Istanbul Zero Waste Week Kicks Off with Extensive Events
Istanbul, June 1, 2026 – The “Istanbul Zero Waste Week,” coordinated by the Zero Waste Foundation and held under the auspices of the Istanbul Governorship, has officially begun with a comprehensive program of events spanning from June 1 to 7. This initiative aims to foster environmental consciousness and position Istanbul as a leading “Zero Waste Capital” on a global scale.
Key Events and Venues
According to a statement from the Zero Waste Foundation, the week’s highlights include the Zero Waste Festival, scheduled for June 4-7, and the Zero Waste Forum, taking place from June 5-7. Both events will be hosted at Istanbul Atatürk Airport. Detailed information regarding all activities and programs across Istanbul’s 39 districts can be accessed via the dedicated website, https://istanbulsifiratikhaftasi.org/.
A Visionary Movement for a Sustainable Future
The Zero Waste Foundation, operating under the vision of Emine Erdoğan, Founder of the Zero Waste Movement and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation, is committed to making Istanbul a “Zero Waste Capital.” This endeavor involves a comprehensive environmental mobilization aimed at integrating a sustainable living culture into all segments of society. The week-long event, featuring hundreds of activities, seeks to embed environmental awareness into daily life, serving as a crucial step towards Istanbul becoming a globally exemplary city in zero waste, resource efficiency, and sustainable development.
From Turkey to the World: A Global Movement
The Zero Waste Movement, initiated in Turkey in 2017 under the leadership of Emine Erdoğan, has evolved into an internationally recognized environmental model. The United Nations’ declaration of March 30 as International Zero Waste Day and the establishment of the Zero Waste High-Level Advisory Board are significant indicators of Turkey’s pioneering role in this field. Istanbul Zero Waste Week is regarded as one of the most powerful urban manifestations of this global transformation, aiming to unite millions of Istanbul residents under a shared environmental consciousness through its diverse activities.
Unprecedented Engagement Across 39 Districts
This year marks the inaugural organization of Istanbul Zero Waste Week, which has garnered significant interest across all 39 districts of Istanbul. With contributions from public institutions, local governments, universities, non-governmental organizations, and private sector representatives, over 1500 project applications were received. The planned activities encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from environmental education and recycling initiatives to awareness campaigns and fieldwork.
Promoting Lasting Behavioral Change
The events held throughout the city are designed to encourage lasting behavioral changes, promoting waste reduction, the adoption of conscious consumption habits, and more efficient resource utilization. The Zero Waste Foundation’s long-term goals include establishing Istanbul as a central hub for international zero waste efforts. In line with this, numerous international organizations are expected to open offices in the city in the coming years. The first concrete step in this direction has been the establishment of UN-Habitat’s global center for zero waste activities in Istanbul, a development anticipated to strengthen Istanbul’s ambition to become an international focal point for environmental diplomacy and sustainable urbanism.
Global Participation at the Zero Waste Forum
The central event of Istanbul Zero Waste Week, the Zero Waste Forum, will take place from June 5-7. Registrations have been received from 183 countries worldwide, with thousands of participants expected to convene in Istanbul. The forum will host over 120 ministers, more than 200 mayors, representatives from international organizations, academics, and environmental experts. Discussions will focus on circular economy, resource efficiency, climate-friendly production models, and the future of zero waste. This organization is highlighted as a crucial platform that enhances Turkey’s international visibility in the fields of environment and sustainability.
Energy Efficiency Takes Center Stage at the Festival
The Zero Waste Festival, organized in collaboration with the Zero Waste Foundation and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources as part of Istanbul Zero Waste Week, will engage broad audiences in environmental awareness. Held at Atatürk Airport from June 4-7, this year’s festival theme is “Energy Efficiency.” The festival will feature a wide array of activities, including sustainable living practices, circular economy examples, virtual reality experiences, and children’s workshops. Visitors will have the opportunity to directly experience environmental impacts through carbon and water footprint measurement areas, a zero waste museum, educational stands, and hands-on workshops.
Beyond environmental themes, the festival will also include concerts, art events, and social activities, aiming to integrate environmental awareness into cultural life. Performers such as Rafet El Roman, Sinan Akçıl, Emre Aydın, Poizi, Sefo, Buray, and Ceza will entertain attendees. Special areas for children and youth will offer recycling workshops, interactive games, and competitions, while families can explore sustainable living practices. Additionally, the “Zero Waste Kitchen” will host practical events demonstrating methods to prevent food waste and showcase sustainable gastronomy examples.
The Zero Waste Foundation, operating under the vision and patronage of Emine Erdoğan, emphasizes that environmental sustainability is no longer merely a subject of environmental policies but a fundamental necessity for economic development, societal welfare, and the quality of life for future generations. Istanbul Zero Waste Week is expected to be a significant milestone in ensuring that all segments of society embrace this transformation.
“Our Greatest Motivation is to Make Istanbul the Capital of Zero Waste”
In a statement, Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, highlighted that the Zero Waste Foundation, established in 2023 under the patronage and leadership of Emine Erdoğan, represents a deeply rooted vision. He stated, “Our primary goal is to further popularize the ‘zero waste’ concept initiated by the esteemed First Lady years ago, and to build a conscious society by ensuring the adoption of this awareness. Towards this noble objective, we have implemented many significant activities since our establishment.”
Ağırbaş emphasized that their greatest motivation, integrating all international goals with the spirit of Istanbul, is to make Istanbul the “capital of zero waste.” He added, “We sincerely believe that this unique city, the cradle of civilizations, will lead the world in environmental awareness and waste prevention, serving as a powerful role model. We will elevate this excitement, with the strong support of our Istanbul Governor, Mr. Davut Gül, through Istanbul Zero Waste Week, covering June 1-7. In collaboration with our stakeholders across various sectors, from health to sports, energy to industry, we have launched a massive event to awaken zero waste consciousness throughout Istanbul. This grand organization has two main outcomes for us. First, to make Istanbul, the heart of our civilization, the ‘capital of zero waste’ that the whole world will admire. Second, through our cooperation here, to register ‘Istanbul Zero Waste Week’ as a new global brand and ignite the torch of a powerful movement that will spread from Istanbul to the entire world.”
