PETALING JAYA: Malaysia reaffirmed its full support and endorsement of the Istanbul Declaration on Zero Waste in efforts to promote zero waste initiatives.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the declaration underscores the commitment to advancing sustainable waste management and circular economy practices in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement.
Nga, who is also the UN-Habitat Assembly president, said Malaysia stands in solidarity with the Türkiye government and all 104 participating nations in promoting zero waste as a global duty and a foundation of sustainable urbanisation.
“Malaysia supports and endorses the Istanbul Declaration on Zero Waste, which calls for sustained political momentum, stronger multi-level cooperation, and the acceleration of zero waste initiatives that contribute directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"This declaration also urges all nations to ensure equitable access to waste management and basic urban services, so that no one and no place is left behind,” said Nga at the Ministerial Roundtable of the Global Zero Waste Forum 2025 in Istanbul on Saturday (Oct 18).
The Istanbul Declaration on Zero Waste 2025, adopted by ministers and delegates from over 100 countries, reaffirms the principles of United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/77/161, which promotes zero waste initiatives.
Nga said that Malaysia’s own actions reflect these international aspirations, highlighting the Malaysia Circular Economy Blueprint 2025–2035, which provides a strategic roadmap for sustainable waste management through five key pillars: governance and legislation, guidelines and procedures, digitisation and technology, infrastructure and facilities and market creation.
He added that Malaysia’s initiatives, including closing more than 2,000 illegal dumpsites, achieving 100% urban waste collection coverage, and diverting over 22,000 tonnes of recyclables from landfills, demonstrate that zero waste is both achievable and transformative when supported by sound policy and public participation.
“We commend the leadership of the Government of Türkiye and the Zero Waste Foundation, under the patronage of Her Excellency Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of Türkiye, for driving this global movement.
"Malaysia is proud to stand among nations that are translating the zero waste vision into real-world impact,” Nga added.
The Global Zero Waste Forum 2025, themed “Zero Waste in Action: People, Places, Progress”, is being held from Oct 17 to 19 at the Hilton Bomonti Hotel and Conference Centre, Istanbul.
The forum gathers ministers, city mayors, and sustainability experts from more than 100 countries, alongside representatives from the United Nations, UN-Habitat, UNEP, and UNDP, to promote international collaboration towards waste-free and sustainable cities.
