BM Desk:

The United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste convened for its inaugural in-person meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. The meeting, chaired by Turkey First Lady Emine Erdogan, saw the participation of advisors, including Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif, and Guy Ryder, Under Secretary-General of the United Nations, representing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

During the meeting, the board discussed and approved their work plan, focusing on activities aimed at promoting best practices for zero waste. Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus proposed the establishment of “3ZERO Clubs” led by young people, the acceleration of zero-waste social businesses under the Yunus Environment Hub, and the development of guidelines for zero-waste cities. Christina Jaeger, co-founder and managing director of Yunus Environment Hub, was also present, emphasizing the importance of these initiatives.

The Advisory Board’s primary mission is to advocate for and promote local and national zero-waste initiatives, creating practical examples for others to follow. The board will actively share success stories and best practices through various means, including reports, websites, and social media, to raise awareness and disseminate relevant information. This dissemination will be especially prominent during the global celebration of the International Day of Zero Waste, held annually on March 30.

The board’s commitment to fostering a waste-free world demonstrates a shared dedication to the Global Zero Waste Movement’s ultimate goal. Emine Erdogan, as chairperson, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the board members for their unwavering commitment to taking action for a sustainable solution.

Emine Erdogan stated, “Our mission is to continue working diligently until the call for a waste-free life commitment reaches every corner of the world. I believe that our meeting will bring about positive change for our country and the world.”

The hashtag #TheWorldOurCommonHome symbolizes the collective commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable planet and underscores the board’s dedication to this global cause.

Professor Yunus is visiting Turkey to attend this meeting, and he will also be involved in several meetings and interviews regarding his work.