Türkiye Positions COP31 Vision at UN Meetings in New York

Türkiye strengthens global climate leadership by placing zero waste at the center of the UN agenda ahead of COP31

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, abstract painting featuring a fractured, repeating circular symbol in shades of green, blue, and yellow, conveying the momentum and energy of Türkiye's zero waste movement.Türkiye's bold vision for a zero-waste future takes center stage as the country positions itself as a global climate leader ahead of the COP31 conference.NYC Today

Türkiye elevated its global climate diplomacy, positioning zero waste as a cornerstone of international climate action through a series of high-level engagements at the United Nations in New York. Led by Samed Ağırbaş, President of Türkiye's Zero Waste Foundation and newly appointed COP31 Climate High-Level Champion, the visit highlighted Türkiye's ambition to shape the global climate agenda ahead of the COP31 conference in Antalya in November 2026.

Why it matters

As the host of the upcoming COP31 climate conference, Türkiye is positioning itself as a global leader in climate action by championing the zero waste movement as a key strategy to address the interconnected challenges of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. By engaging with senior UN officials, international organizations, and other stakeholders, Türkiye is building momentum and support for its COP31 priorities, which aim to translate global climate commitments into measurable, scalable solutions.

The details

During the three-day program, Samed Ağırbaş, President of Türkiye's Zero Waste Foundation, met with a range of UN officials and stakeholders to build support for COP31 priorities, including circular economy, sustainable food systems, youth engagement in climate action, and the implementation of global commitments at the country level. Ağırbaş also convened a high-level strategic roundtable at Türkevi, Türkiye's diplomatic center in New York, bringing together over 90 leaders from international organizations, philanthropy, and the private sector to discuss key financial alignment and cross-sector collaboration.

  • The three-day program was aligned with the United Nations International Day of Zero Waste on March 30.
  • Türkiye's Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, reinforced Türkiye's policy direction at the UN Headquarters early in the visit.
  • On the final day, Samed Ağırbaş addressed UN Member States during a COP31 priorities session, outlining a vision for a results-driven conference centered on implementation and inclusive partnerships.

The players

Samed Ağırbaş

President of Türkiye's Zero Waste Foundation and newly appointed COP31 Climate High-Level Champion.

Murat Kurum

Türkiye's Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

António Guterres

United Nations Secretary-General.

Emine Erdoğan

First Lady of Türkiye and Chair of the UN Advisory Board on Zero Waste.

Zero Waste Foundation

A Türkiye-based organization that has evolved its zero-waste initiative into a globally recognized framework.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We believe that a cleaner, fairer, and more livable world is possible. Our Zero Waste movement is not just an environmental project; it is a movement of global conscience and a legacy for future generations.”

— Murat Kurum, Türkiye's Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change

“We are on the road to COP31 in Antalya, and we want zero waste to be a central pillar of our Action Agenda. The world is facing a triple crisis: Pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. These problems are connected, and zero waste is the bridge that connects the solutions. But I cannot do this alone. We need the private sector, philanthropic leaders, cities, and civil society. I warmly invite everyone to bring their initiatives and their partnerships to COP31.”

— Samed Ağırbaş, President of Türkiye's Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 Climate High-Level Champion

What’s next

Türkiye is advancing toward COP31 not only as host, but as a catalyst for a more integrated, action-oriented global climate framework. The country is positioning the conference as a turning point for climate action, shifting from pledges to enforceable and scalable solutions.

The takeaway

Türkiye's strategic engagement at the UN in New York has solidified its position as a global leader in climate action, with the zero waste movement at the center of its COP31 vision. By building a broad coalition of support and aligning global priorities, Türkiye is poised to drive meaningful progress on the interconnected challenges of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.