The Zero Waste Foundation held the “Zero Waste Istanbul Consultation Meeting” with the vision of making Istanbul a center for sustainability and environmental work. At the meeting held at the foundation's headquarters, the strengthening of the zero waste approach, the sharing of achievements to date, and the roadmap for new collaborations for the future were discussed.

The meeting held at the Zero Waste Foundation was attended by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Ahmet Bağcı, Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Burak Demiralp, Zero Waste Foundation President Samed Ağırbaş, representatives of local governments and civil society organizations from 39 districts, academics, and numerous guests.

“We Will Bring the Global Zero Waste Vision to Life in Istanbul”

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Zero Waste Foundation President Samed Ağırbaş recalled that the Zero Waste Movement, led and sponsored by Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, has completed its eighth year and stated that the project has become a global brand.

In this context, Ağırbaş stated that the UN Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) will open a regional office in Istanbul and that more than 10 international institutions have also agreed to open offices in Istanbul, saying, “We are determined to bring the global zero waste vision to life in Istanbul.”

Istanbul to Host the International Zero Waste Forum

Ağırbaş announced that Istanbul will host the International Zero Waste Forum on October 17–18–19, 2025, one of the world's most important environmental gatherings.

Ağırbaş stated that the International Zero Waste Forum will be hosted by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, and organized by the Zero Waste Foundation, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, UN -Habitat, UNEP, and other international organizations. Ağırbaş stated that the forum will bring together state representatives, international organizations, civil society leaders, and academics.

Ağırbaş emphasized the importance of the forum, noting:

"Our goal is to make Istanbul the global center of the United Nations in the field of zero waste. In this process, we invite other international organizations to closely follow the work in Istanbul and support this process from their own centers. The work we are carrying out has gained visibility and impact not only at the national level but also on a global scale. Similarly, we invite other international organizations to closely follow the work in Istanbul and support this process from their own centers."

“Zero Waste Movement Becomes a Model”

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Ahmet Bağcı stated that the Zero Waste Movement has become an international model under the patronage of Mrs. Emine Erdoğan.

Bağcı emphasized that the goals of waste prevention, resource reduction, and transition to a circular economy, which are on the agenda of many international organizations, including the UN, have become more visible thanks to Türkiye's leadership.

“256 Billion Lira Added to the Economy”

Deputy Minister Burak Demiralp of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change stated that the Zero Waste Movement has become one of the most important elements of Türkiye's sustainable development vision.

Demiralp announced that, within the scope of the Zero Waste Project, 205,000 buildings have switched to zero waste management systems since 2017, the recovery rate has increased from 13% to 36%, and 256 billion lira has been contributed to the country's economy.

Specifically in Istanbul, he reported that 24 municipalities have switched to the zero waste system, the system has been implemented in more than 18,000 buildings, and 5.5 million people have received zero waste training.

“Children Are More Aware Than Adults”

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, who attended the meeting, emphasized that the Zero Waste Movement plays a critical role in access to clean water, protection of natural resources, and solving environmental problems.

Governor Gül noted that children, in particular, have become more aware of zero waste than adults, drawing attention to the importance of cooperation among all institutions, from municipalities to ministries.

Governor Gül stated that waste is separated at source in all schools and public institutions and organizations in Istanbul, adding that they are striving to eliminate any shortcomings as much as possible.

In the question-and-answer panel section of the meeting, titled “Istanbul's Waste Management and Zero Waste Vision,” Fatih Turan, General Director of Environmental Management at the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, Prof. Dr. Nilgün Kıran Cılız, Faculty Member of Environmental Sciences at Bogazici University, and Assoc. Doç. Dr. İbrahim Demir, Vice President of the Türkiye Statistical Institute (TÜİK), provided comprehensive assessments in light of waste management policies, academic perspectives, and statistical data.

Collaboration for a Shared Future

The meeting, which emphasized the need to strengthen zero waste practices in every field from education to technology, served as a powerful demonstration of shared commitment to a sustainable future. It also provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange views and develop a shared vision for the future of cities, seas, and Istanbul.

The Zero Waste Foundation continues its work with determination at both national and international levels, guided by the goals of a sustainable future, a clean environment, and a circular economy.

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