was also emphasized.
Stating, "This movement, which began in 2017, has today transformed into a global model that resonates in 193 countries," Ağırbaş expressed that the Zero Waste Foundation continues its efforts for a more livable future in different regions of the world.
"Africa Must Be at the Center of the Global Climate Agenda"
Drawing attention to the deepening climate crisis in his opening speech, Ağırbaş stated that this process also presents an important opportunity to build more resilient and inclusive cities.
Emphasizing that his role as the COP31 High-Level Climate Champion is not only about representation but also about ensuring regions like Africa are at the center of the global climate agenda, Ağırbaş stated that climate action must be grounded in local realities.
Cities at the Heart of Climate Solutions
Pointing out that the challenges faced in Africa are interconnected, Ağırbaş stated that land issues, food insecurity, and rapid urbanization are deepening the climate crisis.
In this framework, he pointed out four main priorities:
• Resilience and infrastructure investments
• The role of cities in emission reduction
• Zero waste and circular economy systems
• Inclusive and human-centered climate policies
"We Must Translate Commitments into Concrete Impact"
Drawing attention to the COP31 process, Ağırbaş emphasized that climate commitments must translate into visible results on the ground. Pointing to the importance of including youth and informal workers in the process, he expressed that the Africa Urban Forum offers a strong foundation for this transformation.
International Cooperation Meetings
As part of the forum, Ağırbaş met with representatives of international organizations to exchange views on increasing the climate resilience of cities and sustainable urban development strategies.
Furthermore, in his speeches at programs focusing on urban poverty and climate resilience, he emphasized that climate solutions must have a direct impact on the daily lives of the most vulnerable segments on the ground.
Emphasis on Sustainable Urbanization
During the contacts in Nairobi, sustainable urbanization policies were also brought to the agenda. Stating that cities play a central role in the climate struggle, Ağırbaş expressed that they aim for a transformation extending from the local to the global through international collaborations.
Visit to Kibera: A Field Perspective on Climate Justice
Also conducting field visits as part of the Kenya program, Ağırbaş visited Kibera, one of Africa's largest informal settlements.
In his assessment there, emphasizing that climate justice is not only a political issue but also a humanitarian responsibility, Ağırbaş drew attention to the difficulties experienced by disadvantaged communities.
Stating, "The voice of climate justice must be heard from Kibera to the world," Ağırbaş noted that poverty, hunger, and the climate crisis are intertwined problems.
"We Are Part of the Call for Global Justice"
Sharing his observations in Kibera, Ağırbaş drew attention to the fact that low-income communities experience the impacts of climate change most severely, expressing that this inequality must be combated on a global scale.
Stating that the climate crisis is a reality affecting the lives of millions of people every year, Ağırbaş called for awareness and joint action in this struggle.
The Climate Struggle is a Matter of Humanity
Stating that the approach of the Zero Waste Foundation encompasses not only environmental but also social and humanitarian dimensions, Ağırbaş said they aim to carry the voices of the most vulnerable segments to global platforms.
Emphasis on Inclusive Participation for COP31
Drawing attention to the importance of increasing participation from disadvantaged regions during the COP31 process to be held in Türkiye, Ağırbaş expressed that this approach is critical for reflecting the reality on the ground in decision-making mechanisms.
This diplomatic process, carried out under the leadership of the Zero Waste Foundation, aims to amplify the voices of those who bear the heaviest burden of the climate crisis and to build a fairer future on a global scale.
