Uzbekistan’s First Lady Ziroat Mirziyoyeva took part in a high-level meeting in Antalya, Turkey, where the launch of the Zero Waste Global Alliance was announced and presented new initiatives on environmental education and youth-led projects. The event was held during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Turkey and within the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31). It focused on consolidating efforts by spouses of heads of state and government on environmental protection, rational use of natural resources and waste reduction.
Key Takeaways: The Zero Waste Global Alliance was announced in Antalya; Ziroat Mirziyoyeva supported it and proposed stronger environmental education and youth ecological projects. The meeting took place in the COP31 framework and during the Uzbek president’s visit to Turkey.
Rising waste volumes, limited natural resources and climate pressure are pushing environmental diplomacy to the center of the international agenda. The Zero Waste initiative is not limited to recycling: it also involves changing production and consumption patterns and building responsibility among young people through education. Coordination among spouses of heads of state and government through a global alliance could create a platform for cross-border project implementation. For Uzbekistan, the meeting is significant for mobilizing youth potential and presenting national experience in environmental education on an international stage.
In her remarks, Ziroat Mirziyoyeva thanked Turkish First Lady Amina Erdogan for the invitation and warm hospitality. She separately recognized Amina Erdogan’s personal contribution to promoting the Zero Waste initiative internationally. Uzbekistan’s first lady supported the establishment of the Global Alliance and proposed developing environmental education, supporting ecological projects put forward by young people and helping translate them into practice.
According to the statements, the new structure is intended to coordinate efforts by spouses of heads of state and government to protect natural resources and reduce waste. The alliance is expected to discuss environmental awareness, youth initiatives, resource-saving technologies and zero-waste consumption practices. Specific projects, funding sources and monitoring mechanisms may be clarified at later stages.
The alliance’s practical work plan, institutional structure and commitments have not yet been fully disclosed. Future meetings may announce joint programs on environmental education, youth grants and pilot waste-reduction projects. The Uzbek delegation’s activity within COP31 signals the country’s intention to expand international cooperation on climate and environmental issues; however, the effectiveness of the initiatives will depend on practical implementation and accountability.
Source: kun.uz