Baku, November 13, 2024 – The Europe Today: Emine Erdogan, First Lady of Türkiye and Chair of the UN High-Level Advisory Board on Zero Waste, met with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). The meeting took place within the Blue Zone area of the conference and focused on global strategies for combating climate change, with a particular emphasis on environmental sustainability and waste management.
During their discussions, First Lady Erdogan highlighted the progress and ongoing work of the UN High-Level Advisory Board on Zero Waste. The initiative, launched under her leadership in 2017, aims to mitigate climate change by reducing waste generation, optimizing resource usage, and promoting recycling and sustainable practices across Türkiye and beyond.
Secretary-General Guterres and First Lady Erdogan explored ways to enhance collaboration on climate initiatives, emphasizing the critical role of comprehensive waste management in combating the climate crisis. Erdogan provided insights on the Zero Waste Project’s achievements in Türkiye, detailing how the program has contributed to reducing the country’s environmental footprint while setting an example for international sustainability efforts.
As the Chair of the Advisory Board, Erdogan has been instrumental in elevating Türkiye’s role as a leader in environmental sustainability. Her dedication to the Zero Waste initiative underscores Türkiye’s commitment to advancing global climate action and building a greener, more sustainable future.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of Türkiye and the United Nations to addressing urgent environmental challenges through collaborative action and innovative initiatives like the Zero Waste Project. COP29 continues to serve as a platform for critical dialogue and international cooperation in the fight against climate change.
