Istanbul: A Global Hub for Zero Waste
Istanbul, April 26 – The Zero Waste Movement, initiated under the patronage of First Lady Emine Erdoğan, is set to establish Istanbul as its global center. Within the next five years, more than 10 international organizations will open offices in Istanbul in collaboration with the Zero Waste Foundation to advance their efforts.
Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation, highlighted that the Zero Waste Movement has transcended continents, with its positive global impact now visible in almost every country. Ağırbaş emphasized their vision for a more livable and prosperous world, stating, “We are organizing the Zero Waste Forum from June 5-7. Over 150 countries will participate, and we anticipate more than 5,000 attendees. This event is poised to be the world’s largest civil environmental and zero-waste gathering.”
Ağırbaş also noted that over 200 mayors from around the world are expected to attend the Zero Waste Forum, where discussions will focus on zero-waste practices with representatives from local governments and the private sector. He pointed out that the foundation, under Emine Erdoğan’s leadership, provides a platform where all environmental organizations worldwide can freely debate and express their ideas, which is why people are eager to participate in the forum.
Istanbul: A Center for Diplomacy and Zero Waste
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s special vision for Istanbul, aiming to transform it into a United Nations (UN) hub, was underscored by Ağırbaş. He stated that they, under Emine Erdoğan’s leadership, intend to pursue this vision within the context of zero waste and environmental initiatives.
“In this regard, over the next five years, we aim for more than 10 international organizations to open their zero-waste offices in Istanbul,” Ağırbaş explained. He added, “The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has already opened its office in Istanbul following an agreement. We hope that other United Nations organizations will also open offices and conduct their zero-waste activities from Istanbul, because Istanbul is a very important ancient city with a history spanning over 8,000 years. We attach great importance to this city becoming a center for diplomacy and, especially, for zero-waste efforts.”
The Zero Waste Movement’s expansion into a global initiative reflects a growing international commitment to sustainable practices. The forum in Istanbul is expected to foster collaboration and innovation, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address pressing environmental challenges. The establishment of international offices in Istanbul will solidify the city’s role as a key player in global environmental diplomacy and sustainable development.
The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to promote circular economy principles and reduce waste generation worldwide. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and civil society, the Zero Waste Forum and the subsequent establishment of international offices are anticipated to generate concrete action plans and foster a global network dedicated to achieving zero-waste goals.
The focus on Istanbul as a central point for these efforts is not merely geographical but also symbolic, given its historical significance and strategic location. This move is expected to enhance Istanbul’s international profile and contribute significantly to Turkey’s leadership in environmental stewardship.
Source: https://www.trthaber.com/haber/gundem/sifir-atikta-kuresel-merkez-istanbul-oluyor-943065.html
