On April 20, 2026, a signing ceremony was successfully held in Istanbul for municipalities joining the International Zero-waste City Network. The event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Türkiye (the Ministry of Environment, Türkiye) and the Zero Waste Foundation. Ms. Nana Zhao, Assistant Director of BCRC China, Mr. Samed A??rba?, President of the Zero Waste Foundation, Mr. Fatih Turan, General Director of General Directorate of Environmental Management, the Ministry of Environment, Türkiye, and Ms. ?ule Bekta?, Director of Planning and Project Implementations Division attended the ceremony. Nineteen mayors and one representative from the 20 municipalities were also present.

During the opening remarks, Ms. Nana Zhao noted that cities are at the forefront of this transformation, and strong international cooperation is essential to share experience, build capacity, and deliver measurable results. She extended the warmest welcome to the 20 municipalities of Türkiye that officially joined the Network, pointing out that their accession strengthens the global community of "Zero-waste City" and enhances the Network’s inclusiveness and influence. Mr. Samed A??rba? highlighted the critical importance of embedding zerowaste awareness and culture in cities and communities. Mr. Fatih Turan affirmed that the Ministry of Environment, Türkiye would continue to offer greater support to cities demonstrating excellence in zero-waste management. Participants also discussed strategies for local governments to efficiently promote the development of the Network within a global cooperation framework.

During the signing session, mayors and representatives from the 20 municipalities formally signed the Application Letter to join the International Zero-waste City Network. Ms. Nana Zhao, Mr. Samed A??rba?, and Mr. Fatih Turan jointly presented member certificates to the 20 municipalities.