On 2 September 2025, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Secretariat and the Zero Waste Foundation held an online meeting to discuss potential collaboration opportunities within and after the upcoming Zero Waste Forum, scheduled to take place in Istanbul from 17 to 19 October 2025. This partnership aims to align the Zero Waste Initiative with ECO’s strategic vision, particularly through the recently launched Regional Initiative on Resource Efficiency, Sustainability, and Circular Economy (RESCUE), to address regional and global resource efficiency agenda and promote sustainable practices.
During the meeting, both sides expressed their readiness for leveraging synergies and complementarities between the Zero Waste and RESCUE initiatives. This potential partnership is expected to boost regional ownership and encourage a cohesive approach to resource efficiency and sustainability at both regional and international levels.
The ECO’s RESCUE Initiative seeks to create a regional platform for resource efficiency and circular economy, complementing the goals of the Zero Waste Forum. This forum, initiated by the First Lady of Türkiye, will bring together leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions for achieving zero waste and will feature an awards ceremony to recognize best practices in waste management. Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to continue coordinating efforts to strengthen their partnership and mutually support these two green initiatives.
