The Chairperson of the United Nations (UN) High-Level Personalities Advisory Board on Zero Waste, Emine Erdogan, met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York. The meeting took place in Guterres’ office at the UN headquarters and was closed to the press. According to information obtained about the meeting, Guterres expressed his pleasure in meeting Erdogan again on the occasion of the International Zero Waste Day on March 30. Guterres emphasized the presence of the zero waste philosophy throughout history worldwide and drew attention to the importance of addressing the project at the international level. Emine Erdogan highlighted the Secretary-General’s steadfast commitment to solving global environmental issues and his strong support for the Zero Waste Initiative, expressing her heartfelt gratitude to the Secretary-General and the UN staff. Emine Erdogan emphasized that the climate crisis and environmental problems can only be addressed through collective efforts. In this context, she stated that the Secretary-General’s participation in the “International Zero Waste Day Special Event” at the UN General Assembly is very valuable, believing that their participation will have a broader impact on the Zero Waste Initiative within the UN platforms. Clarifying that they consider the Zero Waste Movement not only as an environmental policy but also as a responsibility to protect humanity’s common future, Emine Erdogan expressed the significance she attaches to the work of the Zero Waste Advisory Board within this frame. Reminding that the Zero Waste Advisory Board has implemented important projects such as creating guiding publications and compiling good examples from around the world, Emine Erdogan recounted that they collaborated with the Zero Waste Foundation and ministries on various issues, including the execution of the International Zero Waste Day on March 30. Emine Erdogan mentioned that efforts are ongoing for significant projects such as Zero Waste Standardization, Global Zero Waste Awards, and International Zero Waste and Climate Change Forum, noting that the UN Zero Waste Resolution adopted under Turkey’s leadership and UN General Assembly decisions have entered and been accepted in many international texts, including G20 declarations. Emine Erdogan expressed satisfaction with the reference to the Zero Waste Initiative in the Future Pact, mentioning that the Global Zero Waste Goodwill Declaration, signed by herself and the Secretary-General in 2022, was signed by more than 40 First Ladies and received the support of thousands from over a hundred countries with digital signatures. Emine Erdogan recalled that this year’s main theme highlights zero waste applications in the textile and fashion sector, noting that Turkey organized the “Sufficiently Available” and “Echoes” exhibitions at the UN in this context. Emine Erdogan pointed out the importance of international solidarity in the face of increasing trials worldwide while indicating the poor test the international community has given in response to the grave violations of international law in Gaza. She stressed that they greatly appreciate the efforts of the UN and Secretary-General Guterres to put an end to this severe crisis caused by Israel and conveyed their heartfelt condolences for the UN personnel who lost their lives. Emine Erdogan expressed that UN staff made great sacrifices for the innocent Palestinians in Gaza and underlined Turkey’s determination to actively participate in peace processes conducted under the UN umbrella and to lead initiatives. Emine Erdogan expressed her wish for the bilateral cooperation to continue to strengthen in the future and invited UN Secretary-General Guterres to Turkey. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum, and the Chairperson of the Zero Waste Foundation, Samed Agirbas. Emine Erdogan made the following remarks in her social media post after the meeting: “Protecting the future of our world is to safeguard the common heritage of humanity. Today, in the productive meeting we held with the UN Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres, we focused on global efforts in waste management and circular economy. We also discussed the steps that need to be taken to achieve zero waste in the fashion and textile sector.” Emine Erdogan sincerely thanked Guterres for his strong support for a sustainable world, especially for the International Zero Waste Day event on March 30, noting: “I believe that when zero waste awareness is embraced worldwide, we will leave our common home as a valuable legacy to future generations. Our future will be shaped by the efforts of volunteers who come together hand in hand on this meaningful journey.”