Türkiye Elevates Zero Waste Initiative to Global Priority at COP31 Climate Conference
Türkiye has positioned its Zero Waste Movement as a central theme at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, aiming to make waste reduction a global priority. First Lady Emine Erdoğan launched the national movement in 2017, which seeks to promote sustainable waste management practices across public institutions, schools, local authorities, and businesses. The initiative encourages reuse, recycling, and reduced consumption. Since its inception, Türkiye's waste recovery rate has increased from 13% in 2017 to 37.53% in 2025, with a target of 60% by 2035. The country has also provided waste management training to 28 million people. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proposed by Türkiye in 2022, establishing March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres formed an Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste, chaired by Emine Erdoğan, in 2023.