Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum, in his speech at the "Zero Waste Summit and Award Ceremony" held at the Haliç Congress Center in Istanbul, attended by Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stated, "Our Zero Waste Movement, which has turned into one of the world's most significant environmental mobilizations under the auspices of the esteemed Emine Erdoğan, is now 5 years old! The new weapon threatening our children is the deadly microplastics now found even in breast milk... Today, Turkey is working with all its might, under the leadership of our President, to become a country that recycles all its waste by 2053... In the last 10 minutes alone, a total of 5,900 tons of plastic waste was generated worldwide, 370 tons of waste entered the oceans, 20 seabirds and 2 turtles lost their lives, 77 hectares of forest area was destroyed, 25,000 tons of food were wasted, and 180 people passed away struggling to breathe. We do not stand by and watch this scene; we are giving the strongest response as a country with Climate and Zero Waste diplomacy. The UN decision to declare March 30 as 'International Zero Waste Day' is the most concrete evidence of this. We will joyfully celebrate International Zero Waste Day on March 30 with magnificent environmental and nature activities in all 81 provinces and 922 districts, along with our guests from around the world."

Emine Erdoğan visited the stands prepared under the theme of Climate and Youth set up in the area where the "3rd Zero Waste Summit and Award Ceremony" was held, gathering information about the works being carried out. Minister Kurum was accompanied by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Dönmez, Minister of Youth and Sports Mehmet Kasapoğlu, and Minister of National Education Mahmut Özer.

In his speech, Minister Kurum pointed out that the Haliç Congress Center is a place where Turkey's most special environmental transformation story has taken place, stating, "This was a place that caused odor and environmental pollution due to the slaughterhouses that had been idle for decades. Until 1997! This work has regained its unique place in Istanbul's history as a magnificent work, integrated with its surroundings, during the period of our President's mayoralty."

"Our Zero Waste Movement, which has turned into one of the world's most significant environmental mobilizations under the auspices of the esteemed Emine Erdoğan, is now 5 years old!"

Highlighting that the Haliç Congress Center witnessed a very special day, Minister Kurum said, "Today, with the awareness of the responsibility that history places upon us, our Zero Waste Movement, which began under the auspices of the esteemed Emine Erdoğan in 2017, has rapidly been implemented in 150,000 institutions and has turned into one of the world's most significant environmental mobilizations. I wholeheartedly celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Zero Waste Movement."

Minister Kurum expressed that this year's theme for the Zero Waste Summit is Climate and Youth, and shared details about the events: "We conducted our Youth Movement for Climate Panel together. We opened two special exhibitions prepared with dedication by our artists. Our climate ambassadors Başak and Süleyman Emre became the voice of our climate ambassadors and youth in 208 universities. Today, we presented to you very special works, from the Zero Point Exhibition by Deniz Sağdıç to the Compost Making and Pot Workshop, and the Workshop for Making Bags and Cushions from Waste Fabrics. In this regard, we have workers who collect street waste with their hard work. They did not leave us alone today."

Minister Kurum also thanked Masterchef Mehmet Yalçınkaya, Danilo Zanna, and Somer Sivrioğlu for showing how great flavors can be achieved from food waste in Zero Waste Kitchens.

"The new weapon threatening our children is the deadly microplastics now found even in breast milk."

Minister Kurum noted two common points between the 20th century and today: "We are still experiencing pain, and once again, humanity produces these pains with its own hands. Today, our children still die. However, the weapon today has largely changed. The new weapon threatening our children is the deadly microplastics now found even in breast milk."

"Today, Turkey is working with all its might to become a country that recycles all its waste by 2053."

Emphasizing that Turkey is not merely a spectator civilization, but a founding one, Kurum stated, "With this sensitivity, Turkey has not remained silent against all these pains. We have mobilized to protect humanity and nature, starting a major environmental movement under the leadership of the esteemed Emine Erdoğan five years ago. We declared global solutions to the world through the Zero Waste Movement, marking a milestone. Today, Turkey is working with all its might to become a country that recycles all its waste by 2053 under the leadership of our President."

