Istanbul, June 5, 2026 — Türkiye has presented key aspects of its plans for hosting the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) at an international environmental forum held in Istanbul to commemorate World Environment Day.
The Global Zero Waste Forum brought together over 7,000 participants from more than 180 countries, including government representatives, policymakers and city leaders, according to organisers from the Zero Waste Foundation.
The three-day conference, themed “The Road to Antalya: Zero Waste as Climate Action,” is designed to strengthen global collaboration ahead of the COP31 summit scheduled for later in the year.
Organisers said the discussions are centered on how zero-waste strategies can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect natural ecosystems and support sustainable development goals.
President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, Samed Agirbas, said the forum would contribute practical ideas to the COP31 process and help influence future climate policy approaches.
Türkiye is set to host COP31 in Antalya from Nov. 9 to Nov. 20, with representatives from nearly 200 countries expected to attend, as it assumes the presidency of the global climate conference.