Within the framework of the Zero Waste Forum 2026, a strategic coordination meeting was held between members of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and Samed Ağırbaş, COP31 Climate High-Level Champion and CEO of the Zero Waste Foundation.

The high-level discussions focused on the NGIC’s active role in the formal preparations for the upcoming COP31 summit, immediate opportunities for joint collaboration during the upcoming London Climate Action Week, and the Center’s long-term engagement and institutional contribution to global COP31 activities.

During the session, NGIC member Zlatko Lagumdzija, Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations and former Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, officially presented a special gift to Samed Ağırbaş.

On behalf of the Center, Lagumdzija presented the book “Lennon”, authored by fellow NGIC member Ivo Josipovic, the former President of Croatia. The gesture underscored the unique intersection of cultural diplomacy and global leadership that defines the Center's international missions.

As part of its extensive engagement at the Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul, the high-level delegation from the Nizami Ganjavi International Center actively participated in two pivotal climate diplomacy sessions focused on accelerating practical frameworks ahead of COP31 in Antalya.

High-Level Ministerial Session: From Istanbul to COP31 Antalya

The NGIC delegation took part in the High-Level Ministerial Session on Environment and Climate, held under the theme "Advancing Climate Mitigation through Zero Waste Solutions: From Istanbul to COP31 Antalya."

This ministerial session served as a key political anchor for the forum, bridging the circular economy initiatives showcased in Istanbul with the upcoming formal negotiations under the Turkish COP31 Presidency. Discussions among ministers, global leaders, and NGIC members highlighted how national zero-waste frameworks can be integrated directly into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to achieve rapid climate mitigation.

Private Sector Engagement During COP31

Recognizing that public policy must be matched by market delivery, the delegation also participated in high-level discussions centered around “Private Sector Engagement during COP31.”

Organized in close collaboration with the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEİK) and held with the valued support of COP31 Climate High-Level Champion Samed Ağırbaş, the session mapped out concrete mechanisms to mobilize green investments.

Members of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center delivered keynote speeches during the high-level sessions of the Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul.

Our members shared their insights and perspectives on driving sustainable policy and climate action on the "Road to Antalya":

Ismail Serageldin, Co-Chair, NGIC; Vice President of the World Bank (1992-2000) addressed the forum on the global development and economic aspects of the zero-waste transition.

Rebeca Grynspan, UN Secretary-General candidate focused her speech on the intersection of multilateral trade, development, and the circular economy.

Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Former Mayor of Kuala Lumpur; former Executive Director, UN-Habitat highlighted sustainable urban governance and the local implementation of zero-waste strategies.

The keynote addresses by the NGIC members contributed to the forum's high-level dialogue ahead of the upcoming COP31.

A high-level delegation from the Nizami Ganjavi International Center participated in the Zero Waste Forum 2026 held in Istanbul from June 5–7, organized by the Zero Waste Foundation (Sıfır Atık Vakfı), founded by the First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye, Emine Erdoğan.

Held under the theme "Road to Antalya: Zero Waste as Climate Action," the forum serves as a high-level platform promoting the zero-waste approach as a practical climate action pathway ahead of COP31, which will be hosted in Antalya.

The forum was attended by a high-level delegation of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center members, including:

• Ismail Serageldin – Co-Chair, NGIC; Vice President of the World Bank (1992-2000)
• Rebeca Grynspan – UN Secretary General candidate
• Maimunah Mohd Sharif – Former Mayor of Kuala Lumpur; former Executive Director, UN-Habitat
• Hakima El-Haite – Former Minister of Environment of Morocco; Founder of EauGlobe; Member of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste
• Ameenah Gurib-Fakim – President of the Republic of Mauritius (2015-2018)
• Zlatko Lagumdzija – Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN; Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2001-2002); Deputy Prime Minister (2012-2015)
• Salaheddine Mazouar – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Morocco (2013-2017); President of COP22
• Csaba Korosi – President of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
• Borut Pahor – President of Slovenia (2012-2022)
• Michal Kurtyka – President of COP24; Minister of Climate and Environment of Poland (2019-2021)
• Patricia Scotland – Former Commonwealth Secretary-General; Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom
• Eka Tkeshelashvili – Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia (2010-2012)
• Melanne Verveer – Executive Director, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS)
• Jean Baderschneider – Board of Directors, Fortescue Ltd.; Founder and Chair, The Global Fund to End Modern Slavery; Vice President, ExxonMobil (2000-2013)

The forum featured a series of crucial panel discussions shaping the future of global climate delivery:

• “From Marrakech to Antalya: Why Zero Waste Needs Multilateral Leadership”
• “Governing Zero Waste: From Political Commitment to Climate Delivery”
• “Countries Leading the Circular Shift”
• “Trust, Fairness and the Human Side of Transition”
• “From Pledges to Delivery: Why the Climate Action Agenda Matters More Than Ever”
• “Women Leading the Zero Waste Movement”

Throughout the sessions, the delegation engaged in vital discussions regarding the integration of zero-waste initiatives into tangible climate strategies and the critical role of multilateral leadership on the road to COP31.

As part of the forum, the Nizami Ganjavi International Center’s pavilion at the Zero Waste Forum Exhibition Area served as a major highlight.

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we inform Rovshan Muradov’s many friends and admirers around the world that he has passed away unexpectedly in Istanbul.  He was there engaged in the work he so loved—organizing the participation of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC) in an important international conference in Türkiye.

Rovshan was one of the founding members of the NGIC and served as its Secretary-General from its first days. Through his vision, dedication, and tireless efforts, he played a central role in building the institution into the internationally respected organization it is today. He recruited, mentored, and inspired the staff, established enduring partnerships across continents, and worked ceaselessly to strengthen the bonds of friendship among the Center’s distinguished members.

More than an able administrator and accomplished international figure, Rovshan possessed a rare gift for bringing people together. Through his warmth, and generosity of spirit, he fostered not only professional collaboration but also a genuine sense of family within the NGIC community. He was deeply respected, greatly admired, and sincerely loved by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

His passing leaves an immense void in our hearts and in the life of the institution to which he devoted so much of himself. His legacy will endure in the organization he helped create, in the many friendships he nurtured, and in the countless lives he touched.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, his loved ones, and his many friends throughout the world. May they find comfort in the knowledge that Rovshan’s life was one of service, friendship, and lasting achievement, and that his memory will remain with us always.

Further information regarding memorial arrangements and opportunities to honor Rovshan's memory will be communicated in due course.

On May 22, a high-level event titled “Rethinking Global Investment in Housing: Financing Dignity, Resilience and Inclusive Urban Futures” was held in Baku as part of the 13th Session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13).

The event was a Joint Session co-organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, UN-HABITAT, and the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The session aimed to thoroughly examine the global housing crisis through the lens of inequality, development, and social stability. Participants explored innovative financing mechanisms designed to achieve accessible, inclusive, and climate-resilient housing. Discussions also focused significantly on the pivotal role of multilateral institutions, development banks, sovereign funds, and private sector actors in mobilizing critical investments for sustainable urban development. Furthermore, the session highlighted the essential interlinkages between housing, climate resilience, and the comprehensive implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The prestigious panel of speakers featured our members:

Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development;

Benedetto Zacchiroli, Chair of the International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities of UNESCO; President of the European Coalition of Cities against Racism;

Ismail Serageldin, Co-Chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center;

Maimunah Mohd Sharif, former Executive Director of UN-Habitat;

Patricia Scotland, Member of the UK House of Lords and former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth;

Alongside the NGIC members:

Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President and Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues;

Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan;

Nigar Arpadarai, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29;

also delivered speeches during the session.