Istanbul to Host World’s Largest Zero Waste Forum Ahead of COP31
Istanbul is poised to become a global center for zero waste initiatives as it prepares to host the world’s largest Zero Waste Forum from June 5-7. This significant event, expected to draw over 5,000 participants, including more than 100 ministers and 200 mayors from 160 countries, aims to contribute to the roadmap for the upcoming COP31 conference.
Turkey’s Leadership in Zero Waste Diplomacy
Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation, highlighted that the Zero Waste Movement, which began as a social responsibility project in 2017, has propelled Turkey to the forefront of environmental diplomacy through its international achievements. Following the United Nations’ (UN) declaration of March 30 as the ‘International Zero Waste Day’ at Turkey’s initiative, Istanbul is set to become the global hub for this movement.
Ağırbaş noted that significant steps have been taken to transform Istanbul into a global center for zero waste efforts. The UN Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) has established a global office in Istanbul to manage zero waste initiatives, which will begin recruiting staff this year, making Istanbul a base for environmental project management.
A 10-year cooperation agreement signed between the Zero Waste Foundation and the UN further supports this vision. Ağırbaş stated that the UN and several international organizations are relocating their relevant centers to Turkey, with five institutions already established and more than 10 international organizations expected to join within the next five years. He also mentioned that an Advisory Board has been formed under the UN, with Ms. Emine Erdoğan serving as its chairperson.
International Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul
Ağırbaş announced that the Zero Waste Foundation, in collaboration with the Istanbul Governorship, has declared June 1-7 as ‘Zero Waste Week’. The International Zero Waste Forum, scheduled for June 5-7, will gather world leaders in Istanbul. Decisions made at the forum are expected to form a key agenda item for the UN’s 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), which Turkey will host in Antalya this year. This marks the first time that zero waste will be a central theme at a UN climate summit, thanks to Turkey’s efforts.
Global Campaigns Launched Under Four Main Headings
The Zero Waste Foundation is not solely focused on waste management but also on broader environmental transformation goals. Ağırbaş revealed that the foundation has launched 10-year global campaigns under four main headings, collaborating with the UN, the World Bank, and various international organizations with the support of at least 100 countries. He expressed confidence in achieving 100% success in these endeavors.
The campaigns cover ‘Combating Food Waste’, ‘Energy Efficiency’, ‘Green Transformation in Industry’, and ‘Zero Waste Water Efficiency’. These new initiatives aim to develop local and sustainable solutions for global problems.
Warnings for the Marmara Sea and Eber Lake
Ağırbaş drew attention to the global scale of plastic and waste problems, noting the formation of a ‘gigantic garbage continent’ according to the UN, and highlighted the serious health issues caused by microplastics. He also addressed the mucilage problem in the Marmara Sea, emphasizing the persistent risk of mucilage and the 30% leakage of clean water in the Marmara region due to infrastructure issues. Ağırbaş urged municipalities to prioritize infrastructure investments and advocated for advanced biological treatment of wastewater, calling for an end to deep-sea discharge methods.
Focusing on local environmental issues alongside global goals, Ağırbaş mentioned the ‘Zero Waste, Environment, and Climate Change Workshops’ organized by the Zero Waste Foundation across Turkey. These workshops aim to map environmental problems in all 81 provinces. During these studies, concerns were raised about Eber Lake in Afyonkarahisar, which faces the risk of drying up due to industrial waste and inadequate treatment systems. Ağırbaş warned that environmental pollution is causing heart diseases to appear in people as young as their 20s.
Environmental Diplomacy from Kenya to G7
The impact of the Zero Waste Movement extends from humanitarian aid efforts in the field to high-level diplomatic platforms. Ağırbaş shared that they are implementing projects to improve human living conditions in slum areas in Kenya, which even government officials deem dangerous to enter. He also noted that the foundation receives special invitations to meetings like the G7 Summit and partners with platforms such as the World Economic Forum, representing Turkey’s environmental vision on an international stage.
Source: https://www.bloomberght.com/sifir-atigin-baskenti-istanbul-3777421
