Malaysia Honoured with Global Zero Waste Special Citation Award for Leadership in Sustainability
Kuala Lumpur, The Gulf Observer: Malaysia has been awarded the Global Zero Waste Special Citation Award, the highest honour conferred by the Zero Waste Foundation, in recognition of its leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing sustainable waste management and circular economy initiatives.
The prestigious award was presented in Istanbul by the First Lady of Türkiye, Emine Erdogan — who also serves as patron of the Zero Waste Foundation — to Malaysia’s Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming, during the Global Zero Waste Forum 2025 on Sunday.
According to a statement from the Housing and Local Government Ministry, Minister Nga described the recognition as a testament to Malaysia’s consistent efforts in transforming urban waste management, fostering environmental stewardship, and developing innovative solutions for sustainable cities.
“This global recognition strengthens my resolve to be a steadfast champion for this cause,” Nga said in his acceptance speech. “My team and I will work tirelessly to forge a sincere and meaningful partnership with the Zero Waste Foundation, as mandated by the United Nations. Together, we will elevate these critical principles on the global stage — at the United Nations, throughout Asia-Pacific, and across my own region of ASEAN.”
Nga, who also serves as President of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly, underscored that the award highlights the need for stronger multilateral cooperation and a global commitment to rethink, reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Malaysia’s recognition marks a major milestone in its sustainability journey under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The nation’s achievements include initiatives such as the Circular Economy Blueprint 2025–2035, the “Trash to Cash” programme, advanced recycling centres, and the conversion of former landfills into Lestari (Sustainable) Parks powered by renewable energy.
In Kuala Lumpur, the country’s AI-powered transfer station processes over 2,500 tonnes of waste daily, representing a breakthrough in smart and sustainable urban waste management.
Malaysia has also mobilised over 100,000 volunteers through the Hari Cuci Malaysia campaign — modelled after the UN’s World Cleanup Day — which has broken five national records since its launch last year.
During his keynote closing remarks at the forum, Nga reaffirmed Malaysia’s dedication to championing Zero Waste during its presidency of the UN-Habitat Assembly, ensuring alignment with the upcoming UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026–2029. He called on all 104 participating countries to integrate Zero Waste into national climate strategies, empower local authorities as “engines of implementation,” and enhance cooperation to translate global frameworks into tangible local action.
Held under the theme “Zero Waste in Action: People, Places, Progress,” the Global Zero Waste Forum 2025 took place in Istanbul from October 17–19. It brought together delegates from 104 countries and 118 international partner organisations, including representatives from the United Nations, UN-Habitat, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
Hosted under the patronage of Emine Erdogan, the Forum serves as a global platform to strengthen cooperation towards building waste-free, sustainable cities in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
