Istanbul: The Zero Waste Forum continued its proceedings in Istanbul on Saturday, centering discussions around circular economy practices, food waste reduction, sustainable growth, and the critical role of local governments in advancing zero-waste policies.

According to Anadolu Agency, the three-day event, concluding on Sunday, is themed "Road to Antalya: Zero Waste as Climate Action," connecting the forum's dialogue to global climate initiatives in anticipation of COP31, which will be hosted by Trkiye in Antalya this November. Saturday's agenda highlighted the impact of organic waste on methane emissions and explored strategies to prevent food loss in supply chains, aiming to reduce excess waste at its origin.

The forum also delved into topics such as the industrial shift towards circular production, the establishment of reuse systems, the development of the bioeconomy, and the influence of consumer behavior and media narratives on waste generation. The event commenced on Friday with keynote speeches from Trkiye's first lady Emine Erdogan, also the honorary president of the Zero Waste Foundation, and UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach.

Distinguished attendees include Jordanian Princess Dana Firas, Zimbabwean first lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, Burundi's first lady Angeline Ndayishimiye, UN Zero Waste Advisory Board Vice Chair Jose Manuel Moller, Russian presidential aide and climate envoy Ruslan Edelgeriev, former Mauritian President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former Serbian President Boris Tadic, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, and former Slovenian President Borut Pahor.

The forum acts as the central event of Istanbul Zero Waste Week, a citywide initiative uniting public institutions, local governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to promote zero-waste solutions and sustainable living. Concurrently, the Zero Waste Festival is offering exhibitions, workshops, and public events to enhance environmental awareness among the community.