Türkiye’s Zero Waste Foundation charts sustainable path for COP31

A leading environmental foundation in Türkiye has prepared a foundational document to guide the sustainability of the COP31 UN climate conference, which the country will host in 2026. The Zero Waste Foundation, whose honorary president is First Lady Emine Erdoğan, developed the framework to minimize the event's environmental impact and set measurable standards for all participants.

A Roadmap for a Green Summit

The "Sustainable COP31 Framework" serves as an internationally aligned roadmap. It details protocols for zero-waste management, strategies for carbon reduction and offsetting, and plans for sustainable logistics and transportation. The document also establishes environmental performance standards for conference venues and outlines mechanisms for stakeholder engagement and transparency. The initiative aims to transform COP31 into a model for large-scale, low-carbon international gatherings.

Building a Multi-Stakeholder Ecosystem

The Istanbul-based foundation is spearheading a nationwide preparation effort that extends beyond mere technical planning. It is collaborating with universities for policy development, engaging local administrations on sustainable city practices, and working with businesses to accelerate low-carbon transitions in the private sector. Zero Waste Foundation President Samed Ağırbaş stated, "The zero-waste vision is now recognized not only as an environmental policy, but as a concrete, measurable, and applicable global solution model in the fight against climate change." He described COP31 as a historic opportunity to powerfully convey this approach globally.

Context of Türkiye’s Climate Diplomacy

Türkiye is set to host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) from November 9-20, 2026, with main events in Antalya and a Leaders’ Summit in Istanbul. This role follows the country's growing profile in international environmental advocacy, notably its leadership at the UN in establishing International Zero Waste Day. First Lady Emine Erdoğan also chairs a UN Advisory Board on Zero Waste. Hosting COP31 is viewed as a pivotal moment for Türkiye to apply its diplomatic experience to global climate action and showcase its domestic environmental initiatives.