In a closed-door meeting at the UN, Secretary-General António Guterres and Turkey’s First Lady Emine Erdo?an discussed the significance of the Zero Waste Initiative, coinciding with International Zero Waste Day.
A closed-door meeting took place at the United Nations building in New York, where UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Emine Erdo?an, the First Lady of Turkey, discussed the Zero Waste Initiative on March 30, coinciding with International Zero Waste Day. Guterres expressed his satisfaction in meeting Erdo?an again, noting the historical significance of the zero waste philosophy and the necessity of addressing related issues on an international scale.
Emine Erdo?an conveyed her appreciation for Guterres’s commitment to tackling global environmental challenges and for his support of the Zero Waste Initiative. She stated that the climate crisis and other environmental concerns require collaborative efforts and emphasized the potential impact of Guterres’s participation in the “International Zero Waste Day Special Event” at the UN General Assembly.
“The Zero Waste Movement is not just an environmental policy but a responsibility to protect humanity’s common future,” she remarked. Erdo?an elaborated on the importance of the Zero Waste Advisory Board’s work, which has produced guiding publications and compiled international success stories. She outlined ongoing collaborations with the Zero Waste Foundation and various ministries to facilitate the implementation of International Zero Waste Day.
Erdo?an detailed several key projects underway, including Zero Waste Standardization, the Global Zero Waste Awards, and the International Zero Waste and Climate Change Forum. She praised the UN Zero Waste Resolution, which Turkey led, noting its incorporation into several international documents, such as G20 declarations. She expressed pleasure in seeing the Zero Waste Initiative referenced in the Future Pact and highlighted the Global Zero Waste Goodwill Declaration, which she and Guterres signed in 2022 and has garnered support from over 40 First Ladies and numerous individuals globally.
This year’s initiative aims to spotlight zero waste practices within the textile and fashion industries, with Turkey organizing exhibitions titled “Enough Exists” and “Echoes” at the UN.
In a broader context, Emine Erdo?an reflected on the escalating global challenges, emphasizing the need for international solidarity. She remarked that the global community “failed a test” regarding the situation in Gaza, which she criticized for severe violations of international law. Erdo?an expressed admiration for the ongoing efforts of the UN and Guterres to alleviate the crisis and offered condolences for the loss of UN personnel in the region.
She underscored Turkey’s commitment to participate in and lead peace processes within the framework of the UN, inviting Guterres to visit Turkey for future collaboration.
The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials, including Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum, and Samed A??rba?, President of the Zero Waste Foundation.
Concluding the meeting, Emine Erdo?an shared her reflections on social media, stating, “Protecting the future of our world is taking care of humanity’s common heritage.” She highlighted the need for global action to achieve zero waste in industries and expressed gratitude to Guterres for his support towards a sustainable future. She concluded with a statement on the importance of zero waste awareness, asserting that embracing this initiative worldwide will yield a valuable legacy for future generations.
Source: Noah Wire Services
