The United Nations in Türkiye held a high-level meeting with the Zero Waste Foundation, bringing together UN Resident Coordinator Babatunde Ahonsi, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, and the President of the Zero Waste Foundation, along with representatives of the UN Country Team. The discussions focused on advancing climate action, circular economy initiatives, and integrated waste management in alignment with Türkiye’s sustainable development goals and its Net Zero targets.In his opening remarks, UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi emphasized the importance of assessing COP 29 outcomes in shaping Türkiye’s national climate policies. He highlighted the NDC 3.0 process as a key opportunity to enhance climate ambition and align with global targets. Stressing the UN's commitment, he stated: “The UN remains dedicated to collaborating with Türkiye, leveraging our global expertise and fostering partnerships that promote low-carbon, resource-efficient, and circular economic models.”Ahonsi highlighted several key areas for strengthened collaboration, emphasizing the need for joint assessments and evidence generation to enhance data collection and analysis for informed policy and decision-making. He underscored the importance of policy support through improved regulatory frameworks that facilitate circular economy transitions and climate resilience. Additionally, he stressed the role of advocacy and outreach in raising public and private sector awareness to accelerate action and mobilize resources. Ahonsi also pointed to the significance of piloting replicable and scalable catalytic programs that can serve as models for broader adoption. Lastly, he emphasized the necessity of cross-cutting joint initiatives that address intersectoral priorities, including just transition, green jobs, digitalization, and innovation, to maximize impact.Minister Yumaklı underscored the long-standing cooperation between the UN and Türkiye, particularly in natural resource management, sustainable food systems, and rural development. He emphasized the significance of initiatives such as the "Convergence Initiative" launched last year to integrate food systems and climate action, as well as ongoing partnerships with FAO, IFAD, UNDP and WFP.“I would like to express our great satisfaction with our long-standing cooperation with various UN agencies in Türkiye. Collaborations in critical areas such as environmental sustainability, water management and circular economy make significant contributions both to our country and to environmental policies on a global scale. We attach importance to the development and expansion of these collaborations to a wider impact area” Yumaklı said. Samed Ağırbaş, the President of the Zero Waste Foundation reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in environmental policies. Noting Türkiye’s leadership in the global zero waste movement, he stated: “The UN Zero Waste Advisory Board plays a crucial role in advancing this agenda, and we take great pride in actively contributing to its implementation and the broader vision of global sustainability.”“This meeting provided a great opportunity for our Minister and the United Nations agencies to come together and evaluate the common areas of cooperation. As the Zero Waste Foundation, we are pleased to be at this important meeting and hope that such meetings will pave the way for long-term and sustainable business co-operation” Ağırbaş added.The United Nations and the Zero Waste Foundation signed a Joint Declaration of Intent in September 2024 which outlines a shared commitment to supporting SDGs advancement in Türkiye with a focus on SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). , filtered_html

Multilateralism is a term frequently used at the United Nations, but it’s not a concept that is only relevant to the corridors and conference rooms where international diplomacy takes place.Beyond the UN, it affects people’s daily lives in many ways. It helps reduce conflicts, grow our economies, and allows us to travel safely around the world. It's also crucial for tackling big global problems like climate change and unregulated artificial intelligence.What does "multilateral" actually mean?  Originally, "multilateral" was a geometry term meaning "many-sided."Now, it describes international politics and diplomacy, where many countries with different views and goals work together.The United Nations system is the principal multilateral forum where countries come together to solve global problems. They hold conferences, summits, and meetings to address important issues.Cooperation, Compromise, and Coordination  In international affairs, countries work together (cooperation), make deals (compromise), and organize their efforts (coordination) to solve problems that one country alone couldn't handle.These three "Cs" help build trust and settle disputes peacefully.Making the modern world possible  Imagine if every country developed its own system for phone calls, airlines, shipping or mail developed nationally – and did not coordinate with others. Global travel, communication, and trade would be a mess. Thanks to multilateralism, we have international systems that make these things possible.The fact that we have global standards for a range of our daily activities from health to postal systems to travel is down to multilateralism, and the creation of a series of multilateral organizations, many of which were established in the 19th Century, and have now become part of the UN System.Two multilateral organizations that pre-date the UN are:International Telecommunications Union (ITU): Started in 1865 to standardize telegraph networks. Now, it helps with governance for radio frequencies, satellites, and the internet.International Labour Organization (ILO): Founded in 1919 to promote workers' rights, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues.Making multilateral policies  Since 1945, the UN has helped countries work together and create important agreements.The central policy-making arm of the Organization is the General Assembly, a unique forum for multilateral discussions of international issues.Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote, no matter the size of their economy, population, or military might: Monaco’s vote carries the same weight as China’s.Achievements of the UN  Another feature of multilateralism is standard-setting. The General Assembly has this normative role and has created many international laws and treaties on disarmament, human rights, and environmental protection.One of its greatest accomplishments is the drafting and adoption of the groundbreaking Universal Declaration of Human Rights which paved the way for a comprehensive body of human rights law.  Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, it was proclaimed by the General Assembly in 1948.It set out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected and has inspired the constitutions of many newly independent States and new democracies.The Cold War  During the Cold War (late 1940s to early 1990s), the UN played a key role in peacekeeping and arms control.Despite the threat of nuclear war, a third world war was avoided partly because of the UN providing a platform for discussion and decision-making.The UN today  Some 80 years later, the United Nations is still the world’s primary multilateral organization, harmonizing and coordinating international action in fields ranging from peacekeeping to economic development to trade.Millions of lives have been saved thanks to the humanitarian assistance provided and coordinated by the United Nations, bringing food, health and shelter to conflict and disaster zones.The multilateral framework has expanded beyond countries to include representatives of civil society, youth and business, among others.What's next?Member States often struggle to cope effectively with today’s global threats and challenges, from devastating civil wars and cross-border conflicts to growing economic inequality between and within countries, and the existential threats of unregulated artificial intelligence and climate change.To make sure that the UN remains fit for purpose as the world’s pre-eminent forum for multilateralism in the decades to come, in 2020 Member States invited the Secretary-General, António Guterres, to develop a vision for stronger global governance, for present and future generations.Policy reforms in areas from peacekeeping to the international financial architecture, education and youth engagement in policymaking were encapsulated in Our Common Agenda, which covered recommendations for an upgraded UN which in turn fed into the landmark Pact for the Future, which was adopted by world leaders at the Summit for the Future meeting at the United Nations in New York in September 2024.Call to action by the UN chiefIn his first year as Secretary-General, António Guterres said having laws and conventions are not enough.He urged: “We need stronger commitment to a rules-based order, with the United Nations at its centre, with the different institutions and treaties that bring the Charter to life.”He called for networked multilateralism – with other international and regional organizations – and an inclusive multilateralism that would withstand the tests and threats of today and tomorrow. , filtered_html

