While the vast majority of the international media focuses on Turkey's domestic and foreign policy, it tends to ignore some good news, such as the developments we are witnessing in the field of combating environmental challenges, as Turkey contributes positively to all efforts in the international arena to combat the major challenges posed by climate change. upon all humanity.

This includes the signing of important climate agreements under the leadership of the President of our Republic, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as Ankara's leadership in efforts to diversify energy resources for our people as well as for Europe.

In this regard, Turkey's efforts and diplomatic endeavors to invest in cleaner energy resources and facilitate the access of natural gas from Central Asia to Europe will turn it into an energy hub, which will contribute to strengthening energy security in our region and bringing us closer to its more sustainable resources.

The "Zero Waste" project, sponsored by Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, has left an imprint on many initiatives and projects in our country, some of which have gained international recognition.

Some of our public and private institutions have also achieved the goals of the zero waste initiative in a short time

Over the past years, Turkey has made great progress in terms of increasing the share of renewable energy among the many energy sources it uses, in addition to the great success in reducing our carbon footprint in general.

Especially since 2017, Turkey has become a world leader in the zero waste initiative, sponsored and initiated by Mrs. Emine Erdoğan.

That is why Turkey's Zero Waste Resolution, adopted by the UN General Assembly, is an important turning point in our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Mrs. Emine Erdoğan is one of the staunchest advocates of the Zero Waste Project both globally and locally, having led a number of successful campaigns across the country that have raised citizens' awareness about consumption and led to zero waste measures.

The Turkish administration has long been aware of the reality of the climate crisis and the need to take urgent measures.

This awareness stems from the core of our traditions and our culture that has always taught us that it is unfair to waste resources and leave the world to future generations worse than what we inherited.

It is also a grievous affront to the riches the world has bestowed on us, so that we humans should leave behind a world better than the one we have enjoyed.

This is the guiding principle for our administration's approach to climate change issues.

The fair and equitable use of natural resources and educating future generations can create effective solutions that will make sustainability a reality.

The common future of humanity depends on our environmental awareness and our commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle.

From this standpoint, both the President of our Republic and his wife apply these principles in their daily lives and set an example for everyone.

After this effort, the "Zero Waste" project under the auspices of Mrs. Emine Erdoğan has left an imprint on many initiatives and projects in our country, some of which have gained international recognition.

Some of our public and private institutions have also achieved the goals of the zero waste initiative in a short time.

For example, the Turkish aerospace and aerospace company Tuşas managed to recycle 99% of its waste.

Some of our municipalities have also been recognized by European institutions in waste management and composting projects.

Turkey's Ministry of Environment, Urban Planning and Climate Change offers grants to encourage such projects, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is developing projects to address issues such as water waste, which are increasing in value by the day.

As for the measures taken by the government, we have imposed financial fines to reduce the use of plastic bags, and fines to prevent littering, the use of hazardous substances, air pollution and even noise pollution.

These are just a few of the zero waste measures that have been implemented in our country in recent years, and the efforts are ongoing as many creative minds in our country are creating artworks out of plastic and other waste to create awareness by taking inspiration from the zero waste project.

Turkey is a pioneer in advocating commitment to zero waste measures in international forums, with Mrs. Emine Erdogan keen to remind the world at every opportunity that we need to reform our consumption habits and be careful about what we leave behind.

Although it is important to think about discovering new energy sources to carry out our activities, reducing our carbon footprint starts with our consumption habits.

Transformative technologies and clean energy sources will certainly play an important role in addressing climate change issues, but they will not be enough if citizens do not actively and consciously participate in the zero waste project.

This is because disposing of waste at consumption is easier than trying to dispose of the plastic and other chemical waste that arises from the way we use it.

This is the conscious position of the Zero Waste Project in our country, and it is gratifying that it is recognized by institutions such as the United Nations.

Our government is determined to protect the environment and reduce our carbon footprint so that future generations can live in a sustainable world, which is the goal for which our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Mrs. Emine Erdoğan are striving to implement measures and create awareness at the national and global level.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that global challenges cannot be addressed without global solidarity and cooperation.

The same goes for meeting today's environmental challenges.

Despite the instability in the international system, Turkey is determined to work with like-minded leaders and allies for a more sustainable future.

We should consider the UN's acceptance of Turkey's zero-waste resolution as an opportunity to take this issue to a higher level.

Responsible and informed consumption must also be part of any serious strategy to meet the challenges of global climate change.

Our leaders are doing their part, and the rest of the world's leaders must do the same.