Turkey–Burundi: First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye Champions Burundi’s Voice at the Global Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul
A Strong Commitment to Environmental Protection and International Cooperation
The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, Her Excellency Angeline Ndayishimiye, represented her country at the Global Zero Waste Forum held in Istanbul, Türkiye, on June 5–6, 2026. Organized under the theme “Towards Antalya: Zero Waste as an Action Against Climate Change,” the international gathering brought together high-level leaders, government officials, international organizations, experts, and environmental advocates committed to sustainable development and climate action.
Initiated by the First Lady of Türkiye, Her Excellency Emine Erdoğan, the forum served as a global platform for dialogue on innovative solutions aimed at reducing waste, promoting a circular economy, and strengthening efforts to combat the impacts of climate change.
In her opening address, Emine Erdoğan emphasized the urgent need to adopt more sustainable production and consumption patterns. She called on governments, institutions, businesses, and citizens worldwide to make the Zero Waste movement a genuine catalyst for environmental and social transformation.
Throughout the forum, participants explored the opportunities offered by modern and sustainable waste management systems. Speakers highlighted that waste should no longer be viewed solely as an environmental burden but also as a valuable resource capable of generating innovative, economic, and sustainable solutions.
Angeline Ndayishimiye’s participation underscored Burundi’s growing commitment to global environmental issues. Through her active engagement in the forum’s discussions, the First Lady reaffirmed Burundi’s determination to contribute to international efforts aimed at protecting the environment and addressing climate change.
On the sidelines of the event, the Burundian First Lady held a bilateral meeting with her Turkish counterpart, Emine Erdoğan. The two leaders discussed the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation between Burundi and Türkiye, as well as opportunities to further strengthen bilateral ties in several areas of mutual interest.
During the meeting, Angeline Ndayishimiye expressed her sincere gratitude to the Turkish authorities for their support to Burundi’s healthcare sector, particularly through the deployment of specialized medical teams that contribute to the treatment of various health conditions across the country.
She also highlighted the growing number of Burundian students pursuing higher education in Turkish universities. According to the First Lady, these young people serve as an important bridge between the two nations and will play a key role in fostering stronger cooperation between Bujumbura and Ankara in the years ahead.
For her part, Emine Erdoğan praised Angeline Ndayishimiye’s dedication to improving the well-being of communities and expressed admiration for her leadership and numerous initiatives in the fields of health, social development, and community empowerment.
The two First Ladies also emphasized the importance of international solidarity in addressing global environmental challenges. “If we join our forces, our planet will be better,” Emine Erdoğan stated, calling for enhanced cooperation among nations to build a more sustainable future for all.
At the conclusion of her mission, Angeline Ndayishimiye departed Istanbul on June 6, 2026. She was seen off at the airport by Istanbul Deputy Governor Mustafa Asım Alkan and Burundi’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Didace Ntureka. Turkish authorities commended her active contribution to the forum and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Burundi and the Republic of Türkiye.
Through her participation in this global event, the First Lady of Burundi demonstrated her country’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive development while ensuring that Burundi’s voice is heard in international discussions on environmental protection and the future of the planet.
