First Lady Mellisa Santokhi Seenacherry has embarked on a significant journey to Turkey, upon the invitation of the First Lady of Turkey, who also serves as the Chair of the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste Management, Emine Erdoğan. This trip marks the occasion of the first in-person meeting of the Advisory Board, and it underscores the global significance of the mission.

From October 29th to November 5th, the First Lady will not only participate in the Advisory Board meeting as a member but will also engage in various gatherings, where first ladies from different countries will be in attendance. The Turkish government has generously covered all expenses related to the official visit of First Lady Mellisa Santokhi Seenacherry and her accompanying delegation, highlighting the country’s commitment to promoting international cooperation in the field of waste management and environmental preservation.

The establishment of the Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste by the UN Secretary General is a direct response to the urgent need to combat further pollution of our planet, our only home, the Earth. The consequences of inaction are dire, as Secretary General Antonio Guterres cautioned during the Advisory Board’s installation in March 2023. He warned that if we fail to take action, the amount of solid urban waste could double to a staggering 4 billion tons annually by 2050.

As a member of this prestigious board, First Lady Mellisa Santokhi Seenacherry is committed to working closely with various national organizations to combat pollution and promote sustainable waste management practices, not only in Suriname but on a broader global scale. This collaborative approach is essential as we all share responsibility for preserving our planet for future generations.

The presence of First Lady Mellisa Santokhi Seenacherry at the first in-person meeting of the Advisory Board underscores her pivotal role in advocating for environmental responsibility on a global level. Her participation serves as a testament to the international importance of addressing the escalating waste crisis and environmental degradation.

Turkey, as the host of this crucial gathering, has extended a warm invitation to the First Lady. Her visit not only provides an opportunity to partake in the Advisory Board meeting but also allows for valuable discussions with other first ladies from around the world. Such exchanges among dignitaries from different nations highlight the global significance of this event.

The Turkish government’s generous sponsorship of First Lady Mellisa Santokhi Seenacherry’s official visit exemplifies Turkey’s dedication to supporting international efforts in the realm of waste management and environmental preservation. This commitment is vital in the face of mounting global environmental challenges.

The UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste Management was established to address the pressing need to combat pollution and waste proliferation on a global scale. This initiative is a critical step in averting the ominous prospect of doubling solid urban waste to 4 billion tons annually by 2050, as emphasized by Secretary General Antonio Guterres during the Advisory Board’s installation in March 2023.

As a member of this influential board, the First Lady will collaborate with various national organizations to combat pollution and promote sustainable waste management practices. Her role in this global initiative underscores the gravity of the environmental challenges we face and the imperative for international cooperation.

In conclusion, the participation of First Lady Mellisa Santokhi Seenacherry in the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste Management is a significant step towards addressing the global environmental crisis. It underscores the urgent need to combat pollution and work towards a more sustainable future. The generous sponsorship of her visit by the Turkish government highlights the importance of international collaboration in tackling environmental challenges and the urgency of the situation, as articulated by Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Source: Suriname Herald