ISTANBUL: Malaysia has been honoured with the Global Zero Waste Special Citation Award in recognition of its commitment to advancing circular economy principles and sustainable waste management.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the special recognition reflects Malaysia’s sustained efforts in transforming urban waste management, promoting environmental stewardship, and fostering innovative solutions for sustainable cities.
“I pledge to you today that my team and I will work tirelessly to forge a sincere and meaningful partnership with the Zero Waste Foundation as mandated by the UN,” said Nga, who is also president of the UN-Habitat Assembly, in his acceptance speech.
“Together, we will elevate these critical principles on the global stage — at the United Nations, throughout the Asia-Pacific, and across my own region of Asean.”
First Lady of Turkiye Emine Erdoğan, who is also the patron of the Zero Waste Foundation, presented the award to Nga during the Global Zero Waste Forum 2025 on Sunday (Oct 20).
Nga added that the special citation underscores the importance of stronger multilateral action and a global commitment to sustainable practices that prioritise reuse and recycling.
Malaysia received the highest award among four categories, the others being Innovative Research and Design, Zero Waste Projects, and Zero Waste Practices.
“Malaysia received the highest award, marking the nation’s leadership and exemplary achievements in advancing Zero Waste solutions under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” Nga said.
Malaysia’s leadership in sustainability is evident through initiatives such as recycling centres and the ‘Trash to Cash’ programme, as well as the launch of the Circular Economy Blueprint 2025–2035. The blueprint champions extended producer responsibility, digital waste-tracking systems and green technology hubs — all aimed at closing the loop on waste while creating healthier, more resilient cities.
The country’s efforts also include transforming old landfills into Lestari Parks — green community spaces powered by renewable energy — and developing Kuala Lumpur’s AI-powered transfer station, which processes 2,500 tonnes of waste daily, demonstrating Malaysia’s innovative approach to urban sustainability.
Further showcasing Malaysia’s people-centred approach, the annual Hari Cuci Malaysia (HCM) campaign, introduced last year and inspired by the UN’s World Cleanup Day, mobilised over 100,000 volunteers. The campaign broke five national records in promoting environmental responsibility, reinforcing the message that keeping the planet clean is a shared duty for all Malaysians.
Following the award presentation, Nga also delivered his keynote closing remarks at the Global Zero Waste Forum 2025, where he reaffirmed Malaysia’s continued commitment to championing the Zero Waste agenda during its presidency of the UN-Habitat Assembly, ensuring full alignment with the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026–2029.
He called on all 104 participating countries to integrate Zero Waste into their national climate strategies, empower local authorities as “engines of implementation”, and enhance multilevel cooperation to align global frameworks with practical action on the ground.
Nga also highlighted Malaysia’s ongoing collaboration with its counterparts in Brazil to mainstream the New Urban Agenda within the UNFCCC process ahead of COP30 in Brazil next month.
The Global Zero Waste Forum 2025, themed “Zero Waste in Action: People, Places, Progress”, is being held from Oct 17 to 19 at the Istanbul Hilton Bomonti Hotel and Conference Centre, bringing together representatives from over 104 countries.
Participants include delegates from 118 international partner organisations, mayors, ambassadors and senior representatives from international institutions such as the United Nations, UN-Habitat, UNEP and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
