Zero Waste Forum 2026
A high-level ministerial session was held in Istanbul as part of the 2026 International Zero Waste Forum, themed “The Road to Antalya: Zero Waste as Climate Action”.
A delegation from the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change participated in the session and presented Uzbekistan’s national initiatives on waste management and the development of a green economy.
The forum gathered representatives from more than 100 countries, international organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector.
The participants focused on waste reduction, developing a circular economy, and addressing climate change.
The representatives of Uzbekistan emphasized that the Zero Waste concept is becoming not only an environmental initiative but also an important tool for sustainable development and technological modernization. They noted that waste remains a key driver of environmental pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
The forum participants were also briefed on the country’s large-scale modernization of its waste management system. It was noted that two waste-to-energy plants are scheduled to be commissioned this year, followed by nine additional similar facilities in the coming years. This will enable the processing of up to 5.5 million tonnes of waste annually and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As part of the forum, the Uzbek side put forward several initiatives to prepare for COP31 and to implement the global climate agenda. The proposals included shifting from conventional waste disposal to a resource-efficient model and the widespread adoption of digital technologies and artificial intelligence-based solutions in the sector.
In addition, the delegation of Uzbekistan held bilateral meetings with representatives of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the United Nations Technology Bank. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in sustainable urbanization, green technologies, environmental education, and improvements to the waste management system.
The parties agreed to begin practical preparations to host the international environmental campaign, World Cleanup Day, in Samarkand in 2027.
Agreements were reached to expand international cooperation, implement joint environmental projects, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. This once again confirmed Uzbekistan’s active involvement in addressing global environmental challenges and its firm commitment to green development.
Muhayyo Toshqorayeva, UzA
