At the "30 March International Zero Waste Day" event held at the UN Headquarters in New York, First Lady Emine Erdoğan's pioneering role in the zero waste initiative stood out. The event was organized in collaboration with Turkey's Permanent Mission to the UN, UNEP, and UN-Habitat.

Message from Emine Erdoğan

In her video message to the participants at the event, Emine Erdoğan emphasized the importance of spreading the zero waste approach. "Our efforts under the Advisory Board, consisting of 13 valuable members, continue intensively within the framework of promoting zero waste practices," said Emine Erdoğan. She added, "Zero Waste Day is an important opportunity to make the world a more livable place."

Emine Erdoğan highlighted the significance of events organized in cooperation with institutions like UN-Habitat and UNEP and expressed her gratitude to the diplomatic missions worldwide for their contributions to this cause.

Call from the UN Secretary-General

In his video message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated, "Our planet is overwhelmed by piles of waste every year. Overconsumption is destroying humanity and the environment," addressing the destructive effects of waste on the environment, economy, and health. Guterres thanked Turkey and Emine Erdoğan for their vision and leadership in zero waste efforts, and said, "Today, let's commit to breaking free from the destructive cycle of waste."

Turkey's Pioneering Role

Turkey's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Sedat Önal, spoke about the international impact of the Zero Waste Movement launched by Turkey under Emine Erdoğan's leadership in 2017. Önal emphasized the importance of the Zero Waste Resolution, which was unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2022, and mentioned that, in accordance with this resolution, the UN High-Level Advisory Board was established, with its first meeting held in Istanbul.

Önal stated that the principles of zero waste are critical for achieving sustainable development goals. "Adopting the zero waste vision is a significant step in addressing environmental, economic, and societal issues," he said, stressing that more time should not be wasted on this issue.

Global Cooperation on Zero Waste

The event was moderated by UNEP New York Office Director Jamil Ahmad, who pointed out that waste pollution is one of the main triggers of the climate crisis. UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis praised Turkey's zero waste initiatives, warning, "By 2050, there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish."

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen stated, "We are throwing away our chance for a better future," emphasizing that humanity should be inspired by nature's principle of not creating waste.

UN Habitat Deputy Executive Director Michal Mlynar praised Turkey's leadership in the Zero Waste Resolution at the UN General Assembly, stating that this initiative serves as an example.

Youth and Community Engagement Focus

Shannon Lisa, representative of the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform, drew attention to the proposed solutions from young people regarding zero waste, saying, "If we move forward under the leadership of the youth, world leaders will follow them."

At the event, high-level participants from Pakistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Suriname, Uzbekistan, the European Union, Singapore, Sierra Leone, and Qatar expressed their support for Turkey's zero waste initiatives.