UNDP is participating in the Global Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye, contributing to high-level discussions on circular economy, climate action, sustainable finance and municipal implementation under the Forum theme, “Road to Antalya: Zero Waste as Climate Action.”

Convened ahead of COP31 in Antalya, the Forum brings together governments, municipalities, international organizations, development finance institutions, private sector leaders, researchers and civil society to explore how zero waste approaches can support climate mitigation, resilient urban development and more resource-efficient economies.

UNDP’s engagement reflects its growing work on circular economy, pollution prevention and zero waste systems across regions and sectors, as well as its commitment to advancing practical solutions that link environmental sustainability with development outcomes.

From Waste Management to Systems Transformation 

UNDP approaches zero waste as part of a broader shift toward more circular and resource-efficient economies. The challenge goes far beyond waste collection and disposal. It touches how materials are produced and consumed, how cities grow, how infrastructure is planned and how public and private investment is directed. 

As waste volumes continue to rise globally, municipalities are facing increasing pressure from landfill constraints, methane emissions, infrastructure gaps and the growing financial costs of disposal-based systems. 

Cities are therefore becoming central to the transition. Municipal governments influence many of the decisions that shape whether circular economy approaches work in practice --from procurement and land use planning to infrastructure investment and local service delivery. 

UNDP supports countries and cities through policy advice, municipal partnerships, sustainable finance and practical implementation support aimed at reducing waste, improving resource efficiency and strengthening climate resilience.

 

UNDP at the Forum 

UNDP representatives from headquarters, regional and country offices are contributing to discussions throughout the Forum on topics including:

• Zero waste and climate mitigation
• Urban planning and climate
• Reuse systems at scale

UNDP participation includes Mr. Marcos Athias Neto, UN Assistant Secretary General and UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director of the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS); Ms. Monica Merino, UNDP Resident Representative, Türkiye; Ms. Xiaofang Zhou, Head of Cooling, Circularity and Pollution Prevention within UNDP’s Planet Hub; and Ms. Dixania Azofeifa Duarte, Project Manager of Circular Economy and Plastic at UNDP Costa Rica.

UNDP experts and partners are also expected to contribute to sessions on sustainable finance, municipal governance, circular economy policy and local implementation.

Supporting Cities Through the SWAP Project

UNDP’s participation at the Forum also builds on the GEF-financed Shifting to Zero Waste Against Pollution (SWAP) project, which supports cities and local governments in advancing circular economy and zero waste systems. 

The initiative works with municipalities in Türkiye (Kocaeli), Tunisia (Tunis), Sierra Leone (Freetown), Uruguay (Metropolitan Area (including Montevideo, San José and Canelones), and China (Tianjin) to strengthen waste prevention, material recovery, methane reduction, urban governance and local implementation capacity. 

Kocaeli, one of Türkiye’s major industrial provinces and a SWAP partner location, highlights the growing importance of industrial transition, resource productivity and circular manufacturing within broader zero waste strategies. 

 

Explore Related Resources
 

Zero Waste Knowledge Hub – A global platform developed through the SWAP initiative, offering tools, case studies and practical guidance to support cities transitioning to zero waste and circular economy approaches. Visit the Knowledge Hub.

Transitioning to a Circular Economy Through Chemical and Waste Management – This publication highlights UNDP's approach to advancing circular economy solutions through sound chemicals and waste management. It explores how life-cycle management, pollution prevention and resource efficiency can help reduce waste, keep materials in use and support more sustainable development pathways. Read the publication here.

Beating Plastic Pollution: Key Insights and Lessons from Seychelles’ Deposit-Refund Scheme – This case study examines how Seychelles became a regional pioneer in tackling plastic pollution through a national deposit-refund scheme for PET bottles. Drawing on government experience and stakeholder insights, it highlights the system’s development, challenges and lessons learned, offering practical guidance for Small Island Developing States and other countries seeking to strengthen plastic recovery, reduce leakage and advance circular economy solutions. Read the case study here.

Advancing Zero Waste Through Public-Private Partnerships – This webinar showcases practical experiences from around the world on scaling zero waste solutions through circular economy approaches, improved waste management systems and public-private partnerships. Watch the recording and access event materials here.

Waste Management at the Municipal Level: Mayors’ Dialogue on Zero Waste – This event brought together mayors and global experts to discuss how cities can advance zero waste through stronger governance, improved waste services, circular economy approaches and public-private partnerships. It highlights the critical role of local leadership in addressing waste, climate and development challenges. Watch the recording and access event materials here.

Bio-waste Alchemy: Transforming Municipal Waste into Green Gold – This webinar explores how cities can turn bio-waste into valuable resources such as compost and biogas through circular economy approaches, improved waste management systems and cross-sector collaboration. Drawing on experiences from Sri Lanka, Ghana, Colombia and beyond, it highlights practical solutions for scaling sustainable bio-waste management. Watch the recording and access event materials here.