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The International Zero Waste Forum, organized by the Zero Waste Foundation in collaboration with Türkiye’s environment and agriculture ministries, UNEP, and U.N.-Habitat, has concluded in Istanbul.
The three-day forum brought together leaders, academics, private sector representatives, civil society actors, activists and decision-makers from around the world.
Participants included mayors, ambassadors, and high-level officials from international organizations such as the U.N., UNDP, UNEP and U.N.-Habitat, alongside 118 global partner institutions.
Speaking at the forum’s closing on Sunday, Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli emphasized that the Zero Waste Movement isn’t just an environmental policy—it’s a global expression of respect for resources, labor, and life itself.
Highlighting Türkiye’s cultural roots in this approach, he said, "We must not waste what we are blessed with."
He also noted that under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the guidance of Emine Erdogan, the Zero Waste initiative has resonated in 193 countries and evolved into a U.N.-backed global program.
"The vision born from our soil has become a shared value for all humanity, which is a source of pride for Türkiye. The experiences shared at this forum will shape not just today’s but tomorrow’s environmental policies," Yumakli added.
Istanbul has emerged as one of the global hubs for the zero-waste vision.
During the forum, 25 countries were represented at the ministerial level, and participants from 108 countries joined, alongside 118 international institutions and stakeholders.
Topics discussed ranged from resource efficiency and circular economy to food security and climate-friendly production.
"The forum progressed over three days, each focusing on a different theme: Global Leadership and Strategic Framework on day one, Implementation, Financing, and Partnership Mechanisms on day two, and Outcomes, Global Impact, and Application Framework on the last day," Yumakli explained.
Quoting Henry Ford, "Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success," he said, adding, "We came together to begin, worked together for three days to progress, and now we can see the results."
Forum discussions included practical applications of zero waste policies, integration of zero waste strategies across agriculture, food, water, and energy sectors, and green finance mechanisms.
Yumakli also highlighted the capacity of municipalities and local initiatives to scale zero waste globally.
"Zero waste isn’t just environmental; it’s a model for social and economic transformation," he said. The outputs of all sessions will contribute to a report submitted to the U.N. General Assembly in 2026.
He stressed that the forum reinforced the movement’s transition from an environmental initiative into a broader development vision.
"We define zero waste not as a technical system, but as a behavioral, cultural, and economic transformation process," Yumakli noted.
Hosting the forum in Istanbul underscored Türkiye’s active role in environmental diplomacy.
"This initiative brings tangible solutions for communities struggling to access food, clean water, and safe living conditions," he added.
Yumakli expressed confidence that the insights shared during the forum will guide future partnerships and concrete steps.
"This is a starting point for new collaborations. By working together, we can multiply values instead of waste and grow solidarity instead of indifference," he said.
He also announced that on Nov. 28, Istanbul will host another gathering under the leadership of President Erdogan and Emine Erdogan, building on the momentum of the forum.
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