Global Zero Waste Forum 2025 Strengthens International Movement with Unified Framework

The Global Zero Waste Forum 2025 brought together global sustainability leaders, policymakers, and innovators to advance the collective mission toward a circular, waste-free future. Representing Zero Waste Canada, President Jamie Kaminski attended the forum as an official partner and reflected on the event as an extraordinary opportunity to connect with global leaders and witness the movement's progress firsthand. Kaminski noted that while the forum highlighted Türkiye's leadership in advancing Zero Waste initiatives, it also reinforced the international scope of the movement and the critical role that communities and organizations play in driving systemic change.

The enthusiasm and collaboration of participants, from established Zero Waste pioneers to emerging voices from around the world, demonstrated the growing momentum behind waste reduction efforts globally. The forum reaffirmed the Zero Waste Hierarchy 8.1, developed by the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA), as the guiding framework for global Zero Waste policies and definitions. This milestone strengthens global alignment on what "Zero Waste" truly means by prioritizing prevention, reuse, and systemic solutions over disposal.

Speakers emphasized that achieving Zero Waste requires addressing the root causes of waste and pollution while ensuring that economic and social systems make sustainability accessible, inclusive, and impactful. Across all sessions, participants and leading voices agreed that Zero Waste is not simply a waste management goal but a commitment to systemic change. The approach addresses the root causes of waste and pollution while protecting both human and environmental health.

HSR Zero Waste works closely with Zero Waste Canada as part of a shared commitment to advancing the Zero Waste movement, with ongoing collaboration on event and facility certification initiatives strengthening Canada's leadership in building sustainable and circular systems. As the forum concluded, one question from Elena Mateo of Zero Waste Costa Rica resonated deeply across all discussions: "If you are not for Zero Waste, how much waste are you for?" This sentiment captures the urgency and clarity the movement needs as stakeholders collectively push forward.

The forum's outcomes signal significant progress toward standardized global approaches to waste reduction, with the Zero Waste Hierarchy 8.1 providing a clear roadmap for communities, businesses, and governments worldwide. Learn more about Global Zero Waste Forum 2025 for additional information about this important international gathering.