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Zero Waste
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Emine Erdoğan, the wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, chaired the third meeting of the UN Zero Waste High-Level Advisory Board. The meeting was held at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Office, with UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach serving as the moderator.
In her speech during the meeting, Emine Erdoğan stated, “Despite everything, a fairer world is possible. A fairer world is achievable through our collective efforts. We are partners in this vision.” She emphasized the importance of sustainable solutions to address global crises, pointing to the rapid depletion of natural resources and how the climate crisis exacerbates existing inequalities. She also underscored the need for global leadership to tackle these challenges.
Highlighting Destruction and the Need for Repair
Referring to a report by the UN Environment Program, Emine Erdoğan drew attention to the destruction in Gaza, stating,
"Today, one country can unleash explosives equivalent to three atomic bombs on a civilian area half the size of New York. Cleaning up the estimated 39 million tons of debris will take decades, and recycling even half of it could take 45 years.”
She stressed that resources must be directed towards repair rather than destruction to prevent such devastation.
March 30 International Zero Waste Day and Future Projects
Emine Erdoğan highlighted the significance of March 30, International Zero Waste Day, announcing plans for high-level events at next year’s UN General Assembly. She stated,
"In collaboration with our Zero Waste Foundation, we have established a broadly inclusive task force. On this occasion, we could also launch the Global Zero Waste Awards."
She also cited success stories like Japan’s Kamikatsu Municipality and Spain’s plastic-free island as exemplary models.
Looking ahead, Erdoğan revealed plans to host the Zero Waste and Climate Change Forum in 2025, describing it as a major international event that will unite countries, industries, and relevant organizations. She added that initiatives like the Global Zero Waste Fund and Zero Waste Goodwill Ambassadors will be supported with concrete steps.
Participation and Insights
The meeting brought together prominent figures, including UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca, Melissa Santokhi-Seenacherry, the First Lady of Suriname, Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Carlos Silva Filho, Laura Reyes, and Turkish Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum.
Discussions focused on the 2024 event plan and the 2025–2026 work agenda. Participants expressed their gratitude to Emine Erdoğan for her hospitality and leadership in the zero waste movement. Hakima El Haite requested support to expand zero waste practices across Africa, while Prof. Dr. Saleem Ali emphasized the importance of environmental literacy courses to promote zero waste among young people.
The meeting concluded with a closing speech by Emine Erdoğan and a group photo.
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