COTFONE Community Transformation FoundationNetwork

@COTFONE is a non-profit community driven network of rural organizations (state and non-state) working together for Healthy & Self-reliant Communities in Uganda

[COTFONE Community Transformation FoundationNetwork @COTFONE]

@COTFONE MARKS HEROES DAY 2026 BY HONORING FRONTLINE PUBLIC SERVANTS AND PROTESTING PRESIDENT @KagutaMuseveni's DECISION TO DENY PARISH AND SUB-COUNTY CHIEFS FUEL, MOTORCYCLES, AND VEHICLES (READ FULL STATMENT)
@StateHouseUg @MoLGUganda @Parliament_Ug @ngoforum @LwengoDistrict1

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

The Zero Waste Forum has successfully concluded its first day with tremendous enthusiasm.

International leaders from 183 countries, decision makers, and all stakeholders working for our shared home, Earth, came together at this meaningful gathering.

We sincerely believe that this strong voice rising from Istanbul will make a significant contribution to building a more just, clean, and sustainable world.🌎

#zerowasteforum

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

The “Waste is a Pricing Problem (PAYT, deposits, incentives)” panel examined how pricing mechanisms such as pay as you throw systems, deposit schemes, and incentive based models can influence consumer behavior and reduce waste generation.

Moderator
Dominic Hogg (Equanimator Ltd.)

Speakers
Joan Marc Simon (Founder, Zero Waste Europe; Co-founder and Senior Strategist, Global Deposit Return Systems Platform; Director, Shape Foundation), Iain Gulland (CERG), Martin Krause (UNEP), Corinne Trommsdorff (Board Member, ISWA & CEO, French Solid Waste Partnership (France ISWA Member))

#zerowasteforum

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

👇

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

The “Financing the Circular Economy” panel focused on how financial mechanisms, investment strategies, and public private collaboration can support the scaling of circular economy solutions and accelerate the transition to more resource efficient systems.

Moderator
Nidhi Upadhyaya (Climate Resilience Center)

Speakers
Martina Otto (UNEP | CCAC), Peggy Lefort (UNEP FI), Vijay Bains (Emirates NBD), Frank van Woerden (World Bank)

#zerowasteforum

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

👇

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

The “Zero Waste Islands” panel focused on how island communities can advance zero waste solutions through innovative waste management systems, resource efficiency, and localized circular economy approaches.
Moderator
John Duncan (WWF)

Keynote Speaker
Halit Yerebakan (AK Party Istanbul MP, TBMM Member)

Speakers
Lhermie P. Areja (MENRO, Municipality of Siquijor), Martina Vranić (Ponikve Krk), Ignasi Mateo i Rodríguez (MedWaves), and Midera Rasamimanana (Director of International Cooperation, City of Antananarivo)

#zerowasteforum

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

👇

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

The “Zero Waste City by Design: Urban Planning as Climate Delivery” panel examined how urban planning, design strategies, and infrastructure development can drive zero waste outcomes and support effective climate action in cities.

The discussion also highlighted the advancement of integrated urban systems that enhance resource efficiency, resilience, and long term environmental performance.

Moderator
Erfan Ali (Chief of Staff & Acting Director, UN Habitat)

Speakers
Dato’ Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif (Former Mayor of Kuala Lumpur; former Executive Director, UN-Habitat), Tomomi Yamashita (DG, Global Initiatives Division, City of Yokohama), Mohamed Sefiani (Mayor, Municipality of Chefchaouen), Marcos Athias Neto (UN Assistant Secretary General)

#zerowasteforum

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

👇

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

The Zero Waste Forum continues to draw attention through its side events, engaging students and communities in shaping more responsible and sustainable ways of living, while moving forward with a shared vision of a zero waste future. 🌍

#zerowasteforum

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

In this panel, the role of data, metrics, and indicators in measuring progress and guiding effective zero waste policies and decision-making was discussed, highlighting its importance for evidence based governance and implementation.

In the keynote speech, the minister emphasized the critical role of data driven approaches in strengthening accountability, measuring impact, and improving zero waste policy outcomes.

Moderator
Clementine O'Connor (UNEP)

Keynote Speaker
Abdulkadir Uraloğlu (Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Türkiye)

Speakers
Álvaro Conde (Circle Economy), Carlos Silva Filho (UN SG Advisory Board on Zero Waste, CECC/LAC, S2F Partners), Ed Celebi-Morrow (Lloyd’s Register Foundation), Kremena Ionkova (The World Bank)

#zerowasteforum

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

👇

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

The “Flying Toward the Future: The Zero Waste Aviation Movement” panel focused on how the aviation sector is advancing zero waste solutions through innovation, operational changes, and efforts to reduce environmental impact across the industry.

The aviation sector’s shift toward zero waste was explored through innovation, operational change, and reduced environmental impact efforts.

Moderator
Jen Austin (Climate Champions Team)

Keynote Speaker
Ahmet Olmuştur (Turkish Airlines)

Speakers
Pedro de la Fuente (IATA), Tom Delrue (UN RCO Türkiye), Neil Khor (UN-Habitat)

#zerowasteforum

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

The opening speeches of the Zero Waste Forum have inspired engaging discussions on a sustainable future. 🌍

The forum continues with a strong program bringing together global voices and ideas. ♻️

#zerowasteforum

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

The “Countries Leading the Circular Shift” panel focused on how different nations are advancing circular economy approaches through national policies, innovation, and large-scale implementation strategies to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency.

Former ministers, alongside other national leaders and experts, shared insights on how policy leadership and cross-sector collaboration are driving circular economy transitions at the country level.

Moderator
Marcus Gover (Delterra)

Speakers
Michelle Bachelet (Former President of the Republic of Chile), Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter (German Parliamentary State Secretary for the Environment), Patricia Scotland (Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, UK House of Lords Member)

#zerowasteforum

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

Highlights from H.E. Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation, who delivered the opening remarks at the Opening Plenary organized within the Zero Waste Forum.

#ZeroWasteForum

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

Highlights from Mr. Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 Climate High-Level Champion, who delivered the opening remarks at the Opening Plenary organized within the Zero Waste Forum.

#ZeroWasteForum

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

Highlights from Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director, UN Habitat, who delivered the opening remarks at the Opening Plenary, organized as part of the Zero Waste Forum.

#ZeroWasteForum

[Zero Waste Forum @zerowasteforum]

The “Trust, Fairness and the Human Side of Transition” panel focused on the social dimensions of the transition process, emphasizing trust building, equity, and inclusive approaches in delivering just and effective climate and zero waste solutions.

In the keynote speech, the minister highlighted the importance of trust, fairness, and the human side of transition processes for more inclusive and equitable climate and zero waste outcomes.

Moderator
Oliver Camp (GAIN)

Keynote Speaker
Mehmet Nuri Ersoy (Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye)

Speakers
Marisa Nordstrom (UMI Fund | GLOW Network), Kabir Arora (IAWP), Eka Tkeshelashvili (Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia, NGIC), Robert Livingston (Harvard University)

#zerowasteforum