The Zero Waste Foundation continues to develop international collaborations in order to gain a stronger place for the zero waste approach in global climate policies and popularize circular economy solutions. In this context, it was decided to form a special working group with G7 countries to carry out joint efforts during the COP31 process 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 aims to position zero waste, resource efficiency, and the circular economy among the important components of climate action by establishing strong partnerships in global environmental diplomacy.
New Cooperation Platform in the COP31 and COP32 Processes
One of the important stages of the cooperation process developed by the Zero Waste Foundation with G7 countries started with the contacts held in Paris on May 4. In these meetings; the popularization of zero waste applications, strengthening of circular economy models, reduction of waste-sourced emissions, lowering of methane emissions, climate finance mechanisms, and the inclusion of local solutions into the global climate agenda were addressed.
Following the contacts carried out under the leadership of Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, it was decided to establish a special working group to develop joint efforts with G7 countries during the COP31 and COP32 processes.
With the new working group, it is aimed to;
• Develop joint projects in the field of zero waste and the circular economy,
• Share practices that will contribute to climate goals,
• Increase the transfer of knowledge and experience,
• Support global solutions in the areas of waste management, resource efficiency, and emission reduction.
"We Will Work for Common Goals in the COP31 and COP32 Processes"
Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, drew attention to the importance of international collaborations in reaching climate goals, stating that the zero waste approach offers implementable and effective solutions in the global climate struggle.
Ağırbaş used the following expressions in his evaluation:
"We continue our work with our international partners to strengthen our Zero Waste vision on a global scale and transform climate action into results with on-the-ground impact. The working group we will form with G7 countries will be an important cooperation platform towards common goals in the COP31 and COP32 processes."
Zero Waste Forum Paved the Way for Global Collaborations
The Zero Waste Forum, organized by the Zero Waste Foundation in Istanbul on June 5-7, was one of the important gatherings of global environmental diplomacy, and was held with strong participation from G7 countries as well.
Within the scope of the Forum, representatives of G7 countries, international organizations, public institutions, academics, local governments, and non-governmental organizations came together. In the event, which was also attended by the term presidency representatives of the G7 and high-level representatives from France; zero waste, the circular economy, climate finance, and cooperation opportunities in global climate action were evaluated.
While the Zero Waste Forum revealed the international resonance of Türkiye's zero waste vision, it also created a strong platform for new partnerships to be developed with G7 countries.
G7 Contacts Contribute to the COP31 Climate Agenda
In the high-level contacts held by the Zero Waste Foundation with G7 countries in Paris; the role of the zero waste approach in the COP31 process, the integration of circular economy solutions into climate policies, and the strengthening of international collaborations were addressed.
Within the scope of the G7 meetings, Samed Ağırbaş held meetings with representatives of different countries, primarily France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
During the meetings;
• Integrating zero waste practices with climate policies,
• Disseminating circular economy models,
• Reducing methane emissions,
• The contribution of scientific studies and innovative solutions to climate action,
• Cooperation opportunities in the field of climate finance
were evaluated.
While the place of zero waste applications in climate policies was discussed in the meetings with representatives of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection; academic collaborations and the contribution of innovative solutions to the COP31 process were evaluated in contacts with scientific circles and climate organizations in the United Kingdom.
In the meetings held with the European Climate Foundation and the Global Methane Hub, the future of global climate policies, strategies for reducing methane emissions, and joint work areas were addressed.
Zero Waste Diplomacy Strengthens Global Climate Action
The cooperation process developed by the Zero Waste Foundation with G7 countries aims not only to be limited to waste management but also to develop inclusive solutions against climate change by efficiently using resources, popularizing sustainable production and consumption models, and preventing food losses.
The Zero Waste approach stands out as an important climate solution contributing to COP31 goals through the protection of natural resources, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthening of the circular economy.
On the road to COP31, the Zero Waste Foundation continues to contribute to global climate action through international partnerships bringing together the public, private sector, academia, and non-governmental organizations, and to strengthen the zero waste vision with a broader cooperation network.
