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.