Regarding efforts in the fight against climate change, Minister Murat Kurum stated, "We are cleaning our country's beautiful lakes, rivers, and seas with the Zero Waste Blue Mobilization. We carry our trees, caves, and natural areas, which are witnesses of our history, into the future in their most beautiful, untouched forms. With a philosophy that brings together people, nature, and the environment, we connect our national parks with their saplings. With these parks, we increase our carbon sink areas and contribute to our fight against climate change. Our fundamental motivation in every housing project we produce with TOKİ and in our urban transformation efforts is our environment and nature. We construct every house we build and every step we take with climate awareness, energy efficiency, and a commitment to 100% Zero Waste. Why a commitment to 100% Zero Waste? Because Zero Waste is not just a mindset but a life guide, and it will rise in the hands of our youth and children!"

"The UN decision to declare March 30 as 'International Zero Waste Day' is the most concrete evidence of this."

Adding that in the last 10 minutes, a total of 5,900 tons of plastic waste was generated globally, 370 tons entered the oceans, 20 seabirds and 2 turtles lost their lives, 77 hectares of forest were destroyed, 25,000 tons of food were wasted, and 180 people passed away struggling to breathe, Minister Kurum concluded, "We do not stand by and watch this scene; we are giving the strongest response as a country with Climate and Zero Waste diplomacy. The UN decision to declare March 30 as 'International Zero Waste Day' is the most concrete evidence of this. We will joyfully celebrate this special day on March 30 with magnificent environmental and nature activities in all 81 provinces and 922 districts, together with our guests from all over the world."

"Turkey's Century will be the Century of Zero Waste."

At the end of his speech, Minister Murat Kurum expressed his hope that the "3rd Zero Waste Summit and Award Ceremony," which he deemed one of the strongest gatherings of Turkey's Century, would be a source of hope for the world, emphasizing that Turkey's Century, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the guidance of his wife Emine Erdoğan, will be the Century of Zero Waste.

"48 awards were given in 12 categories at the Zero Waste Summit and Award Ceremony."

In the first part of the "Zero Waste Summit and Award Ceremony," a panel on "Youth Movement for Climate" was held, followed by the summit continuing with a discussion titled "Our Common Home, Earth." After the attendance of Emine Erdoğan, a musical performance themed "Year 2053, A World Without Waste" was showcased. Following that, the Zero Waste 5th Year Film was screened, and speeches were made. At the end of the speeches, the "Zero Waste Award Ceremony" took place.

The award recipients included the following:

- Zero Waste Contribution Award was presented to Minister of National Education Mahmut Özer, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Dönmez, Minister of Youth and Sports Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu, and YÖK President Erol Özvar.

- Zero Waste Local Government Award for best practices was given to Kızılcahamam Municipality in Ankara, Selçuklu Municipality in Konya, and Sancaktepe Municipality in Istanbul, while awards for establishing a Zero Waste Management System went to Zeytinburnu Municipality in Istanbul, Esenler Municipality, and Osmaniye Municipality.

- Zero Waste Best Practice Award was given to Yıldız Technical University, Niğde Ömer Halis Demir University, and Bilkent University in the University category, while in the Institution and Organization category, the awards went to Istanbul Airport (IGA), ASELSAN, Eskişehir City Hospital, and Ankara Young Business People Association (AGİAD).

- Zero Waste Sports Award was given to Konyaspor Club, Fenerbahçe Sports Club, and Yıldız Women's Boxing National Team in the club category, while in the athlete category, the awards were presented to National Athletes Merih Demiral and Şahika Ercümen.

- Zero Waste Science, Culture, and Art Award was given to artist Deniz Sağdıç and TÜBİTAK.

- Zero Waste Sustainability Award went to VESTEL, BSH Turkey, and Ford Otosan.

- Zero Waste Innovation Award was given to Togg, Bircan, and GİSAŞ.

- Zero Waste Media Award was presented to Anadolu Agency (AA) General Manager Serdar Karagöz for the Green Line Bulletin, Fatih Çekirge, columnist for Hürriyet Newspaper from Demirören Group, Abdul Halik Çimen, General Editor from Turkuvaz Media, and Doğan Akdoğan, documentary producer from TRT.

- Zero Waste Environmental Heroes Award was given to Rahim Demirbaş, who planted 40,000 trees, and 7-year-old Alperen Ceylan from Kayseri, who has planted 1,300 trees in 11 different countries.