In a powerful demonstration of Egypt’s growing environmental leadership, Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, has arrived in Istanbul to take part in the Global Zero Waste Forum, held from October 17 to 19.
Hosted by the Zero Waste Foundation, the forum gathers policymakers, local government leaders, international organizations, academics, private sector innovators, and civil society representatives to explore scalable strategies for building a zero-waste, circular economy.
“This forum is a valuable opportunity to showcase Egypt’s environmental progress and build new global partnerships,” said Dr. Awad. “The shift to zero waste is no longer optional—it’s essential for environmental protection and sustainable economic growth.”
Global Platform for Sustainable Innovation
Under the theme “Zero Waste for a Sustainable Future,” the forum serves as a hub for cross-sector collaboration, promoting shared responsibility and actionable solutions to tackle rising global waste and climate-related challenges.
Dr. Awad emphasized the importance of engaging with international partners to exchange expertise, scale up best practices, and mobilize collective action.
Egypt’s Environmental Vision: Zero Waste and Beyond
Egypt is making steady progress in adopting a circular economy approach, with efforts focused on:
- Reducing municipal waste
- Scaling waste-to-energy projects
- Supporting green jobs and sustainable industry
- Encouraging responsible consumption patterns
- Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
These efforts support Egypt’s Vision 2030 and its National Climate Change Strategy 2050, placing sustainability at the core of national development.
Key Sessions and Strategic Participation
Throughout the forum, Dr. Awad will engage in multiple high-level discussions, including:
- “National Strategies for Zero Waste in Cities and Communities” – exploring urban policy frameworks for sustainable waste management
- “Reimagining Retail in a Zero-Waste World” – addressing the transformation of consumer markets toward low-waste models
- “From E-Waste to E-Sustainability” – highlighting innovative approaches to managing electronic waste and promoting circularity in tech sectors
These sessions are designed to foster joint innovation and policy alignment among nations striving for sustainable urban futures.
Toward a Cleaner, Greener Future
Dr. Awad reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to deepening regional and international cooperation in the environmental sector. Key national initiatives include:
- Expanding green investment legislation
- Enhancing municipal waste systems
- Supporting local recycling and composting programs
- Encouraging youth and community engagement in environmental protection
“The path to sustainability requires collective will and shared knowledge,” Dr. Awad concluded. “By connecting globally, we can drive meaningful change locally.”
About the Zero Waste Forum:
The Global Zero Waste Forum is a leading international event aimed at advancing zero-waste and circular economy solutions. The 2025 edition in Istanbul brings together government leaders, experts, innovators, and civil society organizations to accelerate global progress toward a waste-free, sustainable future.
