Zero Waste
Emine Erdoğan, the wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, chaired the first in-person official meeting of the United Nations (UN) Zero Waste Advisory Board, held at the Vahdettin Mansion.
In her opening speech at the meeting, Emine Erdoğan stated that the climate crisis has transitioned from being a future prediction to a measurable and observable reality. She pointed out that over 2 billion tons of household waste are produced annually, with projections suggesting this number will double in the near future. She emphasized that the Zero Waste Project is a reflection of the belief in taking action in a world entering a global boiling phase.
During the meeting, Emine Erdoğan proposed the establishment of a Zero Waste Institute, which could serve as a platform for compiling the global waste management knowledge and recording successful practices. She also highlighted the importance of organizing a Global Zero Waste Awards to recognize successful zero waste initiatives and promote new efforts, showcasing existing success stories.
Emine Erdoğan emphasized that the main goal of the Zero Waste movement is for every individual to adopt a waste-free lifestyle. She stressed that people should not feel helpless in the face of the crisis and explained that the Global Zero Waste Goodwill Declaration was created with this mindset. She assured that efforts will continue until the movement reaches every corner of the world.
It was decided that the Advisory Board would hold one of its 2024 meetings in Turkey and the other in New York, coinciding with the UN General Assembly. Emine Erdoğan stated, "I believe that March 30, International Zero Waste Day, will contribute to the global understanding of the issue and help discover opportunities for cooperation."
Emine Erdoğan emphasized the need for increased international cooperation while promoting zero waste practices. She pointed out that not every country has equal conditions in the fight against the climate crisis, highlighting the importance of including developing countries that are disproportionately affected by global warming in climate action efforts. She suggested that creating a Zero Waste Fund to provide financial and technological support could significantly contribute to achieving this goal.
The meeting, moderated by Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, was attended by various international figures including Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry, wife of the President of Suriname, Fatima Maada Bio, wife of the President of Sierra Leone, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, and numerous experts. They shared their experiences in the fields of zero waste and recycling.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Emine Erdoğan thanked all the members who contributed and expressed her hope for the success of the working plan. She emphasized that the newly established secretariat would play a vital role in the swift implementation of the advisory board's projects.
The meeting ended with Emine Erdoğan and the board members posing for a commemorative photograph.