Ahead of COP31, the world's leading representatives in the field of zero waste and circular economy, which is one of the important topics of the global climate agenda, came together in Istanbul.
Organized by the Zero Waste Foundation 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 Forum commenced with the participation of representatives from 183 countries.
Speaking at the opening of the Forum, which brought together state representatives, international organizations, private sector leaders, academics, and non-governmental organizations on the same platform, First Lady Emine Erdoğan expressed that this global gathering rising from Istanbul is a strong call for solidarity towards the common future of humanity.
Saying, "We see the Zero Waste Forum as a historic gathering where the human family unites around a common ideal," Emine Erdoğan stated that the international participation shown in the Forum is a concrete indicator of global solidarity.
Erdoğan used the expressions, "I believe this strong international participation is a concrete manifestation of our President's message, 'The world is bigger than five because humanity is bigger than five.'"
Istanbul Became the Center of Global Environmental Dialogue Ahead of COP31
Drawing attention to the fact that Istanbul has been a city bringing civilizations together throughout history, Emine Erdoğan said that today it also brings representatives from different regions of the world together around a common purpose.
Stating that representatives from 183 countries, more than 500 institutions and organizations, and over 5,000 participants met in Istanbul within the scope of the Zero Waste Forum, Erdoğan expressed that this picture demonstrates the will to act jointly in environmental and climate issues.
Emphasizing that the Forum is an important milestone in terms of Türkiye's role in global climate diplomacy, Erdoğan said, "I hope the synergy rising from here will lead to new beginnings for our common future."
"The Waste Crisis is Also a Crisis of Justice"
Emphasizing in her speech that the global waste crisis is not merely an environmental problem, Emine Erdoğan drew attention to the effects of consumption habits on humanity and nature.
Giving examples from the plastic waste accumulations in the Pacific Ocean, Erdoğan expressed that the consumption mentality considering the world's resources as unlimited puts great pressure on ecological balances.
Erdoğan made the evaluation, "The use-and-throw, throw-and-forget, consume-without-thinking mentality consumes the core values of humanity along with natural resources."
Stating that the waste occurring in production and consumption chains is directly related to the issue of global justice, Erdoğan said that a new understanding where resources are used more fairly and efficiently is needed.
"Zero Waste is the Ticket to Humanity's Journey Back to its Essence"
Expressing that the Zero Waste Movement, which started in 2017 with the understanding of "The World is Our Common Home", has today transformed into a vision that resonates globally, Emine Erdoğan noted that the Zero Waste Foundation strengthens this vision at the international level.
Emphasizing that zero waste should be addressed together with the topics of climate action, circular economy, sustainable cities, resource efficiency, food systems, and social resilience, Erdoğan expressed that the movement is not only an environmental but also an economic and social transformation model.
Zero Waste on the Global Climate Agenda Ahead of COP31
Stating that the COP31 Climate Summit to be hosted by Türkiye offers an important opportunity to explain the strategic role of zero waste in the climate struggle, Emine Erdoğan said:
"We see our forum this year as an important milestone on the road to the COP31 Climate Summit, which Türkiye will host. Ahead of the summit, we propose zero waste as a climate action."
Drawing attention to the effects of waste on climate change, Erdoğan noted that food loss and waste generate environmental, economic, and humanitarian consequences on a global scale.
Expressing that the reduction of food waste means not only the protection of resources but also the strengthening of global justice, Erdoğan emphasized the importance of international cooperation for more sustainable food systems.
"Just as Environmental Problems Know No Borders, Their Solutions Are Also Common"
Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, expressed that the Forum is not merely a meeting but a responsibility platform aimed at the common future of humanity.
Stating that climate change, resource losses, food waste, water stress, and environmental degradation are not problems any country can solve alone, Ağırbaş drew attention to the importance of global solidarity.
Ağırbaş said, "Environmental problems are no longer merely environmental problems. Today, resource management is also an issue of development, economic sustainability, social justice, and above all, an issue of conscience."
Expressing that zero waste is a strategic transformation model that reshapes the understanding of production, consumption, and resource utilization, Ağırbaş noted that the movement has become a strong example of environmental diplomacy spreading from Türkiye to the world.
Zero Waste Forum Will Be a Permanent Global Platform
Stating that the aim is to make the Zero Waste Forum a permanent international platform, Ağırbaş announced that in the upcoming period, works will be carried out to reduce food waste, increase energy efficiency, develop circular production models, support family-based behavioral transformation, and strengthen the environmental awareness of youth.
Within the scope of the Forum, ministers, international organization representatives, local government leaders, academics, private sector representatives, and youth representatives will evaluate the global environmental agenda in various sessions.
With the Istanbul Declaration to be published at the end of the three-day Forum, it is aimed to strengthen international cooperation and set forth common goals in the field of zero waste.
Sustainable Future Vision Extending from Istanbul to COP31
As the Zero Waste Movement becomes one of the important elements of Türkiye's climate diplomacy under the pioneering of First Lady Emine Erdoğan, the Forum held in Istanbul provides a strong contribution to the global environmental agenda during the COP31 process.
This joint call rising from Istanbul aims to bring states, institutions, cities, and individuals together around common responsibility for a fairer, cleaner, and more sustainable world.
