Within the framework of the Zero Waste Initiative, launched in 2017 under the auspices of H.E. Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye, 30 March was designated as the “International Day of Zero Waste” by a resolution adopted at the United Nations General Assembly in 2022, which was pioneered by Türkiye.

The International Day of Zero Waste strengthens efforts to address the waste crisis and promote sustainable production and consumption.

As the President and host of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), to be held in Antalya from 9 to 20 November 2026, Türkiye will also prioritize the Zero Waste approach throughout the COP31 process.