Istanbul Zero Waste Forum continues with focus on food and fashion

The International Zero Waste Forum has entered its second day in Istanbul, bringing together global experts, policymakers, and innovators to advance sustainable waste management solutions. The Saturday sessions focused on critical topics including food waste reduction, circular fashion initiatives, and the application of artificial intelligence in waste management systems.

High-Level Ministerial Participation

A significant Ministerial-Level Roundtable Meeting formed a centerpiece of the day's agenda, featuring opening remarks from Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan in her capacity as chair of the UN High-Level Advisory Council on Zero Waste. The high-level session was co-chaired by UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach and included a presentation by the council's deputy chair, Jose Manuel Moller, underscoring the forum's global political significance.

Strengthened International Partnerships

The forum has solidified Istanbul's position as a hub for sustainability discourse, further reinforced by Rossbach's announcement on the first day regarding the opening of a new UN-Habitat office in the city. The executive director confirmed the organization would "continue to focus on zero waste solutions" and expand its work "related to the circular economy," signaling deepened international commitment to the zero-waste movement.

Global Gathering for Sustainable Solutions

With proceedings scheduled to conclude on Sunday, the forum has assembled an impressive roster of leaders, academics, and practitioners from around the world. The event boasts participation from 118 international partner organizations, including major UN bodies such as the UN Environment Programme and the UN Development Programme, highlighting the comprehensive global effort to address waste management challenges through the zero-waste framework pioneered in Türkiye.