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Zero Waste
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Emine Erdoğan chaired the meeting held at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Office, where she expressed her gratitude to UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach for moderating the event.
Thanking the members for their contributions, Emine Erdoğan remarked:
"As a result of our exchange of ideas, we all leave here with our notes taken and our minds filled with many project proposals to be realized. I want to emphasize that we have carefully noted each of your valuable suggestions and have already initiated efforts to implement them swiftly."
Emphasis on the Importance of the Climate Crisis
Addressing the current state of the climate crisis, Emine Erdoğan said:
"The year 2024 went down in history as the first year where the critical threshold of a 1.5-degree global warming limit was exceeded. The number of natural disasters caused by climate change has reached record levels."
Highlighting the connection between these disasters and production and consumption habits, she added:
"We know that zero waste, as a philosophy of life, offers a roadmap to reverse this trajectory. Understanding and promoting this awareness must be the top priority of our board."
Focus on International Zero Waste Day
Emine Erdoğan underscored the importance of celebrating March 30th as International Zero Waste Day with a high-level event in the UN General Assembly Hall. She announced that the Zero Waste Foundation had begun preparations in February to form a task force for this event.
She also mentioned the inspiring example of Kamikatsu Municipality in Japan, which recycles over 80% of its waste using 42 different recycling categories, suggesting that this success could serve as a model for other regions.
2025 Zero Waste and Climate Change Forum
"In 2025, we plan to host another significant gathering, the Zero Waste and Climate Change Forum," said Emine Erdoğan, emphasizing that this major event would bring together countries, sectors, and relevant organizations.
Views from Participants
The meeting was attended by UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach, the First Ladies of Sierra Leone and Suriname, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Zero Waste Foundation Chairman Samed Ağırbaş, and numerous international representatives.
At the end of the meeting, participants thanked Emine Erdoğan for her hospitality and dedication to the Zero Waste Project. Prof. Dr. Saleem Ali highlighted the importance of environmental literacy for the spread of zero waste and expressed hope that Turkey would take a leading role in this area.
The meeting concluded with a group photo.
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