By Muhammed Enes Calli
ISTANBUL (AA) – Türkiye's accomplishments on zero waste went beyond borders, the country's first lady said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the World Cities Day event in Istanbul, Emine Erdogan said: "We are now observing that accomplishments we have achieved in our nation have transcended boundaries, giving rise to a global movement."
Erdogan, the spearhead of the environmental project, said cities, which exacerbate the climate crisis, are at the same time distinct sources of potential as they are home over 50% of the global population and account for 80% of the global gross domestic product.
"For us, the Zero Waste Project, which we initiated in Türkiye six years ago, serves as a clear testament to this potential," she stressed.
"Each change we make in our living spaces is a crucial step towards a sustainable and prosperous future."
The Turkish first lady said that cities are the result of the accumulation of thinking created by humans as they progress toward civilization.
"Therefore, they (cities) not only bring individuals together, but also provide a tangible window of the shared culture and civilization developed by their residents.
"From this perspective, the city and its residents are viewed as a single entity, and cities cannot be considered apart from their inhabitants' identities," she said.
The process of urbanization brings about various crises and challenges, Erdogan also said.
"The climate-related crises we are currently facing teach us painfully that what seems unthinkable today may become unavoidable tomorrow."
She added: "The global commitment to zero waste, which we initially signed with UN Secretary General (Antonio) Guterres last year, has evolved into a visionary partnership involving numerous first ladies and gentlemen, ministers, and international representatives."
Today, the statement, which is accessible on a website for anyone to sign, has received backing from thousands of people in 59 countries worldwide, Erdogan said.
Separately, the Turkish first lady on Tuesday received UN Under-Secretary-General for Policy Guy Bernard Ryder.
Erdogan welcomed Ryder, who was in Istanbul for the World Cities Day event, at the Topkapi Palace.
She shared information about the Zero Waste Foundation, which was established with the aim of strengthening the gains achieved through the Zero Waste Project at all levels.
Ryder highlighted the importance of the foundation within the UN framework and expressed the need for effective efforts in the field of zero waste over the upcoming three years.
Furthermore, he underscored the value of establishing a zero waste economy, demonstrating successful instances, and offering assistance for technical resources regarding it.
Ryder also expressed his belief that the Zero Waste Foundation would be effective in this regard and that it would collaborate with the UN.
He suggested that the UN Zero Waste Advisory Board should hold two meetings per year, with one of them taking place in New York every September, and the location for the other meeting to be determined by the Turkish first lady.
Erdogan, in her response, expressed desire to host the board members in Türkiye.
*Esra Tekin contributed to this story.