As international climate diplomacy traffic accelerates ahead of the COP31 process to be hosted by Türkiye, the Zero Waste Foundation hosted a remarkable diplomatic gathering in Istanbul. In the program "Gathering of Consulates General on the Road to the Zero Waste Forum", global climate collaborations, circular economy, and zero waste-based implementation models were discussed with the consuls general.
Speaking at the meeting, Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, stated that Istanbul will become a global center in the field of climate diplomacy and sustainable development ahead of COP31.
Strategic Preparation in Istanbul on the Road to COP31
The Zero Waste Forum 2026, which will be organized by the Zero Waste Foundation, continuing its work 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, will be held in Istanbul on June 5-7.
The Forum, which will be held with the theme "Road to Antalya: Zero Waste as Climate Action", aims to be one of the most important gatherings of the global climate agenda ahead of COP31. The organization will address the zero waste approach not only as a heading of environmental policies but as a direct, implementation-oriented climate action model.
The fact that Türkiye will host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change transforms the Forum into a critical preparation platform in terms of international collaborations.
COP31 Agenda Evaluated with Consuls General
In the meeting organized by the Zero Waste Foundation in cooperation with the Beyoğlu District Governorate; topics such as circular economy, resource efficiency, water management, sustainable lifestyle models, and voluntary climate initiatives were addressed with an international perspective.
During the meetings with diplomatic representatives, assessments were made on developing multi-stakeholder collaborations, strengthening city-scale environmental policies, and increasing joint implementation areas ahead of COP31.
"We Are Building One of the Most Important Milestones of the Process Leading to COP31"
Speaking at the program, Ağırbaş emphasized that the gathering is not merely an organizational meeting, expressing that they are carrying out an important preparation process on the road to COP31 to be held in Antalya.
Ağırbaş stated that the Zero Waste Movement has created a strong impact on a global scale, saying that the Forum has become an important platform developing international collaborations on circular economy, resource efficiency, and sustainable lifestyle models.
Drawing attention to the importance of contacts to be established with diplomatic missions, Ağırbaş expressed that they aim to include the views coming from different segments of society into the process.
Participation from Over 150 Countries Expected in Istanbul Ahead of COP31
Within the scope of the Zero Waste Forum 2026, it is expected to host more than 5,000 participants from over 160 countries in Istanbul. More than 100 ministers and over 200 mayors from different countries of the world are anticipated to attend the organization.
Within the framework of the Forum, high-level sessions will also be held, such as:
• Session of the Ministers of Industry and Technology
• Session of the Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry
• Session of the Ministers of Energy and Natural Resources
In these sessions, applicable climate policies, urban transformation, resource management, and sustainable development topics will be addressed ahead of COP31.
Voices of Communities Most Affected by the Climate Crisis Will Be Brought to the Forum
In his speech, Ağırbaş also touched upon the international field works he carries out as the COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, giving examples from the contacts recently held in Nairobi.
Expressing that the needs and experiences of communities directly affected by the climate crisis were listened to in the consultation meetings held in the Kibera region of Kenya, Ağırbaş announced that participants from the slum neighborhood in Nairobi will be invited to the Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul.
It was stated that this approach aims to transform the Forum from merely being a policy production area into an inclusive structure where real experiences from the field are carried to the global platform.
Critical Topic on the COP31 Agenda: Food Waste and Methane Reduction
One of the prominent topics of the Forum will be the reduction of food waste and methane emissions.
Within the scope of the Zero Waste Forum, special sessions will be held in areas such as:
• Organic waste management,
• City-scale applications,
• Waste prevention policies in the food value chain,
• Scalable solution models
The solution proposals to be developed at the Forum are aimed to turn into applicable and measurable climate policies ahead of COP31.
Concrete Outputs Will Be Prepared for COP31
The Zero Waste Forum 2026 is aimed not merely to be a meeting based on exchanging ideas, but a concrete action platform where implementation-oriented partnerships will be developed.
At the end of the Forum, concrete outputs such as:
• Road to Antalya Declaration,
• City action commitments,
• Food Waste and Methane Action Guide,
• Partnership and project pipelines
are planned to be presented for the use of stakeholders.
Istanbul Will Be the Center of Global Climate Dialogue Ahead of COP31
Through the Forum, the Zero Waste Foundation aims to build a strong bridge between Türkiye's national priorities and global climate policies.
While aiming for Istanbul to become a global center where the zero waste approach translates into implementation; the Forum is planned to create broad-based social awareness together with the Zero Waste Festival to be held concurrently.
For program details, applications, and current announcements: https://globalzerowasteforum.org/en
