Emine Erdoğan, the wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, attended the World Economic Forum Middle East and North Africa Regional Meeting held in Jordan.

Speaking at the meeting at the King Hussein B. Talal Convention Center, Emine Erdoğan expressed her pleasure at being part of a meaningful gathering in Jordan, a country with strong diplomatic relations and deep friendship with Turkey. She noted that Jordan shares common values with Turkey in its perspective on the humanitarian crises occurring in the region.

“I BELIEVE THERE IS MUCH WE CAN DO TOGETHER ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES”

Emine Erdoğan pointed out the existence of attitudes that politicize environmental sensitivity, separating it from other societal concerns. She stated, “However, being sensitive to humanity, the environment, different cultures, and lifestyles are all parts of a whole. Environmental sensitivity, which originates from a genuine love for humanity and nature, has an authentic attitude towards all matters. I believe there is much we can do together regarding the environment. While economists are discussing carbon taxation with the principle of 'the polluter pays,' let us talk about not polluting the seas and not wasting water.”

Emine Erdoğan highlighted that it takes 140 liters of water to produce a cup of coffee and 2,700 liters to produce a T-shirt. She warned, “Every moment we hurt the world, the world responds to us by diminishing. Therefore, we should not make waste a way of life. Especially when half of the world’s children cannot even find the clothes they need, this is unbecoming for us.”

“ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY IS BEING SENSITIVE TO ONESELF”

“Environmental sensitivity is being sensitive to oneself. Pay attention; those who have a strong relationship with nature also have a strong relationship with themselves,” Emine Erdoğan explained, discussing the health and environmental harms of packaged foods.

Inviting the young participants to Turkey, Emine Erdoğan said, “A new archaeological discovery has changed the writing of world history in our country. Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest settlement, which is 12,000 years old, is located in Şanlıurfa. I invite you to see the zero point of history as soon as possible. And of course, Istanbul is waiting for you, as always, for new discoveries.”

EMINE ERDOĞAN MET WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM, BORG BRANDE

After her speech, Emine Erdoğan held a bilateral meeting with Borge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum, and Klaus Schwab, the General Director. The meeting discussed individual awareness of environmental issues as well as international efforts.

Borge Brende shared information about new projects for environmental protection and expressed a desire for collaboration with Turkey. The significance of the upcoming visit to Turkey on April 24-25 and the cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change was emphasized.

The discussion also addressed the importance of ocean cleaning to prevent environmental pollution and potential measures that could be taken in this regard.

Later, Emine Erdoğan attended a special dinner hosted in honor of Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan and toured an arts and crafts exhibition.