A sustainable waste management organisation, the Zero Waste Foundation and the Ethiopian government have launched a new cooperation on COP31 priorities and Africa’s climate agenda.

A statement on Monday by the foundation said Samed Ağırbaş, president of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 high-level climate champion, held a series of meetings in Addis Ababa on June 16 to strengthen climate cooperation between Türkiye, Ethiopia and African institutions.

The group said the bilateral discussions with various stakeholders focused on convening a zero-waste forum on the continent, fostering Türkiye’s preparations for COP31, advancing the global reach of the zero-waste movement, advancing circular economy-based climate action, and Africa’s sustainable development priorities.

The foundation said the planned zero waste forum would serve as a multi-stakeholder platform, bringing together governments, international organisations, local authorities, academia, civil society and the private sector.

It added that the purpose of the forum is to “carry Africa’s climate priorities into the global agenda through concrete discussions on waste management, sustainable cities, green development and financing needs.”

The foundation disclosed that the planned forum and its COP31 engagement are envisioned “to support inclusive climate action by connecting global climate diplomacy with implementation-oriented solutions.

“In Africa, this approach is expected to contribute to a broader cooperation agenda that respects the continent’s development priorities while strengthening the bridge from COP31 to COP32.”

A meeting between Mr Ağırbaş and Gedion Timothewos, the Ethiopian foreign minister and COP32 president, emphasised the critical importance of the planned Africa meeting under the zero waste forum and identified potential areas of cooperation during the transition from COP31 to COP32. 

The engagement also discussed how Türkiye and Ethiopia could work together on practical climate solutions, including resource efficiency, circular economy practices and stronger regional coordination to enhance climate resilience.

Mr Ağırbaş subsequently met with Türkiye’s permanent representative to the African Union (AU), Ambassador Berk Baran, at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Addis Ababa, where Türkiye’s environmental and climate diplomacy with the AU, preparations for the zero waste forum, and opportunities for regional cooperation were discussed.

An extended meeting involving Peter Hunter, Australia’s ambassador to Ethiopia, emphasised the need for multilateral climate cooperation with the AU, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and other regional organisations.

The climate advocate also met with Claver Gatete, the executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission, to discuss Africa’s sustainable development goals, climate resilience, access to climate finance, resource efficiency, and the continent’s need for stronger representation in global climate processes.

Also, Mr Ağırbaş met with Fitsum Assefa, Ethiopia’s minister of planning and development, during which a review of Ethiopia’s climate-resilient green economy approach, renewable energy investments, sustainable land management, ecosystem restoration, and green development policies was discussed.

The parties agreed on potential areas for joint projects and capacity-building between the foundation and the Ethiopian government.