Under the patronage of First Lady Emine Erdoğan and led by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, the Zero Waste movement, recognized by the United Nations as a global model, has become one of the most powerful environmental initiatives for a sustainable future. I am deeply pleased to be part of this visionary movement and to prepare our university for the future with this sense of responsibility.

As Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), we uphold the mission of being a higher education institution that acts with a strong sense of responsibility toward the environment and society. Together, we say ‘zero waste’ for a sustainable future by fostering a university environment that prevents waste, promotes recycling, and prioritizes the efficient use of resources. In this direction, we are improving our waste management systems across our campuses and aiming to prevent waste by adopting the principles of the circular economy.

On this occasion, I celebrate 30 March International Zero Waste Day, which calls for rethinking the concept of ‘waste’ as a ‘resource’ in every field, from paper to plastic, from water to energy. I would also like to thank all our colleagues, students, and environmentally conscious citizens who contribute to reducing waste both on our campus and in all areas of life. A sustainable future is only possible through our collective efforts.

Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın