Every year, over 2.1 billion tonnes of waste is generated globally a figure expected to nearly double by 2050. Recognizing the urgency, the United Nations adopted a historic resolution in 2022, declaring March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste, an initiative led by Türkiye. In a landmark move to address this urgent issue, the United Nations General Assembly, on December 14, 2022, adopted resolution A/RES/77/161. This pivotal resolution recognizes the importance of zero waste initiatives in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and mobilizes global support for waste prevention and responsible consumption.

Türkiye’s journey began in 2017 with the launch of the national Zero Waste Initiative, led by First Lady Emine Erdoğan. This momentum culminated in the founding of the Zero Waste Foundation, now a key advocate on the world stage. Representing Türkiye’s commitment to the UN resolution, the Foundation collaborates with institutions like UN-Habitat, UNEP, and the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board to promote best practices and scale up global solutions.

The Zero Waste Forum is more than a conference it’s a working example of sustainable event management. From reducing single use plastics to showcasing real time waste audits, the forum demonstrates how even large gatherings can adopt waste-conscious practices. We believe that “imperfection is not a barrier to commitment, but a starting point for action.” This philosophy drives us to innovate boldly and learn continuously.

The Forum goes beyond traditional waste management. Instead, we focus on prevention at the source, asking deeper questions about how and why waste is created in the first place. What shifts in consumption, behavior, and culture are needed? Through workshops, discussions, and collaborations, we explore how individual choices, urban planning, and collective mindsets can evolve to build a future where materials are valued not wasted.