03.06.2026 18:50
The Zero Waste Forum, which will be attended by thousands of high-level representatives from 183 countries, will host one of the world's most comprehensive international gatherings in the field of environment and sustainability. Drawing attention with its multi-stakeholder structure, the organization will set the stage for shaping the new roadmap of global environmental diplomacy in Istanbul.
Istanbul is preparing to host one of the most important meetings of global environmental diplomacy and the sustainable development agenda between June 5-7. The Zero Waste Movement, carried out under the auspices of its founder, Emine Erdoğan, who is also the President of the United Nations High-Level Advisory Board on Zero Waste and the Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation, gains a new dimension with the Zero Waste Forum to be held this year, reflecting its international impact. Within the scope of the Forum, business people and private sector representatives from 183 countries, including the World Economic Forum, will come together.
The Zero Waste Forum, held as the central event of Istanbul Zero Waste Week, will bring together government representatives, business leaders, local administrators, academics, and international organizations from all over the world under one roof. With 183 countries involved in the registration process, the organization stands out as one of the most comprehensive international platforms ever realized in the field of environment and sustainability, thanks to its global representation power.
"THERE ARE DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS LIKE THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM"
Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, made evaluations regarding the Zero Waste Forum, stating that representatives from 183 countries will participate in the Forum to be held on June 5-7, noting that over 120 ministers, more than 200 mayors, and over 500 international stakeholders will be present.
Ağırbaş stated, "We have achieved a structure with different stakeholders such as the World Economic Forum and Davos. We are holding the Zero Waste Forum with over 500 international stakeholders. The Forum will bring together decision-makers, ministers, representatives of international organizations, local administrators, private sector leaders, and civil society actors from all over the world around a common ground of conscience. These organizations, coinciding with World Environment Day on June 5, are not merely awareness events but important gatherings where a new global lifestyle is being built, because the issue is no longer just about combating climate change; it is about making humanity reconsider its consumption habits."
A GLOBAL MEETING POINT
With its structure bringing together different sectors and decision-making mechanisms, the Forum has a quality reminiscent of international summits shaping the global agenda. Ministers, mayors, investors, business people, and representatives of international organizations from all over the world will meet in Istanbul to develop common solutions for building a sustainable future.
This year's organization is expected to include over 120 ministers, more than 200 mayors, over 500 international stakeholders, global fund representatives, and former heads of state. The Forum, which will host over five thousand high-level delegates, will provide a multilateral platform for diplomacy and cooperation where not only environmental policies but also topics such as economy, industry, energy, technology, and development will be addressed.
ISTANBUL WILL BE THE CENTER OF THE GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA
During the sessions to be held over three days, topics such as circular economy, resource efficiency, climate-friendly production models, sustainable cities, energy transformation, and converting waste into economic value will be comprehensively evaluated. High-level ministerial sessions to be organized within the scope of the Forum will focus on key areas of sustainable development. In discussions under the headings of energy and natural resources, agriculture and forestry, and industry and technology, countries will share their experiences and develop joint policy recommendations.
A NEW GLOBAL ROADMAP WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF 183 COUNTRIES
Following the Istanbul Declaration published last year with the support of 108 countries, the aim is to produce a much more widely participated final declaration at the end of this year's forum. The prepared text is intended to transform the zero waste approach into a policy framework based on globally applicable and concrete commitments. In this respect, the Forum goes beyond being an event for exchanging ideas; it serves as a strategic platform where international environmental policies are shaped, inter-country collaborations are strengthened, and new partnerships are established.