Samed Agirbas, COP31 climate high-level champion and president of the Zero Waste Foundation, has called for a global climate justice, arguing that climate is a shared challenge that requires collective responsibility and cooperation, not based on aid but on equal partnership.
Agirbas participated at the second Africa Urban Forum (AUF2) held in Nairobi, Kenya, which aims at engaging with regional and international stakeholders to advance climate justice, strengthen global cooperation, and promote circular economy solutions through strategic partnerships with Africa.
“We are here for global justice,” said Agirbas. “Climate change is a shared challenge that requires collective responsibility and cooperation, not a model based on aid but on equal partnership. As we move towards COP31, we must build a global agenda rooted in fairness, shared knowledge and joint action for sustainable cities and resilient communities.”
Zero Waste Foundation is Türkiye’s leading platform for advancing circular economy solutions and sustainable resource management at both national and global levels. It was established by Türkiye’s first lady Emine Erdoğan, to develop and implement programs that reduce waste, increase efficiency, and align environmental policy with climate goals.
Strengthening climate diplomacy through Africa
Agirbas’s participation in AUF2 formed part of a broader COP31 diplomacy effort, aimed at aligning global priorities with the needs and perspectives of African countries. His engagements reflected Türkiye’s growing leadership in sustainability and its commitment to building inclusive, partnership-driven solutions.
Throughout the forum, the Zero Waste Foundation emphasised the importance of climate justice as a guiding principle, underlining that sustainable development must be equitable and accessible to all. The discussions focused on practical pathways to implement circular economy models and effective waste management systems, particularly in rapidly urbanising regions.
READ ALSO :Nigeria ranks 34th globally in data breaches as 281,000 accounts compromised
Türkiye’s zero waste approach was presented as a scalable and collaborative model, which demonstrates how national experience can contribute to global sustainability goals through mutual exchange rather than unilateral frameworks.
Advancing sustainable cities and circular economy
During AUF2, Agirbas stressed the critical role of sustainable cities in addressing climate challenges. Urban resilience, waste management and resource efficiency were central themes in discussions with key stakeholders. There were meetings held with Aklilu Fikresilassie, director of Resilient Cities at WRI Africa, and Meggan Spires, director of Climate Change at ICLEI Africa. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in urban sustainability and climate action. Engagements also included discussions with Anacláudia Rossbach, executive director of UN-Habitat, on advancing global urban development agendas.
These interactions reinforced the need for integrated approaches that combine policy, innovation and local expertise. The Zero Waste Foundation underscored the importance of embedding circular economy principles into city planning, enabling long-term environmental and economic benefits.
Engaging communities and youth
During his visit to Nairobi, Agirbas also carried out field visits to disadvantaged communities, including Kibera and Mathare, engaging directly with local residents and youth leaders. Reflecting on Kibera, he said: “We want to amplify the voice of climate justice from Kibera to the world. Protecting our shared home begins with protecting one another.”
At a local school, Agirbas pointed out the vulnerable conditions faced by communities affected by climate change and poverty, indicating that many struggle to survive on just 10–15 dollars a month and face life-threatening risks linked to climate impacts.
In Mathare Community Park, he met with around 20 young leaders to discuss youth responses to climate emergencies such as flooding and delivered a brief presentation on his Champion role. The visit concluded with a tree planting.
Building strategic partnerships for COP31
Agirbas’s programme in Nairobi also included meetings aimed at expanding cross-sector collaboration. Discussions with Elvan Kuzucu Hıdır of the T3 Foundation and Zeliha Sağlam of the African Culture House highlighted the role of technology, cultural exchange and community engagement in sustainability efforts. These engagements reflected a broader strategy to strengthen ties between Türkiye and Africa through shared objectives and joint initiatives. Rather than positioning sustainability as a one-sided effort, the Zero Waste Foundation framed it as a collaborative journey shaped by mutual learning and co-development.
