Zero Waste Forum 2026 Concludes in Istanbul: A Global Call for Climate Action and Circular Economy Transformation
The curtains have closed on the Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul, but the momentum it generated continues to reverberate across the globe. Held from June 5–7 under the compelling theme “Road to Antalya: Zero Waste as Climate Action”, the Forum brought together thousands of policymakers, innovators, practitioners, and thought leaders committed to turning ambitious ideas into tangible solutions.
As a long-term strategic partner of the Zero Waste Foundation, the African Smart Cities Innovation Foundation (ASCIF) was proud to actively participate in this landmark event. Our President & Founder, Mr. David Olatunji, represented ASCIF on the ground, engaging in high-level discussions and forging connections that will help advance zero-waste and climate-resilient urban development across Africa.
A High-Level Gathering with Strong Leadership
The Forum reached a powerful crescendo during the closing ceremony, graced by H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye. In his address at the Zero Waste Forum Gala Dinner, President Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s meticulous approach to environment, climate, and waste management, describing nature as both a divine responsibility and a heritage for future generations.
He stated that Türkiye is advancing green transformation, circular economy, and sustainable development to minimize the impacts of the climate crisis. His strong endorsement elevated zero waste from a local initiative to a national and international priority.
Other key voices who delivered impactful messages included:
- H.E. Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of Türkiye & Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation, who highlighted the global hunger and nutrition crisis, noting that 873 million people struggle with hunger while over 2 billion lack adequate nutrition.
- Mr. Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 Climate High-Level Champion, who delivered a profound definition of zero waste:“Zero waste is not merely the collection or recycling of waste. It is a holistic philosophy of living — one that invites us to rethink how we approach production, consumption, resources, and above all, our responsibility toward future generations.”
- Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, who stressed the need for alignment between ambition, implementation, policy, and investment, declaring that:“If we successfully align ambition with implementation and policy with investment, zero waste can easily become one of the most powerful drivers of climate resilience in our time.”
Voices from the Ground: Passionate and Inspiring
Throughout the three days, participants described the Forum in glowing terms: “the hottest event this year… ambitious… promising… timely… momentum building… necessary… inspiring… fantastic… life-changing… collaboration… sustainability… connections…”
These sentiments captured the spirit of the gathering, a space where ideas were exchanged, partnerships were forged, and practical solutions were prioritized.
ASCIF’s Commitment to Africa’s Zero Waste Future
For ASCIF, participation in the Zero Waste Forum was more than attendance, it was a strategic opportunity to amplify African voices on the global stage. Our work in community-based zero-waste programmes, circular economy pilots, and climate-resilient smart cities directly aligns with the outcomes and declarations emerging from Istanbul.
We remain committed to translating the insights gained into actionable programmes across African cities, from waste-to-resource innovations and flood-prevention systems to policy advocacy and green job creation.
The Road Ahead: From Istanbul to Antalya and Beyond
The Zero Waste Forum 2026 has set a strong foundation for COP31 in Antalya. The real success, however, will be measured by what happens next, in policy reforms, investment flows, community actions, and measurable reductions in waste and emissions.
At ASCIF, we are inspired and energized to play our part. The future of sustainable cities will be built on collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment to both people and the planet.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Zero Waste Foundation, H.E. Emine Erdoğan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and all partners for hosting this transformative gathering.
The journey to a zero-waste, climate-resilient future continues; and Africa is ready to lead.
What are your thoughts on the outcomes of the Zero Waste Forum 2026?
How can we accelerate zero-waste adoption in African cities? Share your views in the comments.
Read more about our work: www.ascif.org
𝗜𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗯𝘂𝗹 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗔 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
