Turkish first lady meets UN chief, discusses global zero waste efforts

By Basak Akbulut Yazar

NEW YORK – Turkish first lady Emine Erdogan Tuesday met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York, discussing global waste management and upcoming climate events, according to Turkish presidential sources.

During the meeting, Erdogan, chairperson of the UN Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste, who is accompanying President Erdogan to New York for the 79th UN General Assembly session, expressed her satisfaction in reconnecting with Guterres.

Erdogan outlined the work being done by the UN advisory board in line with global waste management and the Sustainable Development Goals, noting the importance of the UN’s strong support for these efforts.

She informed Guterres of Türkiye's close cooperation with Azerbaijan in preparation for the 29th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29), to be hosted in Baku in November.

Erdogan said one of the thematic days at COP29 is expected to focus on "Zero Waste," with several events planned around the initiative.

The third in-person meeting of the UN advisory board is anticipated to take place during the COP29, Erdogan said, inviting Guterres to attend.

Addressing the impact of recent conflicts, Erdogan expressed her sorrow over the destruction caused by wars, noting that nature often becomes a silent victim and highlighted how wars devastate ecosystems, pollute natural resources, and exacerbate the climate crisis.

Following the meeting, Erdogan posted on X, saying: "We had a productive meeting with UN Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres at the UN headquarters.”

“We discussed our global efforts on waste management and the Sustainable Development Goals within the framework of the UN Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste. I invited Mr. Guterres to the board's third official meeting, planned to take place on the margins of COP29 in Azerbaijan."