Ganja:Trkiye Trkiye is demonstrating robust leadership in addressing waste through its Zero Waste initiative, the head of a US-based nonprofit organization stated, commending First Lady Emine Erdogan's role in enhancing international awareness of the issue.

According to Anadolu Agency, Dana Gunders, head of the US-based food waste nonprofit ReFED, praised Trkiye's increasing influence in uniting countries to combat food waste. She highlighted Trkiye's leadership at the UN climate summit COP31, emphasizing the country's efforts in hosting the annual Zero Waste Forum, which attracts global participation.

Gunders acknowledged First Lady Emine Erdogan's significant contribution to elevating the topic's profile internationally. Speaking after a COP31 session organized by WRAP in collaboration with ReFED, she noted the rising attention to food waste sparked by the First Lady's involvement.

Discussing solutions to food waste, Gunders emphasized the potential of artificial intelligence in improving grocery stores' sales forecasts to minimize excess food. She also mentioned mobile applications that help restaurants and stores sell food at discounts before it spoils, along with the importance of employee engagement in waste reduction.

ReFED, founded in 2015, focuses on providing data to identify effective food waste reduction strategies. Gunders highlighted the US Food Waste Pact, involving extensive participation from grocery and food service businesses, as a successful initiative in reducing food waste through data sharing.

In addition, Gunders called for stronger climate commitments, urging nations to include food waste reduction in their climate action plans under the Paris Agreement. She advocated for increased financial support from international climate funding mechanisms to aid countries in implementing waste reduction measures effectively.