Dr. Özgenur Reyhan Güler, faculty member at Istinye University’s Faculty of Communication, delivered a special interview on sustainability and environmental diplomacy during the “International Zero Waste Day” events held at the United Nations Headquarters. In the interview, she explored the global impact of the Zero Waste Movement—initiated by Türkiye—and its implications for diplomacy and communication from local to global scales.
During the high-level session at the UN General Assembly, a meeting was held with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, regarding how the Zero Waste initiative aligns with global sustainability goals. The event also emphasized adopting a simplified, conscious, and responsible lifestyle against the culture of waste.
Türkiye’s Environmental Policy and Communication of Sustainability
In her exclusive interview conducted at the UN, Dr. Güler discussed Türkiye’s environmental policies, public diplomacy strategies, and the communication dimensions of sustainability. Emphasizing the need to address sustainability not only in environmental but also in cultural, social, and economic terms, she stated:
“Zero Waste is not just an environmental policy; it is a form of communication—a culture of living. Türkiye has transformed sustainability into a language of civilization, setting a pioneering example in the field of environmental diplomacy.”
Dr. Güler also highlighted the global recognition of Türkiye’s environmental initiatives, stating that between 2017 and 2023, 45 million tons of waste were recycled, 3.9 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions were prevented, and approximately 2 billion Turkish Liras in economic gain was achieved.
“Art Plays a Key Role in Embedding Environmental Awareness”
Another important topic Dr. Güler emphasized was the cultural aspect of sustainability. According to her, fields such as art, media, and education play a strategic role in embedding environmental consciousness at a societal level. Referring to the environmentally-themed exhibition Echoes, inaugurated with the participation of First Lady Emine Erdoğan, Güler noted:
“The Echoes exhibition is an awareness project that redefines the relationship between art and the environment. Cultural content like this plays a significant role in making environmental awareness permanent.”
“Türkiye Stands Out with its Vision of Sustainable Development ”
Dr. Güler also underlined that the designation of March 30 as “International Zero Waste Day” by the United Nations is not merely symbolic, but a powerful commitment to the environment, the future, and shared human values.
As a communication scholar and expert in cultural diplomacy, Dr. Özgenur Reyhan Güler continues to lead impactful projects on national and international platforms. Her interview at the UN stands as a strong testament to Türkiye’s leadership in global environmental policy and its visionary approach to sustainable development.
