Türkiye‘s Zero Waste Initiative Gains Global Momentum, Declared U.N. Observance
ISTANBUL – A movement originating in Türkiye is reshaping the global conversation around sustainability, culminating in the United Nations’ declaration of International Zero Waste Day. Spearheaded by Emine Erdoğan, founding honorary chair of the Zero Waste foundation, the initiative has rapidly ascended from a national project to a globally recognized framework for addressing climate change and resource management.
For nearly a decade, Türkiye has championed a holistic approach to waste reduction, encompassing household, food, and industrial sectors with the aim of extending the planet’s lifespan. This effort arrives at a critical juncture, as escalating climate change, dwindling water resources, and unsustainable consumption patterns threaten global stability. The success of the Zero Waste project marks a significant shift, representing one of the few major environmental movements to emerge from outside the Western world and offering a new model for international cooperation.
The initiative gained international recognition through presentations at United Nations meetings, leading to its incorporation into the U.N. agenda.Emine Erdoğan emphasized at the recent 2025 Global Zero Waste Forum that “genuine environmental awareness demands a comprehensive and holistic approach” to tackling these interconnected challenges.
Historically, environmental narratives have often originated in Europe and gained global traction. Though, Türkiye is now establishing itself as a key player on the world stage, not only through the influence of President Erdoğan - consistently ranked among the top four global leaders despite representing the world’s 17th-largest economy – but also through innovative solutions like the Zero Waste movement.The project focuses on recycling, reducing wastefulness, and promoting a circular economy, offering a practical pathway toward a more enduring future.