Zero Waste in Action: People. Places. Progress.

17-19 October 2025
Istanbul, Türkiye

PARTNERSHIPS:

Introduction

Zero Waste Forum

The Zero Waste Forum is a pivotal international gathering dedicated to transforming our relationship with materials, consumption, and the environment. Hosted by the Zero Waste Foundation in Istanbul, Türkiye.

This forum brings together a global coalition of doers—from city leaders and community organizers to innovators and policymakers—to drive tangible action towards a zero-waste world.

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Core Topics

Key Themes

Throughout the Forum, we'll focus on critical areas vital for accelerating the zero-waste transition. A detailed program, including specific session titles and confirmed speakers, will be shared closer to the event date. Stay tuned for updates!

Policy to Practice

Transforming policies into tangible actions at all levels.

Scaling Solutions

Amplifying innovative practices and models globally.

Mobilizing Finance

Securing funding for inclusive, local initiatives.

Building Alliances

Forgingstrong partnerships for sustained action.

Overview

Forum at a Glance

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"If we do not move from a self-centered understanding to a human-centered understanding, it will be too late for everything. That is why I invite you to take part in solving environmental problems."

- Emine Erdoğan, Honorary President of Zero Waste Foundation

“I would like to express my respect and appreciation for the leadership of the Turkish government and First Lady Emine Erdoğan on the vital issue of zero waste.”

- António Guterres, United Nations Secretary General

"By working together, we can build a future where waste is no longer a problem, but a resource."

- Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director Of UN-Habitat

“Countries like Türkiye have already taken significant steps in the field of zero waste, and I encourage all other nations to follow their example and accelerate their efforts in adopting sustainable waste management practices.”

- Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director

“The Republic of Türkiye’s ratification of the Paris Agreement and its goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2053 is a clear expression of its determination to intensify climate action and efforts to protect our natural world.
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One of the prominent initiatives is the Zero Waste Project, led by Her Excellency Emine Erdoğan, which inspired the 2022 United Nations General Assembly resolution designating March 30 as International Zero Waste Day.”

- Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Meet the pioneers of sustainability.
Head over to the Global Zero Waste Awards.

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