International Day of Zero Waste

Opening Remarks: H.E. Mr. Philémon Yang, President of the Seventy-Ninth Session of the United Nations General Assembly  Video on the International Day of Zero Waste (produced by UNEP and UN-Habitat) Remarks Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations Keynote Address: H.E. Ms. Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye, Chair of the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste  Remarks:  - Ms. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) (PRV)  - Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) (PRV)

Panel discussion entitled “ Creating the enabling environment that incentivizes innovative product design and inspire consumers ”. Moderator : Mr. Jamil Ahmad, Director, UNEP New York. Panelists :  - Mr. Jose Manuel Moller, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Algramo (Deputy Chair of the SG’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste)  - Mr. Vijay Jagannathan, Secretary-General, CityNet Asia Pacific  - Ms. Hakima El Haite, Founder of EauGlobe  - Mr. Carlos Silva Filho, President, International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) 

The New York observance of the International Day of Zero Waste is intended to increase knowledge about the environmental and social impacts of fashion and textile waste , and the potential of zero waste solutions to promote sustainability and equity. By showcasing initiatives and success stories in waste management, particularly in textiles and fashion , from Member States, young entrepreneurs and communities, it can inspire policymakers, producers, and consumers to embrace sustainable and circular practices, rethink manufacturing and consumption, and reduce waste . Watch the livestream!

   This year's, March 30th , International Day of Zero Waste will focus on the theme of fashion and textile waste , shedding light on the environmental and social challenges caused by the sector's linear business model, which drives overproduction and overconsumption . The textile sector embodies the whole waste agenda - from the importance of bolstering waste management globally to the need to reduce waste generation and promote sustainable consumption and production patterns. Every year the textile sector is estimated to be responsible for 2-8% of global GHG emissions, the use of 215 trillion litres of water (the equivalent of 86 million Olympic-sized swimming pools), and 9% of annual microplastic pollution to oceans. These staggering figures highlight the unsustainable practices driving the industry , where every second, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of clothing is incinerated or sent to landfills around the world, causing significant environmental, economic and ...