Istanbul: Anaclaudia Rossbach, the executive director of UN-Habitat, emphasized the significance of the International Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul, describing it as a pivotal moment for building "critical mass in terms of the pathways that we have to follow as humanity." Rossbach highlighted the forum's role in discussing global challenges and fostering essential partnerships to address these issues collaboratively.

According to Anadolu Agency, the forum was organized by the Zero Waste Foundation in partnership with the Turkish Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Ministry, the Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Ministry, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and UN-Habitat. It convened UN officials, scientists, decision-makers, and zero-waste entrepreneurs to focus on sustainable city management and the zero-waste target across various sectors.

The three-day event, commencing on a Friday, delved into the waste burden generated by cities, particularly its impact on methane emissions and urbanization dynamics. Rossbach stressed the importance of strategic waste management plans that are participatory, considering different community contexts and involving informal workers and settlements, as they are among the most vulnerable.

Rossbach highlighted the value of green diplomacy, which fosters collaboration among all stakeholders and enables rapid joint action. She also noted the forum's timing ahead of the UN Climate Change Summit, COP30, in Brazil, stating it provides an opportunity to connect efforts from one COP to another, ensuring stakeholders are well-prepared with data, information, and best practices for these global negotiations.