Türkiye opens "Zero Waste Blue" water conservation exhibition in New York

Under the patronage of Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Chairperson of the United Nations High-Level Advisory Board on Zero Waste, the 'Zero Waste Blue - Drop by Drop' Exhibition was opened in New York as part of the Zero Waste Movement implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. Emine Erdoğan, along with Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum, Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach, Azerbaijan's Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change and COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, Zero Waste Foundation President Samed Ağırbaş, as well as foreign ministers and senior representatives of international environmental organizations, toured the exhibition area. The exhibition, under the slogan 'Are You Blue Aware?' highlighted the importance of water through visual and auditory works, showcasing Türkiye's efforts to protect water resources in Van, Salda, Meke, Beyşehir, and Eğirdir lakes, as well as the İzmit Bay. Installation works emphasized the significance of water resources, including five glass artworks and the 'Pina' installation made from waste glass by Taha Baydar, an interactive digital art piece by Gökhan Doğan that lets visitors experience the value of water, and Ali Saran's musical compositions titled 'Sound of Water' reflecting the rhythm of water. Calligraphy artist Garip Ay's work was also well-received by attendees. The exhibition aims to promote Türkiye's marine, lake, and ocean conservation efforts internationally, present concrete environmental achievements and awareness initiatives under the 'Zero Waste Blue' brand, and create a platform for global environmental diplomacy, cooperation, and partnerships. In her speech, Emine Erdoğan expressed her happiness and honor to meet the guests, thanking the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the Zero Waste Foundation, and the artists who contributed to the exhibition. She emphasized that artists demonstrate how a sustainable and just world can be built not only through policies but also through art, imagination, and universal values, acting as interpreters of nature and healers of hearts through their works. She wished the inspiring exhibition would remind everyone of the deep connection between humans and nature.