Zero Waste in Action: People. Places. Progress.

17-19 October 2025
Istanbul, Türkiye

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.

More Information

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.

Speakers

H.E. Emine Erdoğan

First Lady of Türkiye & Honorary President of the Zero Wast Foundation

António Guterres

Secretary-General of the United Nations

Murat Kurum

Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Republic of Turkiye

İbrahim Yumaklı

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry,
Republic of Turkiye

Samed Ağırbaş

President of the Zero Waste Foundation

Inger Andersen

Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and The United Nations Environment Programme

Achim Steiner

Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Fifth and Former United Nations Executive Director

Anacláudia Rossabach

Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director UN Habitat

Neil Khor

Chief of Staff & Acting Director, External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation Division, UN-Habitat

Christian Mensah

Secretary to the Governing Council & Chief, Inter-Governmental Relations, UN-Habitat

Hakima El Haite

UN Advisor & Founder of EauGlobe

All Speakers

Discover the full lineup of 60+ inspiring speakers

Overview

Forum at a Glance

"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.

More Information

Open the Ministry of Agriculture Session PDF to access detailed information.

November 28, 2025 - Istanbul

Session Information (PDF)

Open the Session PDF of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change to access detailed information.

October 18, 2025
11:00 am - Istanbul

Session Information (PDF)

Zero Waste in Action:
People. Places. Progress.

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