Visitors visit the “Zero Waste” themed country pavilion of the Turkish Directorate of Communications as part of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Baku, Azerbaijan, November 12, 2024. (AA Photo)
December 16, 2025 10:18 AM GMT+03:00
An Istanbul-based environmental organization led by Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan as its honorary president has prepared a comprehensive sustainability framework for the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), which Türkiye will host and chair in 2026.
Roadmap for a sustainable COP31
The Zero Waste Foundation said its Sustainable COP31 framework is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of the global summit by lowering carbon emissions, optimizing resource use, and introducing measurable environmental performance standards for all stakeholders.
The framework outlines zero-waste management protocols, carbon-reduction and offsetting strategies, sustainable transport and logistics planning, environmental criteria for venues and mechanisms for transparency and stakeholder engagement, aiming to set a global example for sustainable international events.
The foundation is building a multi-stakeholder preparation ecosystem across Türkiye, stressing that COP31 preparations extend beyond technical infrastructure. It is working with universities and research centers on policy development, engaging local administrations on sustainable urban practices, and collaborating with the private sector to support low-carbon production models and raise public awareness.
Zero Waste Foundation President Samed Agirbas said the zero-waste approach is now recognized as a concrete and measurable global solution in combating climate change, adding that COP31 offers a historic opportunity to present this vision to the international community.
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Global recognition of zero-waste initiative
Türkiye’s zero-waste initiative gained international momentum in December 2022, when the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution led by Türkiye and co-sponsored by 105 countries, declaring March 30 as International Day of Zero Waste.
First Lady Emine Erdogan delivered the keynote address at the first observance in March 2023, during which U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced the creation of the Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste and invited Erdogan to serve as its chair.
Türkiye prepares to host COP31
COP31 will be held from Nov. 9–20, 2026, mainly in Antalya, with the Leaders’ Summit scheduled to take place in Istanbul. Nearly 200 countries are expected to attend discussions on the next phase of the Paris Agreement, including emissions targets, climate finance, adaptation measures and carbon market rules.
December 16, 2025 10:28 AM GMT+03:00