Zero Waste Foundation and UNICEF Join Forces to Advance Child-Centred Climate Action

ISTANBUL, 8 July 2026 – The Zero Waste Foundation and UNICEF have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen children's and young people's knowledge, skills and participation in environmental sustainability and climate action. Signed by Zero Waste Foundation President and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion Samed Ağırbaş and UNICEF Representative in Türkiye Paolo Marchi, the agreement establishes a formal framework for collaboration on child-centred environmental and climate initiatives.

Under the MoU, the two organizations will work together to promote environmental sustainability through a child rights lens, raise awareness of climate change, strengthen the meaningful participation of children and young people in climate policies, and implement joint advocacy, education, communication and capacity-building initiatives.

During his remarks at the signing ceremony, Samed Ağırbaş stated that the Zero Waste Foundation continues its work in line with the vision set forth by the Foundation’s Honorary President, Mrs. Emine Erdoğan. He emphasized that the Foundation views environmental sustainability as an integral part of social development.

“With this understanding, we prioritize fostering the awareness and behavioural change needed to ensure that our children, young people, and future generations can live in a healthier, safer, and more sustainable world. The Memorandum of Understanding we are signing with UNICEF today is a strong reflection of these shared goals,” Ağırbaş said.

Paolo Marchi, UNICEF Representative in Türkiye, said: "Climate change is one of the global threats facing children today and in the future. Although children have contributed the least to this crisis, they are among those most affected by its consequences. That is why it is essential not only to protect children from the impacts of climate change, but also to empower them as active partners in shaping climate solutions. Through our partnership with the Zero Waste Foundation, we aim to strengthen children's and young people's environmental awareness, knowledge and skills, amplify their voices, and support their meaningful participation in climate action. As Türkiye prepares to host COP31, we look forward to working together to place children's rights at the heart of the climate agenda."

Supporting Children and Young People to Shape the Climate Agenda

The partnership builds on the Zero Waste Foundation's efforts to promote environmental sustainability, resource efficiency and a zero waste culture, while drawing on UNICEF's Strategic Plan, Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, longstanding supported youth led platforms, and the UNICEF Türkiye Country Programme.

Particular emphasis will be placed on supporting the active participation of children and young people in the climate agenda before, during and after COP31. Through knowledge sharing, joint advocacy, awareness-raising campaigns, education programmes and participatory events, the partnership will help amplify children's voices and promote their meaningful engagement in environmental action.

Building Long-Term and Inclusive Climate Solutions

Bringing together the global experience of the Zero Waste Movement—led under the patronage of H.E. Emine Erdoğan, Chair of the United Nations High-Level Advisory Board on Zero Waste and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation—and UNICEF's international expertise in children's rights and climate action, the partnership aims to develop long-term, inclusive initiatives that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

The collaboration will focus on strengthening children's environmental literacy, increasing awareness of the impacts of climate change on children, promoting sustainable lifestyles, and supporting young people's meaningful participation in environmental decision-making processes. Joint working groups will oversee the implementation of agreed activities, monitor progress and identify new opportunities for collaboration, ensuring the partnership continues to evolve over the long term.

Through this strategic partnership, UNICEF and the Zero Waste Foundation aim to strengthen every child's right to grow up in a healthy, safe and sustainable environment, support the development of climate-resilient generations, and contribute to building a more sustainable future for children and generations to come.