Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation, attended the closing ceremony of the “Climate-Friendly Volunteers Camp” organized by the Turkish Red Crescent in its camp in Heybeliada for high school students and met with young volunteers.

During the meeting, which took place in a friendly atmosphere with young people, Mayor Ağırbaş toured the campsite, learned about the environment-themed activities carried out by the young people, examined the products made from recyclable materials, and expressed his satisfaction with the young people's performance in terms of environmental awareness.

In his speech during the program, Ağırbaş recalled that the foundations of the Zero Waste Movement were laid under the leadership of Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and said, “Today, the Zero Waste Movement, which was adopted globally by the United Nations under Türkiye's leadership, is leading a transformation in environmental awareness around the world thanks to Mrs. Emine Erdoğan's strong vision and determination.”

‍Referring to the experiences he gained in various camps since his youth, Ağırbaş shared his career journey, civil society work, and sensitivity to environmental awareness with the students. Ağırbaş, who graduated from a vocational high school in one of Istanbul's disadvantaged areas, emphasized his belief in the potential of young people, noting that the “High School Entrepreneurs Club” he founded with his friends during his high school years quickly turned into a nationwide movement.

Emphasis on Youth Sensitivity to Global Inequalities

Ağırbaş emphasized the importance of building a sensitive and active youth against global inequalities, saying, “Today, children are losing their lives because they cannot access clean water somewhere in the world. In another place, there are people struggling with hunger. While we talk about artificial intelligence and quantum technology, we must also consider this unjust situation.”

At the end of his speech, Ağırbaş also announced that the Zero Waste Foundation had launched a new project for young people, revealing that they had initiated a special environment and climate-focused education program for high school students in collaboration with Boğaziçi University. “Through this program, our high school students will experience the university atmosphere and have the opportunity to receive direct education from experts in fields such as zero waste, climate change, and sustainability”, he said.

“Balance Your Social Life with Your Academic Life”

Ağırbaş, who addressed young people, reminded them that friendships formed in camp environments could turn into important collaborations in the future, saying, “Don't leave this experience here. When you return to your schools, share what you have learned, start clubs, and be active. Balancing your social life with your academic life is very valuable for your personal development.”

‍After his speech, Ağırbaş thanked the camp leaders, educators, and young people, noting that the work displayed throughout the camp was promising, and he especially thanked the Turkish Red Crescent family for providing this valuable opportunity to young people.

President Ağırbaş lit the campfire in the “Farewell Street” section of the closing ceremony and took a commemorative photo with the young people.