As part of the COP31 process, the Türkiye Zero Waste, Environment and Climate Change Workshops were held at Erciyes University in Kayseri under the theme “Waste and Wastefulness: From Local to National.” Hosted at the ERÜ Sabancı Cultural Center, the workshop brought together stakeholders from various institutions who participated in thematic working groups to conduct scientific, multi-stakeholder discussions on advancing zero-waste practices and strengthening sustainable environmental policies.

Highlighting the significance of the workshop for Kayseri, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Oktay Özkan stated:

"During the workshop, environmental challenges specific to our city, potential solutions, and examples of best practices will be discussed across 15 thematic working groups. I consider this workshop a valuable opportunity for the future of our city. It will provide a comprehensive platform where all environmental dimensions of Kayseri are addressed and the city's environmental vision is shaped. Kayseri is a leading city in terms of its population, industrial capacity, agricultural production, and activities across numerous sectors. These characteristics naturally give rise to environmental challenges. However, environmental problems should never be viewed as obstacles to development. What matters is identifying these challenges and ensuring they are managed effectively. Kayseri has been carrying out successful initiatives in this regard through the collaboration of all its stakeholders."

Following the opening speeches, thematic sessions commenced, emphasizing the active role of local stakeholders in combating waste while fostering collaboration, shared responsibility, and collective decision-making.

The Sustainability Coordination Office of Erciyes University actively participated throughout the workshop as part of the COP31 process. Members of the Coordination Office took leading roles in several thematic working groups. The outcomes of these sessions are expected not only to provide solution-oriented recommendations tailored to Kayseri but also to contribute to the development of environmental policies at the national level.

Within the workshop, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şükrü Azgın served as the moderator of Thematic Table 12: "Governance and Institutional Systems," while Melike Yazman, representing the Sustainability Coordination Office, acted as the rapporteur for the same session. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Kızılay moderated Thematic Table 11: "Cultural, Educational, and Social Transformation," and Asst. Prof. Dr. Selman Sevindik served as the moderator of Thematic Table 9: "Public Spaces, Parks, and Squares."

We are proud to have been a stakeholder in this important initiative, which underscored the vital role of collaboration, shared governance, and collective action in building a more sustainable future.