Zero Waste Canada Joins Global Zero Waste Leaders in Istanbul Zero Waste Canada at Global Zero Waste Forum 2026
Zero Waste Canada was proud to be represented at the Global Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye, where leaders, practitioners, policymakers, technical experts, and advocates from around the world came together to explore how zero waste can support climate action, resource conservation, and more resilient communities.
Jamie Kaminski attended the Forum on behalf of Zero Waste Canada, bringing a Canadian perspective to an international conversation focused on practical solutions, collaboration, and shared learning.
The Forum was more than a series of meetings and sessions. It was a place where people from different countries, cultures, and sectors connected through a shared commitment to reducing waste, protecting resources, and building stronger systems for the future.
Bringing a Canadian Perspective to a Global Conversation
Throughout the Forum, Jamie connected with government representatives, ambassadors, diplomats, international organizations, and zero waste leaders working on a wide range of environmental and community priorities.
Conversations explored topics such as reuse and refill systems, centralized sanitation infrastructure, food loss reduction, organics processing, waste prevention, climate resilience, education, waste segregation, e waste handling, and battery recycling infrastructure.
These discussions reinforced an important message: zero waste is not one single program or policy. It is a systems based approach that can support economic stability, public health, community resilience, and environmental protection.
For Zero Waste Canada, participating in this global conversation was an opportunity to share Canadian experience while also learning from projects, policies, and community led solutions being developed around the world.
Learning from Global Projects and Local Realities
One of the projects that stood out focused on reducing spoiled cashew nuts by looking at the full value chain, from harvesting to transport and storage. This example showed how waste prevention can support food systems, economic opportunity, and better resource use.
It also reflected a key principle of zero waste: the most effective solutions often begin before something becomes waste.
By understanding where losses happen and why, communities and organizations can design better systems that prevent waste, protect value, and improve outcomes for people and the environment.
This kind of practical, systems based thinking is central to the work Zero Waste Canada supports.
Building Relationships Across Borders
Some of the most meaningful moments from the Forum happened through conversation and connection.
Jamie met zero waste colleagues and new friends from Malawi, Tchad, Egypt, Colombia, California, and other parts of the world. These connections included people working on freshwater protection, agricultural sustainability, education, waste segregation, organics processing, funding, and policy development.
These relationships matter because zero waste progress depends on collaboration. No country, community, or organization has every answer. By learning from one another, sharing what works, and understanding different local realities, the zero waste movement becomes stronger.
The Forum was a reminder that Canada has both experience to contribute and much to learn from international partners.
A Memorable Canadian Moment
One of Jamie’s more personal memories from the Forum was sharing a gift from Canada: a bottle of 100 percent pure Canadian maple syrup for the First Lady of Türkiye, Emine Erdoğan.
With the help of security staff and the First Lady’s special advisor, Jamie was able to present the gift and explain its Canadian origin and uses through a translator.
It was a small but meaningful gesture. It reflected the spirit of respect, culture, and relationship building that often happens alongside formal international events.
For Zero Waste Canada, moments like this are a reminder that global collaboration is built through people, trust, and shared values.
What Zero Waste Canada Brings Home
Jamie returned from Istanbul with new insights, new relationships, and renewed energy for the work ahead.
The Global Zero Waste Forum reinforced that zero waste is closely connected to climate action, economic development, food systems, infrastructure, education, and community wellbeing.
It also showed that practical solutions are already being developed around the world. From reuse and refill systems to organics processing, waste prevention, and resource recovery, the path forward depends on cooperation, learning, and action.
Zero Waste Canada is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this global gathering and to continue bringing forward knowledge that supports communities, organizations, and partners across Canada.
The work continues, and the connections made in Istanbul will help strengthen that work in the years ahead.
