New York: International leaders and environmental advocates emphasized the significance of zero waste initiatives while commending Turkish first lady Emine Erdogan for her leadership as chair of the UN High-Level Advisory Board on Zero Waste during an exhibition at UN headquarters marking International Zero Waste Day.
According to Anadolu Agency, Lara van Druten, a member of the UN Zero Waste Advisory Board, expressed satisfaction with the event, noting her choice to wear a suit made from recycled plastic to mark the occasion. Vijay Jagannathan, secretary-general of CityNet, praised the efforts of Emine Erdogan and the Zero Waste Foundation, expressing hope for stronger collaboration between CityNet and the foundation.
Hakima El Haite, founder of EauGlobe, highlighted the achievement of addressing solid waste issues within the UN headquarters and expressed pride in participating in the initiative led by Emine Erdogan. She emphasized the celebration of textile recycling and upgrading as a part of the event.
Carlos Silva Filho, president of the International Solid Waste Association, pointed out that International Zero Waste Day in 2025 aims to bring attention to the waste generated by the fashion and textile industry. He stressed the need for better waste management practices and thanked the Zero Waste Foundation for hosting the exhibition at UN headquarters to raise awareness.
Laura Reyes, a member of the Zero Waste Advisory Board, shared her pride in participating by wearing her grandmother’s sweaters, aligning with the trend of reusing and recycling textiles. In 2022, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on the zero-waste initiative presented by Trkiye, officially declaring March 30 as International Day of Zero Waste.