Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, Mehmet Özhaseki, received the award on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his wife, Emine Erdoğan, at the ceremony in Portugal.

In his speech during the ceremony, Minister Özhaseki highlighted the situation in Gaza and stated: "Currently, a genocide is taking place in the east of the Mediterranean. An unprecedented brutality is being carried out. Women, children, journalists are being killed. Hospitals are being bombed, and humanity is simply watching, driven by selfish interests. All we ask from you is a humanitarian and moral stance. For the sake of humanity, just say 'ceasefire.' Say 'let women, children, and people live,' and let the world find peace."

Success of the Zero Waste Project

The Zero Waste Project, launched in 2017 under the patronage of Emine Erdoğan, continues its efforts with the goal of a sustainable Turkey. Minister Özhaseki, who received the award from Sergio Piazzi, Secretary-General of PAM, at the ceremony held at the Forum Braga Conference Hall in Braga, Portugal, expressed his satisfaction with Turkey's contributions to the Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly.

"A Global Exemplary Movement"

Minister Özhaseki shared the achievements of the project: "We recycle and transform waste that appears in every aspect of our lives, contributing to the economy. Thanks to the collected waste, we have achieved 185 billion TL in economic gains. We have saved 498 million trees. With our Zero Waste Blue initiative, created to combat marine pollution, we have recycled 7.8 million tons of plastic waste."

Responsibility for Future Generations

Reminding that March 30 is celebrated as International Zero Waste Day, Minister Özhaseki said: "The Zero Waste Project has become a brand that Turkey has brought to the world due to its contributions to the circular economy. With the changes occurring in our global climate today, we must question where we are headed and protect our shared home, the Earth, to ensure its survival. Otherwise, we will leave a bad legacy for future generations. The award we received today is the result of a strong step we, as the Turkish nation, have taken to say 'stop' to this direction. We accept this award on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the respected First Lady Emine Erdoğan, the pioneer of the Zero Waste Movement, and I thank them for their contributions in front of you."