Zero Waste Goodwill Declaration

The zero waste movement, which was initiated locally in a pilot region, has made its name known on global platforms, primarily as a result of the great efforts of Ms. Emine Erdoğan, and has been highlighted in many high-level meetings such as the G20 and UN General Assembly Meetings, and a call for support has been made to the spouses of leaders. The Zero Waste Foundation has played an active role in these processes and has made a great effort to bring the movement to a global level.

At the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings held in September 2022, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and First Lady Emine Erdoğan signed the Global Zero Waste Goodwill Declaration within the scope of combating the triple crisis that threatens our planet, especially climate change, as pointed out by scientists. The aim of the declaration is to initiate a global movement on zero waste.

The countries that signed the declaration reveal their commitments on zero waste. These commitments include:

• Raising awareness on zero waste
• Disseminating best practices on zero waste
• Strengthening cooperation on zero waste

The signing of the declaration has made a significant contribution to the start of a global movement on zero waste. It is expected that the declaration will play an important role in reducing the amount of waste on a global scale and using resources more efficiently.

The basic principles of the Zero Waste Goodwill Declaration are as follows:

• Zero waste is achieved by reducing, recycling, reusing and recovering waste as energy at its source.
• Zero waste provides environmental, economic and social benefits.
• Zero waste requires individual, institutional and social responsibility.

The signing of the declaration has contributed to the increase in the number of countries that have adopted these principles and are working to achieve the zero waste goal.

In addition, at the 78th UN General Assembly, Ms. Emine Erdoğan announced the Global Zero Waste Goodwill Declaration at the Türkevi, and our President Mr. Erdoğan was among the first signatories. So far, more than 10 thousand names from 62 countries, including many first ladies, ministers, politicians and business people, have signed in support.