Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, carried Türkiye's zero waste vision to the global platform by holding important contacts in New York, USA, within the scope of the March 30 International Day of Zero Waste events hosted by the United Nations (UN).
The Zero Waste approach, implemented under the leadership 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, was once again shared with the international public under the UN umbrella.
Zero Waste Message from the UN Rostrum
Attending the special session held at the UN together with Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and COP31 President, Ağırbaş drew attention to the need to globally expand the zero waste vision, one of the most important models developed by Türkiye in the environmental field.
In the meetings held within the framework of the contacts in New York, topics such as climate diplomacy, the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Türkiye from November 9-20, 2026, and combating food waste, which is the theme of this year's International Day of Zero Waste, came to the fore.
"We Are Strengthening Strategic Collaborations"
In his assessment regarding the meetings, Ağırbaş stated that the contacts made with stakeholders and non-governmental organizations in New York were highly productive, saying, "We comprehensively discussed our zero waste vision, which has turned into a global movement under the leadership of First Lady Emine Erdoğan, and our collaborations in the COP31 process."
Emphasizing the transformative role of civil society in combating the climate crisis, Ağırbaş stated that joint projects for a more sustainable future will be resolutely maintained.
Emphasis on a New Culture of Life
Speaking at the UN within the scope of the International Day of Zero Waste, Ağırbaş stated that the zero waste approach is not only an environmental policy but also a new culture of life.
Saying, "We are expanding a lifestyle where waste ends and sustainability is taken as a basis," Ağırbaş emphasized that especially food waste and organic waste management will be among the priority topics on the COP31 roadmap.
Intense Diplomacy Traffic
Within the scope of the New York program, Ağırbaş held a series of meetings with high-level representatives of international organizations.
• In the meeting held with officials of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the private sector's alignment with climate goals and participation in COP31 were discussed.
• In contacts with UNICEF, the active participation of children and youth in climate processes and their empowerment through education were brought to the agenda.
• With UNDP, the role of digital transformation and youth-focused climate initiatives was evaluated.
• With the UN Special Adviser on Climate Action, topics of strategic alignment and global cooperation in the COP31 process were discussed.
• With UN DESA, the balance between economic development and climate action was discussed.
• With the Global Methane Hub, solutions aimed at reducing methane emissions were evaluated.
• Views were exchanged with international stakeholders on food waste, urban transformation, and industrial policies.
Food Waste is One of the Main Topics of COP31
In the contacts made, the issues of combating food waste and the recovery of organic waste came to the fore. A shared will was emphasized towards increasing cooperation with global food banking networks and expanding circular economy solutions.
Civil Society and Digital Platforms Come to the Fore
Ağırbaş stated that innovative platforms such as the "Digital Coordination Center" will be activated in order to strengthen the participation of civil society and the private sector in the COP31 process. This approach aims to make climate action more inclusive and effective.
A Global Movement: Zero Waste
Expressing that the efforts carried out under the leadership of the Zero Waste Foundation have found a response in 193 countries today, Ağırbaş articulated that the movement is not only an environmental but also a conscientious responsibility.
The zero waste approach, which is developing under Türkiye's leadership, continues to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future on a global scale by growing stronger through international collaborations.
