Turkey and London Unite on Zero Waste for COP31

Two major climate organizations just joined forces to bring zero waste practices to millions more people worldwide.

Turkey's Zero Waste Foundation and London Climate Action Week signed a cooperation agreement in Istanbul on August 17, bringing together one of the world's fastest-growing environmental movements with Europe's leading city-scale climate platform. The partnership aims to share knowledge, boost international visibility for circular economy approaches, and create joint programs ahead of major climate events.

The timing couldn't be more significant. Turkey will host COP31, the United Nations climate conference, next year, with waste reduction and circular economy development listed as top priorities. The Zero Waste Foundation, led by President Samed Agirbas who serves as COP31's High-Level Climate Champion, has been expanding the movement founded by Emine Erdogan, who also chairs the UN's Zero Waste High-Level Advisory Board.

London Climate Action Week has built an impressive network since launching in 2019. The annual event brings together governments, businesses, financial institutions, universities, and community groups to tackle climate challenges across energy, finance, innovation, and sustainable consumption. This year's week-long gathering in June featured sessions where Agirbas presented Turkey's zero waste success stories to international audiences.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership creates a bridge between two powerful networks working on climate solutions from different angles. London Climate Action Week connects Turkey's proven zero waste strategies with decision-makers across Europe's financial and political centers. Meanwhile, the Zero Waste Foundation gains a platform to showcase practical approaches that cities and businesses can implement immediately.

The foundation already demonstrated real-world impact across Turkey, where the zero waste approach has transformed waste management systems and inspired similar programs in other countries. Now those lessons will reach LCAW's network of governments, corporations, and community organizations across sectors.

Under the new agreement, both organizations will develop joint programs and host collaborative events at COP31 and future London Climate Action Weeks. Agirbas specifically invited LCAW leadership to participate in Istanbul Zero Waste Week next year, creating opportunities for hands-on knowledge exchange.

Nick Henry, LCAW's founder and CEO, called the partnership "a strong starting point for future collaboration" that connects complementary strengths in climate action. The protocol establishes formal channels for sharing research, coordinating on international campaigns, and bringing together stakeholders who might never otherwise collaborate.

Real progress on climate change requires exactly this kind of cooperation across borders and sectors, turning successful local initiatives into global movements that reach the scale needed to make a difference.