H.E. Ms. Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye;
We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this space to commemorate the third anniversary of International Day of Zero Waste.
We applaud this important initiative to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, including local and national Zero Waste projects to promote environmentally sound waste management.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Türkiye's leadership in this process and the particular impetus they have given to this issue to bring it to the forefront of our discussions.
Excellencies,
Reducing the generation of waste and promoting its efficient management is fundamental to achieving the SDGs. This is closely linked to the paradigm of moving towards sustainable production and consumption patterns, as reflected in Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, in line with the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.
Inadequate management of textile waste has become a major environmental problem. This phenomenon, rooted in unbridled consumption, affects the health of the planet and reinforces the patterns of a profoundly unjust and unequal international order.
Promoting responsible and sustainable practices is essential to fostering a more environmentally conscious and respectful textile industry. This includes adopting more efficient production methods, reducing the use of harmful chemicals, implementing recycling programs and promoting the reuse of textiles.
Excellencies,
Consideration of this issue should not be limited to waste or residues from the use of chemical substances, including in the textile and fashion sector.
It should also be borne in mind that food waste is inconsistent with progress in efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. My delegation attaches particular importance to this issue in the context of the current global food and climate crises.
To promote responsible waste management and implement innovative technologies and solutions, we must avoid global circular economy approaches that seek to transfer waste to developing countries. It is also necessary to accelerate the provision of the implementation resources so often called for in the context of sustainable development and the fight against climate change.
Multilateral and bilateral funding mechanisms must be strengthened to enable developing countries to implement zero waste projects, including access to appropriate technologies and knowledge through capacity building.
Likewise, it is necessary to create a mechanism for the exchange of information on the results of science and technology relevant to this issue, which would allow all countries of the South to have these tools at their disposal.
We reiterate Cuba's willingness to promote initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and the well-being of all people, through the identification of feasible and realistic solutions for developing countries.
Thank you