05.06.2026 21:00
First Lady Emine Erdogan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, made a statement following her speech at the opening of the Zero Waste Forum 2026. Noting that the forum is a significant milestone on the path to the COP31 Climate Summit, Erdogan said, "We believe that zero waste will have a transformative impact in many areas, from resource conservation to sustainable development. I hope the synergy that will emerge here will pave the way for new beginnings for our common future."
The wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Emine Erdoğan, attended the opening of the Zero Waste Forum 2026, held under the auspices of the Istanbul Governorate and coordinated by the Zero Waste Foundation at Atatürk Airport.
"THE WORLD IS GREATER THAN FIVE BECAUSE HUMANITY IS GREATER THAN FIVE"
Speaking here, Erdoğan stated that Istanbul, carrying the common memory of humanity and where civilizations meet, is the world's longest-lasting capital, and noted that today the forum hosts representatives from 183 countries, over 500 institutions and organizations, and more than 5,000 participants.
Emine Erdoğan expressed that Istanbul once again brings cultures together, saying, "For this very reason, we see this forum as a historic gathering where the human family unites around a common ideal. I believe this strong international participation is a concrete manifestation of our President's message, 'The world is greater than five because humanity is greater than five.'"
Erdoğan, expressing gratitude to all participants of the forum, continued: "My hope is that the synergy rising from here will pave the way for brand new beginnings for our common future. On the occasion of this meaningful gathering, I thank our Zero Waste Foundation for the great effort they have put into organizing the forum. They are hosting one of the world's most comprehensive international environmental gatherings. I congratulate every member of our Foundation and applaud them wholeheartedly. I also extend my thanks to our supporting Ministries and the Istanbul Governorate."
“I HOPE THE SYNERGY RISING FROM HERE WILL SERVE AS A MEANS FOR BRAND NEW BEGINNINGS FOR OUR COMMON FUTURE”
Meanwhile, in a post on her social media account, Emine Erdoğan stated that she was pleased to come together with valuable names from different geographies at the opening program of the International Zero Waste Forum, one of the world's most comprehensive international environmental gatherings.
Erdoğan, noting that the forum, held under the theme "The Road to Antalya: Zero Waste as Climate Action," is an important threshold in the process leading to the COP31 Climate Summit, said: "Today, climate change stands before us as an issue that knows no borders and requires common solutions. Through this forum, we emphasize the zero waste movement in the climate struggle as an effective climate action, far beyond an approach related to waste management. We believe that zero waste will create a transformative impact in many areas, from resource conservation to sustainable development. I hope the synergy rising from here will serve as a means for brand new beginnings for our common future."
Erdoğan thanked those who contributed to the organization of the forum, especially the Istanbul Governorate, the Zero Waste Foundation, and the relevant ministries.