01.06.2026 14:41
Istanbul Zero Waste Week Has Begun: A Strong Environmental Message from Türkiye to the World. Under the coordination of the Zero Waste Foundation and the auspices of the Istanbul Governorship, the "Istanbul Zero Waste Week" from June 1-7 has started with a comprehensive event program.
Under the coordination of the Zero Waste Foundation and under the auspices of the Istanbul Governorship, the period of 1–7 June has begun with a comprehensive event program for “Istanbul Zero Waste Week.” All details of events and programs in 39 districts of the megacity can be accessed via the website https://istanbulsifiratikhaftasi.org/, which was launched for Istanbul Zero Waste Week. Within the scope of the week, the Zero Waste Festival will be held on 4–7 June and the Zero Waste Forum on 5–7 June at Istanbul Atatürk Airport.
The Zero Waste Foundation, which continues its work with the vision of the founder of the Zero Waste Movement, President of the United Nations High-Level Advisory Board on Zero Waste and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation, Ms. Emine Erdoğan, is hosting a comprehensive environmental mobilization aimed at spreading the culture of sustainable living to all segments of society in Istanbul, as part of the efforts carried out towards the goal of making Istanbul the “Zero Waste Capital.”
Istanbul Zero Waste Week, organized under the coordination of the Zero Waste Foundation and under the auspices of the Istanbul Governorship, aims to make environmental awareness an integral part of daily life through hundreds of events to be held from 1 to 7 June.
The program is not just a calendar of environmental awareness activities; it is considered an important step in the long-term vision of making Istanbul a globally exemplary city in the areas of zero waste, resource efficiency and sustainable development.
“OUR GREATEST MOTIVATION IS TO MAKE ISTANBUL THE CAPITAL OF ZERO WASTE”
Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, said in his evaluation regarding Istanbul Zero Waste Week: “The Zero Waste Foundation is the representative of a deep-rooted vision established in 2023 under the auspices and leadership of our esteemed Honorary President Ms. Emine Erdoğan. Our fundamental goal is to further spread the understanding of 'Zero Waste' that our esteemed lady initiated years ago, and to build a conscientious society by ensuring the adoption of this awareness. In line with this noble goal, we have been implementing many important activities since our establishment.”
Stating that the greatest motivation to integrate all international goals with the spirit of Istanbul is to make Istanbul the “Capital of Zero Waste,” Ağırbaş continued: “We sincerely believe that this unique city, the cradle of civilizations, will lead the whole world and be a strong role model in terms of environmental awareness and prevention of waste. We will bring this excitement to its peak with the 'Istanbul Zero Waste Week' covering 1-7 June, with the strong support of our Istanbul Governor, Mr. Davut Gül. We have launched a massive event that will awaken zero waste awareness across Istanbul, joining hands with our stakeholders in many different sectors from health to sports, from energy to industry. This large organization has two main outcomes for us.
First; to make Istanbul, the heart of our civilization, the 'Capital of Zero Waste' that the whole world will admire. Second; with our cooperation here, to register the name 'Istanbul Zero Waste Week' as a new brand on a global scale and to ignite the torch of a powerful movement that will spread from Istanbul to the whole world.”
A MOVEMENT EXTENDING FROM ISTANBUL TO THE WORLD
While the Zero Waste Movement, launched in Turkey in 2017 under the leadership of Ms. Emine Erdoğan, has today turned into an environmental model that resonates on an international scale, the declaration of March 30 as International Zero Waste Day by the United Nations and the formation of the High-Level Advisory Board on Zero Waste are among the most important indicators of Turkey's pioneering role in this field. Istanbul Zero Waste Week is also seen as one of the strongest reflections of this global transformation at the city level. It is aimed to bring millions of Istanbulites together around a common awareness of environmental sustainability through the activities to be carried out throughout the week.
OVER 1500 PROJECTS FROM 39 DISTRICTS
The organization, held for the first time this year, received intense interest from Istanbul's 39 districts. With contributions from public institutions, local governments, universities, non-governmental organizations and private sector representatives, over 1500 project applications were received, and activities were planned across a very wide spectrum, from environmental trainings to recycling applications, from awareness campaigns to fieldwork. Through events to be held all around the city, it is aimed to encourage permanent behavioral changes regarding reducing waste generation, spreading conscious consumption habits and using resources more efficiently.
ISTANBUL ON THE PATH TO BECOMING THE GLOBAL CENTER OF ZERO WASTE
Among the long-term goals of the Zero Waste Foundation is to make Istanbul the center of international zero waste studies. In this context, it was stated that in the coming years, many international organizations are targeted to open offices in the city, and the first concrete step was taken with the establishment of the global center for zero waste studies of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme in Istanbul. This development is expected to strengthen Istanbul's goal of becoming an international attraction center in the fields of environmental diplomacy and sustainable urbanism.
THE WORLD'S EYES ON THE ZERO WASTE FORUM IN ISTANBUL
The Zero Waste Forum, the central event of Istanbul Zero Waste Week, will also be held from 5 to 7 June. Registrations have been made from 183 countries around the world for the Forum, and thousands of participants are expected to gather in Istanbul. At the forum, which will be attended by over 120 ministers from around the world, more than 200 mayors, representatives of international organizations, academics and environmental experts, circular economy, resource efficiency, climate-friendly production models and the future of zero waste will be discussed. The organization stands out as one of the important platforms that increase Turkey's international visibility in the field of environment and sustainability.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY THEME TO STAND OUT AT THE FESTIVAL
The Zero Waste Festival, to be held within the scope of Istanbul Zero Waste Week and organized in cooperation with the Zero Waste Foundation and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, will bring environmental awareness to large audiences. The main theme of the festival, to be held at Atatürk Airport from 4 to 7 June, has been determined as “Energy Efficiency” this year. The festival will feature numerous activities, from sustainable living practices to examples of circular economy, from virtual reality experiences to children's workshops.
Thanks to carbon and water footprint measurement areas, a zero waste museum, educational stands, and hands-on workshops, visitors will have the opportunity to directly experience their environmental impact.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS MEETS CULTURE AND ART
The festival will not be limited to environmental-themed activities. Through concerts, art events, and social activities, it aims to make environmental awareness a part of cultural life. As part of the Zero Waste Festival, Rafet El Roman, Sinan Akçıl, Emre Aydın, Poizi, Sefo, Buray, and Ceza will meet with citizens at the festival area.
In special areas prepared for children and young people, workshops using recycled materials, interactive games, and competitions will be organized, while families will be offered the opportunity to experience sustainable living practices.
Additionally, in the "Zero Waste Kitchen" area, practical events will share methods for preventing food waste, and examples of sustainable gastronomy will be presented to visitors.
THE NEW ADDRESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSFORMATION
The digital platform https://istanbulsifiratikhaftasi.org/, introduced as part of Istanbul Zero Waste Week, stands out as one of the key elements of the organization. Through this platform, where all events across Istanbul can be tracked from a single center, citizens will be able to access district-level activities, get information about projects, and participate in events.
The Zero Waste Foundation, continuing its work under the vision and auspices of Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, highlights that environmental sustainability has become a fundamental necessity not only for environmental policies but also for economic development, social welfare, and the quality of life for future generations. Istanbul Zero Waste Week is expected to be an important milestone that will contribute to the adoption of this transformation by all segments of society.