Islamabad: The Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBITAK) recently co-hosted an online workshop on zero waste, aiming to explore innovative solutions and policy frameworks for a transition towards a circular economy. Held on April 10, 2025, the event convened scientists, engineers, and policymakers from the Global South to address systemic changes needed in waste management.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Muhammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director of COMSATS, and Dr. Ismail Dogan, Vice President of TÜBITAK. Both leaders stressed the need for multilateral cooperation to tackle environmental and resource-use challenges. Pakistani Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Khalid Hussain Magsi, highlighted zero waste as a governance priority and a socio-economic necessity.

The workshop featured two thematic sessions. The first, “Waste-to-Resource Technologies,” focused on transforming waste streams into valuable resources. Discussions included microplastics’ impact on marine ecosystems, innovative agricultural waste solutions, and clean energy production. The second session, “Waste Management and Recycling,” addressed technological innovations in waste handling and circular economy practices, covering topics such as lubricant re-refining and advanced sludge dewatering.

Participants included representatives from international organizations, research institutions, and environmental agencies. The event aligned with Türkiye’s Zero Waste Programme and Pakistan’s “Suthra Punjab” initiative, both focusing on waste minimization and recycling. The workshop underscored COMSATS’ commitment to fostering cooperation for sustainable development, with TÜBITAK continuing to support scientific excellence and sustainable solutions in the Global South.