LONDON – The Turkish Embassy in London hosted a high-level panel bringing together the diplomatic and academic worlds as part of Turkey’s globally pioneered “Zero Waste” vision. Members of the Board of Directors and representatives of the Turkish Business Forum attended the event, where the success of Turkey’s environmental diplomacy and its candidacy for the COP31 presidency were detailed.

Video Message from Emine Erdoğan: “Zero Waste is a Philosophy of Life”

Emine Erdoğan, Chairperson of the United Nations Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste, addressed the participants via a video message. Emphasising that the zero waste movement is not merely an environmental project but a “philosophy of life” and a “moral responsibility,” Mrs Erdoğan highlighted Turkey’s determination in this field. In her message, she noted the significance of 30 March, International Day of Zero Waste, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly with the support of 105 countries, and underscored the goal of leaving a more liveable world for future generations.

Ambassador Ertaş: “We Will Be the Voice of Climate Justice”

Hosts, His Excellency Osman Koray Ertaş, the Turkish Ambassador to London, and his wife Sevcan Ertaş, briefed guests on Turkey’s candidacy to host the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya in 2026. Ambassador Ertaş stated that Turkey is acting on the principle of “climate justice” throughout the candidacy process and aims to be the voice of developing nations.

Sustainability Panel with Expert Speakers

The panel, organised in collaboration with the Zero Waste Foundation and moderated by Malini Mehra, featured strategic presentations by world-leading environmental experts. The following speakers shared their insights:

• Nick Mabey (CEO of E3G)
• Nicola Hopley (Deputy Head of Circular Economy at Defra)
• Katie Carson (Director of Corporate Affairs at Tetra Pak)
• Taz Khan MBE (Founder of London Community Kitchen)
• Ed Davey (Director of World Resources Institute UK)

Full Support from Turkish Business Forum Management

Board members and representatives of the Turkish Business Forum were present at the event to emphasise the role of the business community in the green transition. Forum members expressed their commitment to integrating zero waste principles—which have evolved into a global movement under the auspices of Mrs Erdoğan—into their commercial operations.

The Turkish Business Forum delegation held consultations with panellists on sustainable food systems, the circular economy, and the private sector’s obligations to reduce carbon footprints. Forum officials stated that the London-based Turkish business community will take an active role in international platforms during Turkey’s COP31 candidacy process and will continue to contribute to environmental diplomacy.