27.06.2026 18:50
Within the scope of London Climate Action Week, where the Zero Waste Foundation is a key stakeholder, the Climate Action Agenda Roundtable Meeting held at Buckingham Palace under the leadership of Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, discussed the implementation of global climate goals, strengthening multi-stakeholder cooperation, and joint steps towards the COP31 process.
Under the leadership of Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, the Climate Action Agenda Roundtable Meeting was held at Buckingham Palace as part of London Climate Action Week, where the Zero Waste Foundation is a key stakeholder. The meeting addressed the implementation of global climate goals, strengthening multi-stakeholder cooperation, and joint steps for the COP31 process.
On June 25, in London, the capital of England, the world's leading climate leaders, policymakers, business representatives, and civil society organizations came together at the Climate Action Agenda Roundtable Meeting organized within the scope of London Climate Action Week. The meeting, led by Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, evaluated accelerating climate action, translating global climate goals into practice, and forming a shared vision before COP31 to be held in Antalya.
EMINE ERDOĞAN'S VISION BECAME A KEY TOPIC IN LONDON
The sustainability vision put forward by the Zero Waste Foundation under the leadership of Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, founder of the Zero Waste Movement, Chair of the United Nations High-Level Advisory Board on Zero Waste, and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation, became one of the important global climate agenda items at the meeting in London.
The meeting addressed efficient resource use, circular economy, waste reduction, sustainable production and consumption models, and the dissemination of community-based solutions to the climate crisis. Participants included Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion; Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); André Corrêa do Lago, COP30 President; Katie White, UK Climate Minister; Al Gore, former US Vice President; John Kerry, former US Secretary of State; Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland; actors Theo James and Benedict Cumberbatch; and prominent figures in climate work.
From the business world, representatives of international organizations operating in energy, finance, and sustainability fields attended the meeting.
"TRUE JUSTICE CANNOT BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT ENDING HUNGER AND POVERTY"
Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, stated that the climate crisis cannot be considered independently of global issues such as hunger, poverty, energy access, and inequality, and said:
"The greatest challenges facing the world today are not just the climate crisis. Hunger, poverty, lack of access to energy, and deepening inequalities continue to affect the lives of billions. While people struggle with hunger, lack basic electricity services, and live in poverty, it is impossible to speak of true global justice. We cannot separate climate action from development goals. We must produce solutions that ensure food security, increase access to energy, create employment, and support dignified living conditions. On the road to COP31, we will adopt an inclusive approach centered on people. Our success depends on governments, the private sector, international organizations, and societies working together to develop joint solutions. One of the main goals of COP31, which we will hold in Antalya, will be to transform climate action into tangible benefits that people can feel in their daily lives."
CONTRIBUTION OF THE ZERO WASTE FORUM TO THE GLOBAL AGENDA EMPHASIZED
At the meeting at Buckingham Palace, it was emphasized that the Zero Waste Forum, organized by the Zero Waste Foundation in Istanbul from June 5-7 and hosting over 5,000 participants from 183 countries, contributed to the global zero waste agenda by creating a strong cooperation platform between public, private sector, international organizations, local governments, academia, and civil society.
FUTURE OF THE CLIMATE ACTION AGENDA EVALUATED
The meeting discussed strengthening the Climate Action Agenda, a key element of the Paris Agreement and the COP process. Exchanges of views took place on increasing the role of cities, companies, investors, youth, local governments, and civil society organizations in implementing climate goals. Participants expressed a common view that successful practices in clean energy transition, climate resilience, nature-based solutions, sustainable agriculture, energy access, and public awareness should be scaled globally.
UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell noted that the necessary solutions to combat climate change exist and gave the message, "Now is the time to implement these solutions faster and at a larger scale."
"CLIMATE STEPS ACCELERATE GLOBAL TRANSFORMATION"
UK Climate Minister Katie White stated that London Climate Action Week is an important platform for translating climate goals into action. White evaluated, "The steps taken by businesses, investors, and communities in clean energy, climate, and nature accelerate transformation. These efforts will strengthen energy security, create new employment and growth opportunities, and increase global momentum on the road to COP31."
"CLIMATE CHANGE IS NOW TODAY'S REALITY"
Former US Secretary of State John Kerry noted that the meeting took place at a time when the impacts of the climate crisis are becoming increasingly visible. Kerry said, "Our gathering at Buckingham Palace on one of the hottest days of the year is highly significant. These days, when London is experiencing record temperatures, remind us once again that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a concrete reality of our time."
"OCEANS MUST BE AT THE CENTER OF CLIMATE STRUGGLE"
Blue Marine Foundation Ambassador and actor Theo James emphasized that oceans play a critical role in combating climate change.
James said, “Oceans are one of the most powerful allies we have in the fight against climate change. The 30x30 goal, which aims to protect at least 30 percent of oceans and land areas by 2030, offers an opportunity to make a real difference.”
A STRONG MESSAGE OF COOPERATION AHEAD OF COP31
The meeting held as part of London Climate Action Week was considered an important step in accelerating global climate action ahead of COP31, to be held in Antalya. London Climate Action Week, with the Zero Waste Foundation as a key stakeholder, brought together actors from different sectors, contributing to the development of common solutions in the fight against climate change.
The Zero Waste Foundation’s work carried out on international platforms, particularly the Zero Waste Forum, continues to contribute to the global climate agenda in line with the goals of reducing waste, strengthening the circular economy, and promoting sustainable living models.