International signature against food waste at COP31

Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High Level Climate Champion of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), held in Antalya between 9-20 November, met with Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the Organization for Islamic Food Safety (IOFS).

During the meeting, strengthening food security, preventing food loss and waste, developing sustainable food systems and concrete cooperation opportunities between countries were discussed. After the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the two organizations.

PILOT PROJECTS IN MEMBER STATES

Within the scope of the memorandum signed by Samed Ağırbaş and Berik Aryn, it was decided to implement pilot projects to reduce food loss and waste in IOFS member countries.

It is aimed to develop sustainable food systems, disseminate circular economy practices, organize training and capacity building programs, and increase technical knowledge and experience sharing. The agreement also includes conducting joint research and awareness raising activities against food waste.

1 BILLION VALUE ENTERPRISE

One of the important topics of the meeting was the "One Billion Challenge" initiative supported by the Zero Waste Foundation. Cooperation opportunities were evaluated to disseminate the initiative in IOFS member countries.

Emphasis was placed on strengthening international efforts to reduce food loss and waste, sharing successful practices among countries and developing national capacities.

GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY

Zero Waste Foundation President Samed Ağırbaş emphasized that combating food loss and waste is not only an environmental issue, but also a global responsibility in terms of food safety, efficient use of resources and sustainable development.

Ağırbaş stated that strong collaborations between international organizations, public institutions and local stakeholders will contribute to achieving concrete results.

WOMEN AND YOUTH

Within the scope of the agreement, training and communication activities involving young people, women, local communities, businesses and public institutions will also be carried out. The parties will organize joint conferences, panels, exhibitions and awareness events on national and international platforms. Projects for sustainable food systems will be supported by developing collaborations with international organizations, development partners, financial institutions, research centers and the private sector.

FROM ASTANA TO ANTALYA

IOFS, headquartered in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is among the specialized institutions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The organization, which aims to improve cooperation in the field of food safety among member countries, discussed the issues of preventing food loss and waste, post-harvest solutions, circular economy and Food Loss and Waste Index at the regional meeting held in Morocco in July 2026. The memorandum signed in Antalya is a continuation of the contacts previously held in Mongolia.

ZERO WASTE TARGET

The agreement, which is expected to contribute to the international work of the Zero Waste Movement initiated under the leadership of Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, aims to prevent food waste and promote responsible consumption habits.

The two organizations aim to contribute to the protection of natural resources, strengthening food security and sustainable development goals by developing applicable solutions in different countries.