New York, March 28, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan, chairperson of the UN High-Level Advisory Board on Zero Waste, visited the “Zero Waste Installation Exhibition” at the UN headquarters in New York.
Accompanied by Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum, UN High Representative Rabab Fatima, UN Deputy Secretary-General Ligia Noronha, members of the Zero Waste Advisory Board, fashion designers, and diplomatic representatives, Erdogan toured the exhibition, which was organized in collaboration with the Zero Waste Foundation, UN-Habitat, and the UN Environment Program (UNEP).
The exhibition, part of the International Zero Waste Day on March 30, will remain open to visitors until April 11. Themed “Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles,” it aims to raise awareness about sustainable consumption and the impact of textile waste on the environment.
At the center of the exhibition is the “We Have Enough” sculpture, a striking representation of global textile waste. Visitors can step inside and experience the magnitude of the waste issue through mirrors reflecting an infinite cycle of discarded textiles. The exhibition also features interactive zones, including a “Reality Zone,” which presents sobering statistics on environmental pollution, and an “Interactive Experience Area,” where visitors can learn about the effects of waste on seas, animals, and air quality.
The exhibition highlights alarming facts, such as the textile industry’s use of 215 trillion liters of water annually and the production of 92 million tons of textile waste each year—equivalent to the weight of 9,109 Eiffel Towers. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on their role in sustainability through various immersive displays, including a “Recycling Journey” area and a “Commitment Zone” where they can sign the Zero Waste Declaration.
A dedicated section of the exhibition also showcases the Emine Erdogan Zero Waste International Award, established to recognize global best practices in sustainability and waste management.
In a social media post, Erdogan described the exhibition as a call to action, urging people to embrace sustainability and take steps towards a greener future. “Because we know that there are enough people and enough opportunities to realize change,” she stated.
