Under the leadership of the Zero Waste Foundation and under the patronage of Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, global leader of the Zero Waste Movement, and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the United Nations (UN), the iconic Galata Tower in Istanbul became a symbol of a sustainable future with a video mapping show themed “Our Common Home, the World.”
During the special show held on the evening of October 19, the last day of the International Zero Waste Forum, waste-themed images projected onto the historic silhouette of Galata Tower conveyed the global call for the protection of the world and the efficient use of resources from the heart of Istanbul to the entire world. This show, which served as the closing event of the forum held between October 17 and 19 under the theme “Zero Waste in Action: People. Places. Progress.”, was met with great interest from citizens.
Visual Awareness for a Sustainable Future
The mapping show featured an impressive visual narrative on themes such as protecting natural resources, reducing waste, strengthening recycling, and promoting a zero-waste culture. The images projected onto the tower emphasized the cyclical nature of the environment, the relationship between humans and space, and the importance of sustainable lifestyles.
This visual message, combined with the historical fabric of Galata Tower, created a significant impact both symbolically and in terms of awareness. The Zero Waste movement is not just an environmental initiative; it is an expression of humanity's will to build a life in harmony with nature and continues to raise awareness worldwide. Galata Tower shone brightly in the skies of Istanbul as a symbol of this vision.
Citizens Showed Great Interest
Citizens gathered in Galata Tower to watch the show, following the impressive visuals with interest. Many people recorded this special moment with their cell phones and shared it on social media. Throughout the show, the message “Our Common Home is the World” took its place both in Istanbul's historical silhouette and in the memories of those watching.
A Message from Istanbul to the World
Organized in collaboration with the United Nations (UN), the International Zero Waste Forum brought together global solutions in the fields of environment, sustainability, and circular economy. The events held as part of the forum made Türkiye's zero waste vision visible at an international level, with the Galata Tower show being one of the most impressive expressions of this vision.
Forum Outcomes Will Form the Basis for the ‘2026 UN Zero Waste Report’
The outcomes of the International Zero Waste Forum will not only strengthen local commitments but will also directly form the basis for the “Zero Waste Report” to be presented by the UN Secretary-General in 2026.
The Zero Waste Foundation will continue to spearhead projects that raise environmental awareness in all segments of society and support a culture of sustainable living.
Zero Waste in Action
Zero Waste Action began on September 27, 2017, under the patronage of Mrs. Emine Erdoğan.
On December 14, 2022, at the UN General Assembly, the “Zero Waste” resolution was adopted by vote, with Türkiye as the main sponsor and 105 countries as co-sponsors, and March 30 was declared “International Zero Waste Day.”
Emine Erdoğan was the keynote speaker at the first International Zero Waste Day event held in the UN General Assembly Hall on March 30, 2023.
At this event, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced the establishment of the “UN High-Level Advisory Council on Zero Waste” and offered Emine Erdoğan the chairmanship. Mrs. Emine Erdoğan accepted this offer and assumed the chairmanship of the council, which was officially established on April 12, 2023.
As part of the 78th UN General Assembly, an event titled “Towards a Global Zero Waste in Action” was held at Türkevi in New York under the leadership of Mrs. Emine Erdoğan. At the event, President Erdoğan signed the “Global Zero Waste Goodwill Declaration”.