A letter exchange ceremony between UN Women and the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) was held on February 24, 2025. The exchange of letters between Elisa Fernandez Saenz, Deputy Regional Director of the UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, and Dr. Erhan Çetinkaya, President of TURKSTAT, marked a significant step toward enhancing statistics that contribute to women's empowerment. This strategic partnership aims to promote the production and use of gender-sensitive data, thereby establishing a robust data foundation for policymakers.Dr. Erhan Çetinkaya emphasized the great significance of the upcoming UN Statistical Commission Meeting and the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) Meeting, which will be held consecutively in New York in March 2025. He also highlighted that the “Women in Statistics” report, to be published by TURKSTAT in line with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, will include a special section outlining Türkiye’s progress in gender equality. Additionally, he stated that an infographic document visually presenting key gender statistics, prepared in collaboration with UN Women, will be released as part of the “Women in Statistics” bulletin on March 6, 2025.Dr. Çetinkaya further noted that TURKSTAT continues its efforts to improve gender-sensitive data collection and analysis processes. Within this scope, the Active Life Index and Gender Equality Index have been successfully developed using data from the Household Labour Force Survey and the Income and Living Conditions Survey. Moreover, he announced that the results of the Türkiye Women and Family Survey, completed as of January 31, 2025, will be made public through a press bulletin at the end of May 2025.Elisa Fernandez Saenz, Deputy Regional Director of the UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, underlined that gender-sensitive statistics are a critical tool for policymakers. She emphasized that this joint initiative with TURKSTAT would make a significant contribution to the development of policies that promote gender equality.The collaboration between TURKSTAT and UN Women will continue to support data-driven decision-making processes and ensure the sustainability of efforts to develop policies that improve the lives of women and girls., filtered_html

“You Are Global Citizens who think globally, but act locally” said UN Resident Coordinator Babatunde Ahonsi in his meeting with the Capital (Ankara) Youth Assembly highlighting the vital role of young people in shaping their communities, emphasizing that true global citizenship means not only understanding worldwide challenges but also taking local action to drive meaningful change.Ahonsi, met with members of the Capital (Ankara) Youth Assembly at the Ankara Citizen Council’s building, on 12 February where he was welcomed by Vice Chairperson Prof. Savaş Zafer Şahin of the Ankara Citizen Council. During the meeting, Prof. Şahin provided Ahonsi with an overview of the Ankara Citizen Council, highlighting its role as a legitimate and inclusive platform that brings together all stakeholders in the city, including local authorities, professional chambers, civil society organizations, and universities.With its horizontal structure, the Ankara Citizen Council operates through assemblies and working groups that provide advisory decisions to the municipal council. Recognizing the significance of this model, Ahonsi said, “This is a model for participatory governance. A real democracy is not just about the elections; real democracy happens between elections.” He expressed his admiration for both the Council and the Youth Assembly, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in governance and decision-making processes.Ahonsi also spoke about the challenges the world, including Türkiye, faces in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with only five years remaining until the 2030 deadline. He highlighted Türkiye’s significant role in addressing these global challenges, noting, “The UN Secretary-General leans a lot on Türkiye in addressing some of these challenges. The voice of young people is very important. Change will only happen if ordinary people make it happen.”In his remarks, Ahonsi underscored the alignment between Türkiye’s 12th National Development Plan and the SDGs, particularly in areas such as green transition, resilience, and digital transformation. “I see the UN in Türkiye as a collaborator. We are co-travelers with Türkiye as the country pursues its national development priorities. Sustainable development is about development that works for everyone, which is why we talk about leaving no one behind,” he stated. The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Capital Youth Assembly members to introduce themselves and share insights into their work. The Capital Youth Assembly serves as a platform where young people actively participate in policymaking for Ankara and have a say in decisions affecting their lives. The Assembly brings together young people from various disciplines and operates in collaboration with CSOs, international organizations, universities and their student groups. The Assembly has 4500 members. During the meeting UNFPA Türkiye Office Project Manager Emine Kuzutürk Savaş invited the members of the Youth Assembly to their premises for a meeting with the UN Türkiye Youth Working Group. UN Türkiye is committed to working alongside Türkiye’s young leaders in their efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable future. , filtered_html