The Zero Waste Foundation has concluded a series of high-level engagements in London, outlining its priorities for COP31 in Türkiye and emphasizing the need to shift global climate efforts from commitments to practical implementation.
Participating as a key stakeholder in London Climate Action Week from 22–25 June, the Foundation held discussions with finance leaders, government officials, diplomats and climate experts to promote zero waste, the circular economy and climate justice as central pillars of the upcoming UN climate conference.
The Foundation’s President, Samed Ağırbaş, who also serves as the COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, said the discussions in London reinforced the importance of turning climate pledges into tangible action.
“The climate agenda must now move beyond promises and focus on implementation,” Ağırbaş said. “Climate action should improve people’s lives. Lasting climate justice cannot be achieved unless issues such as poverty, hunger and inequality are addressed alongside environmental challenges.”
The week’s activities began at the London Stock Exchange, where Ağırbaş rang the opening bell and called for stronger climate financing and greater investment in circular economy initiatives to accelerate the global transition to sustainability.
On 23 June, he officially unveiled the COP31 High-Level Climate Champion Vision Document, describing it as a strategic roadmap for the COP31 process under the leadership of Murat Kurum, Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change and President of COP31.
Local climate action also featured prominently during the week. Speaking at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Local Climate Action Summit, Ağırbaş highlighted the growing role of cities and local governments in delivering climate solutions. He also shared the outcomes of the Zero Waste Forum held in Istanbul and introduced the Zero Waste Istanbul Platform for Climate Action, designed to strengthen cooperation between local authorities and international climate initiatives.
Throughout the events, participants recognized the global leadership of Emine Erdoğan, Founder of the Zero Waste Movement, Chair of the UN High-Level Advisory Board on Zero Waste and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation. The Foundation noted that the Zero Waste initiative has evolved into a key component of the international climate agenda by promoting sustainable consumption and resource efficiency.
The programme concluded on 25 June with the Climate Action Agenda Roundtable at Buckingham Palace, chaired by Ağırbaş. The meeting brought together prominent international figures, including UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago, UK Climate Minister Katie White, former US Vice President Al Gore, former US Secretary of State John Kerry, former Irish President Mary Robinson, and actors and climate advocates Theo James and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Representatives from international organizations and the private sector also joined the discussions, focusing on strengthening international cooperation, mobilizing climate finance and accelerating implementation ahead of COP31.
The Zero Waste Foundation said the London meetings reflected its broader objective of making climate action more practical, inclusive and measurable as preparations continue for COP31 in Türkiye.
