Munzur University Rector Prof.Dr. Kenan PEKER attending Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul. "Global Zero Waste Zones Initiative" Introduced at the Zero Waste Forum The "Global Zero Waste Zones Initiative," which aims to accelerate the sustainable transformation of cities, was introduced at the "Zero Waste Forum 2026" organized under the coordination of the Zero Waste Foundation at Atatürk Airport.

*Gökçe KARAKÖSE*

06 June 2026 (aa.com.tr).

According to a statement from the Foundation, the initiative was introduced by Samed AĞIRBAŞ, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and UN High-Level Climate Champion for COP31, during the forum held under the auspices of Emine ERDOĞAN, Chair of the United Nations (UN) Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation.

Launched ahead of COP31, the initiative aims to support local governments in turning their zero waste commitments into measurable practices and implementing system changes focused on the circular economy.

In the initial phase of the initiative, Mexico City (the capital of Mexico), Kisumu (Kenya), and George Town (Malaysia) were designated as pilot regions.

The practices to be developed in these cities will serve as exemplary models for preventing waste generation, reducing methane emissions, increasing resource efficiency, and scaling up sustainable urban transformation policies. The "Global Zero Waste Zones Initiative" aims to provide multi-dimensional support to cities in areas such as:

* Waste prevention and reduction policies

* Recycling of organic waste

* Reuse and repair systems

* Circular business models

* Local partnerships and community participation mechanisms

* Investable projects By doing so, it intends to bridge the gap between global climate commitments and tangible results achieved at the local level.

*Collaboration with the Global Methane Hub*

The initiative also plans to work in close cooperation with the Global Methane Hub. Efforts to reduce methane emissions stemming from organic waste are projected to run in alignment with the "LOW-Methane Initiative" launched during the COP28 process. This approach underscores once again that zero waste policies are among the effective tools contributing directly to emission reductions in the fight against climate change. 

One of the core objectives of the "Global Zero Waste Zones Initiative" is to ensure that cities not only achieve their own transformation but also develop exemplary models that can be implemented by other cities. In this context, participating regions are expected to showcase implementation examples that will shape future national and international policies while achieving measurable recycling, resource efficiency, and circularity targets.

https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/ekonomi/sifir-atik-forumunda-kuresel-sifir-atik-bolgeleri-girisimi-tanitildi/3958592