Nga leads Malaysia delegation to Global Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul

ISTANBUL: The Malaysian delegation from the Housing and Local Government Ministry – led by Minister Nga Kor Ming – has arrived in Istanbul for the Global Zero Waste Forum 2025 on Thursday (Oct 16).

Upon arrival, Nga and his delegation began their visit with a pre-council session with officials from the Consulate General of Malaysia in Istanbul.

“It is an honour to represent Malaysia to showcase our progress and learn the best practices in advancing the zero waste agenda,” he said.

“As President of the UN‑Habitat Assembly, I look forward to strengthening collaboration with zero waste experts and global partners,” added Nga.

Malaysia is scheduled to receive The Zero Waste Foundation’s Special Citation Award this week in recognition of its commitment to circular economy principles and sustainable waste management.

During the forum, Nga will deliver a keynote address at the official opening and hold several bilateral meetings.

These include meetings with His Excellency Murat Kurum and Anaclaudia Roserbarch, Executive Director of UN‑Habitat.

Discussions will focus on mainstreaming the New Urban Agenda within the UNFCCC process and advancing global zero waste initiatives.

Nga will also participate in the Ministerial Meeting on Urbanisation and Zero Waste.

He is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the Opening Plenary Session themed “Zero Waste as a Global Duty.”

The Global Zero Waste Forum 2025 is themed “Zero Waste in Action: People, Places, Progress,” and will run from Friday (Oct 17) to Sunday (Oct 19) at the Istanbul Bomonti Hotel and Conference Centre.

It brings together participants from 104 countries, including 118 international partner organisations, mayors, ambassadors and senior representatives from UN bodies.

Hosted by the Zero Waste Foundation in Istanbul, the forum convenes leaders, experts and decision makers to discuss the past, present and future of zero waste.

The foundation is under the patronage of Her Excellency Emine Erdoğan and works with UN‑Habitat to promote awareness and cooperation for waste free and sustainable cities.