Istanbul is preparing to host one of the most significant global sustainability gatherings of the year as the Zero Waste Forum 2026 approaches.

Scheduled for 5–7 June 2026 at Istanbul Atatürk Airport, the forum is expected to bring together ministers, policymakers, industry leaders, and international organizations from more than 150 countries to accelerate cooperation on circular economy and climate action.

Now only days away, the event is positioned as a key milestone on the road to COP31, which Türkiye will host in Antalya in November 2026, further strengthening the global climate agenda with a strong emphasis on zero-waste principles.

High-Level Ministerial Participation and Industrial Vision

Within the framework of the forum, Ministers of Industry and Technology will convene in high-level sessions focused on shaping the future of sustainable industry. These meetings aim to develop concrete strategies in areas such as green transformation, resource efficiency, sustainable production systems, and technological innovation.

Officials emphasize that the forum is not only a dialogue platform but also a working mechanism designed to produce actionable outcomes for industries transitioning toward low-carbon and circular models.

A Global Platform for Circular Economy and Climate Solutions

Organized by the Zero Waste Foundation, the forum will serve as a global hub where governments, cities, businesses, and civil society institutions will collaborate on circular production models, reduction of plastic and industrial waste, sustainable supply chains, zero-waste urban management, and green financing mechanisms.

According to organizers, the 2026 edition is expected to deepen international cooperation and scale up practical solutions for waste reduction and climate resilience.

“Road to Antalya” and COP31 Link

A key outcome expected from the forum is the “Road to Antalya Declaration,” which will align zero-waste strategies with the broader COP31 climate agenda. Türkiye’s leadership in hosting COP31 is seen as a major opportunity to integrate circular economy policies into global climate negotiations.

The forum is also expected to feed into the UN climate process, with findings contributing to international policy frameworks on sustainability, resource efficiency, and emissions reduction.

Istanbul to Become a Global Zero Waste Hub

Alongside the main forum, a large-scale Zero Waste Festival (4–7 June 2026) will take place across Istanbul, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and public engagement activities aimed at promoting sustainable living practices among youth and families.

Organizers describe the event as part of a broader vision to transform Istanbul into a global center for zero-waste awareness and climate innovation.

As the countdown continues, the Zero Waste Forum 2026 is expected to serve as a major convergence point for international climate diplomacy and industrial transformation. With its link to COP31 and participation from global stakeholders, the forum is positioned to strengthen the role of zero-waste policies in shaping the next phase of global environmental action. (ILKHA)