World’s largest Zero Waste Forum to convene in Istanbul June 5-7

The Zero Waste Foundation will convene the world’s largest civil environmental gathering at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport from June 5-7, bringing together over 5,000 participants from more than 180 countries to advance zero-waste policies and circular economy frameworks under the auspices of Türkiye’s first lady Emine Erdogan.

Global platform

Organizers announced that the second Zero Waste Forum will assemble over 120 ministers, 200 mayors, and representatives from international organizations, local governments, and the private sector. The gathering will discuss sustainable development, climate diplomacy, and economic resilience within the framework of Zero Waste Week.

Samed Agirbas, president of the foundation and COP31 high-level climate champion, said the gathering demonstrates the unprecedented global reach achieved by the Zero Waste Movement since Emine Erdogan founded the initiative. He noted that the event has emerged as a leading civil platform for environmental policymaking.

Institutional backing

The United Nations and the World Bank have signed on as principal stakeholders, with the World Bank dispatching a 30-member delegation — one of its largest representations at a single event. Harvard University, Oxford, and Yale will also provide scientific and technical expertise throughout the sessions, Agirbas told reporters.

Agirbas noted that more than 120 ministers are expected to attend, a figure exceeding the 72 ministers who participated in last year’s UN Climate Conference. The turnout reflects Istanbul’s growing centrality as a venue for high-level international dialogue on environmental governance.

Ministerial agenda

Three ministerial sessions will focus on energy and natural resources, agriculture and forestry, and industry and technology. The meetings will examine sustainable food systems, production process redesign, and technological transformation strategies alongside the future of global energy policies.

Agirbas stated that the forum will address topics expected at COP31, including the integration of zero-waste approaches into the international climate agenda. He added that ten young delegates from Kibera — one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements — will present challenges facing disadvantaged communities.

Final declaration

The forum’s final declaration is expected to secure signatures from representatives of more than 180 countries. The outcome will cement the event’s role in positioning zero-waste policies as essential pillars of economic development and international cooperation rather than purely environmental concerns.