Under the auspices of Emine Erdoğan, TÜRGEV Chairperson Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz highlighted at the Zero Waste Forum that youth raised with a stewardship mindset are the guarantee of a sustainable future.
17 October 2025
On October 17–19, 2025, Istanbul hosted the Zero Waste Forum, organized under the patronage of Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, the First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye, and in partnership with the Zero Waste Foundation. Representatives from 104 countries convened under the theme “Human, Space, Transformation” to deliberate on the intersections of environment, economy, and social change.
Among the speakers, TÜRGEV Board Chairperson Av. Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz emphasized that Emine Erdoğan’s globally inspiring Zero Waste vision is rooted in a “movement of conscience” built upon the principles of respect for creation, refraining from waste, and a stewardship mindset.
In her address, Yılmaz said:
“Under the leadership of Emine Erdoğan, whose Zero Waste vision sets an example to the world, we are reminded of our responsibility toward every created being that God has entrusted to us on Earth.
At TÜRGEV, we strive in every project involving youth to keep this stewardship mindset alive. Because the Earth does not belong to humankind; humankind is the steward of the Earth.
A youth who embraces this awareness will fulfill their duty toward both the environment and humanity with faith, loyalty, and merit.”
Yılmaz further explained that the essence of zero waste lies in conserving resources, avoiding waste, and respecting the rights of existence:
“Waste is not only the depletion of resources but also the exhaustion of conscience. Every youth raised with a sense of stewardship learns the value of bounty and the blessing of sharing.”
She stressed that this ethos has transformed into a powerful culture of solidarity within TÜRGEV’s sisterhood ecosystem, where young women engage in pioneering projects that integrate environmental awareness with social responsibility.
Under TÜRGEV’s umbrella, initiatives such as the “Beautiful Works Factory”, the Vocational Training Awareness Project, and various volunteer-driven environmental programs have empowered youth to take active roles in sustainable production, ecological awareness, and climate responsibility. Yılmaz remarked:
“This consciousness, nurtured under the leadership of Emine Erdoğan, transforms compassion in the hearts of youth into a force. Protecting nature is not merely an environmental act, but a moral duty. Together with young people, we act with loyalty to the earth, devotion to water, and compassion for humanity.”
She underlined the significance of the forum’s outcomes forming the foundation for the 2026 Zero Waste Report, stating:
“The consciousness blossoming in the hearts of youth today will be the foundation of tomorrow’s just, livable, and conscientious world.”
In every program and project, TÜRGEV combines the concept of stewardship with a sisterhood ecosystem, where young women support each other, create, and cultivate awareness. This ecosystem spans environmental sensitivity, social entrepreneurship, vocational empowerment, and a culture of volunteering—becoming a carrier of sustainable transformation.
Zero Waste, Zero Wastefulness, Infinite Compassion
At TÜRGEV, we believe that the zero waste mindset is not only an ecological imperative, but also a moral and human responsibility. Our mission is to nurture youth into environmentally harmonious, productive, conscious, and sensitive individuals — in line with our vision: Youth Raised with a Stewardship Mindset.
In framing our mission globally: the United Nations, through agencies such as UNDP, actively promotes zero waste strategies as part of its chemicals and waste programmes to decouple economic growth from waste generation. UNDP
Additionally, the UN’s Zero Waste Project emphasizes preventing waste, optimizing resource use, and source separation—steps that align with our efforts. Sustainable Development Goals
TÜRGEV’s approach resonates with these international frameworks, reinforcing that youth stewardship, circular economy, and zero waste are not merely local goals but global imperatives.
1. What is the purpose of Emine Erdoğan’s Zero Waste project, and how does TÜRGEV align with this vision?
Launched under the leadership of Emine Erdoğan, the Zero Waste Project aims to protect natural resources, prevent waste, and promote a culture of sustainable living across society.
TÜRGEV integrates this vision into its youth-centered programs, empowering young people to act with environmental awareness and become pioneers of social transformation.
2. How is TÜRGEV’s vision connected to the United Nations’ Zero Waste initiatives?
TÜRGEV’s approach complements the Zero Waste programs implemented by UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme).
This vision highlights resource efficiency, the circular economy, and youth leadership in sustainability -- directly supporting the UN’s global Zero Waste framework.
