Emine Erdoğan Launches Global Zero Waste Alliance at COP31

First Lady of Türkiye Emine Erdoğan launched the Global Zero Waste Alliance and inaugurated the Zero Waste Museum during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya. On November 11, Erdoğan introduced the alliance to spouses of world leaders, identifying five priority areas: the circular economy, plastic and packaging waste, zero waste zones, food and organic waste, and education and youth. She called for a 50 percent reduction in the projected growth of global annual municipal solid waste by 2035.

On November 12, Erdoğan opened the Zero Waste Museum, which was established by the Zero Waste Foundation. The museum documents the evolution of the Zero Waste Project, which began as a national initiative in 2017 before becoming an international movement. The facility features interactive exhibits on resource conservation and a 2035 Message Wall to raise awareness about sustainable consumption and recycling.

The opening ceremony was attended by members of the UN High-Level Advisory Board on Zero Waste and vice-presidents of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Leyla Aliyeva and Alyona Aliyeva. During the summit, Erdoğan also met with representatives from the UN Development Programme, UN-Habitat, and the International Organization for Migration to foster international cooperation on waste management.