PRESS RELEASE: GAHP and Zero Waste Foundation Form Partnership

Istanbul, Türkiye – 16th October, 2025, The Swiss foundation Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) and the Zero Waste Foundation (ZWF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance joint efforts related to the circular economy and sustainability.

This strategic partnership aims to support policy and initiatives in line with relevant global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the intersection between pollution, health, and waste reduction.

“This collaboration represents an important step in addressing environmental and public health challenges,” said Maria Paola Lia, Executive Director of GAHP. “By working together, GAHP and ZWF can engage with cities, countries, and communities to translate broader sustainability ambitions into practical initiatives.”

Founded under the patronage of Her Excellency Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, the Zero Waste Foundation promotes global awareness on waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy initiatives. Its vision complements GAHP’s mission to address the the health and economic impacts of pollution through coordinated, multi-sectoral action.

The Zero Waste Foundation is looking forward to translating our partnership with GAHP into tangible projects on the ground. “We believe in policy into practice but to ensure that communities are able to participate meaningfully in achieving Zero Waste living, we co-invest in education and capacity building.” said Samed Agirbas, President of the Zero Waste Foundation.

The signing of the MoU formalized the partnership with the Zero Waste Foundation.

Under the agreement, the two organizations will collaborate on:

• Policy and advocacy: Supporting the development and localization of zero-waste and circular economy policies within GAHP’s member countries.

• Capacity building: Co-developing training modules, educational materials, and awareness campaigns to strengthen institutional capacities.

• Pilot projects and innovation: Implementing city-level initiatives demonstrating effective zero-waste practices and data-driven waste monitoring

• Global engagement: Co-organizing events, panels, and side sessions in major international forums.

The partnership reflects both organizations’ commitment to advancing the right to a healthy environment by addressing waste and pollution as interconnected global challenges.