Last week, First Lady Emine Erdoğan joined President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in New York City for the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). While the president focused on bilateral meetings and delivered a powerful speech on global injustices, First Lady Erdoğan had a busy agenda of her own.
Key Events and Meetings
During her visit, First Lady Erdoğan attended a luncheon hosted by U.S. First Lady Jill Biden. She also met with Ilyasah Shabazz, the daughter of civil rights leader Malcolm X, at the Turkish House (Türkevi). Erdoğan organized various events to promote dialogue and strengthen Turkey’s diplomatic ties.
Commitment to Cultural Diplomacy and Sustainability
First Lady Erdoğan is dedicated to cultural diplomacy and addressing global environmental issues, particularly regarding women and children’s rights. She chairs the U.N. Advisory Board on Zero Waste and hosted Jeffrey Sachs, president of the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network, at the Turkish House. Together, they signed the “Global Zero Waste Declaration of Goodwill.”
Erdoğan’s Zero Waste Project aims to reduce waste and combat climate change. Managed by the Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, the initiative focuses on waste prevention, resource optimization, and effective recycling systems. Legal measures, such as the nationwide plastic bag ban introduced in 2019, support these goals. The “Global Zero Waste Declaration,” launched at last year’s UNGA, promotes sustainable practices worldwide.
Promoting African Culture
One significant event hosted by Erdoğan was “Flavors of Africa: A Feast of Culture, Cuisine and Friendship.” This event aimed to celebrate African culture and cuisine. In her opening remarks, she stressed the importance of recognizing Africa’s potential and its significance to the world.
“Celebrating the colors, flavors, and stories of African cuisine helps us embrace and preserve this cultural heritage,” Erdoğan stated. Türkiye has been strengthening its relationships with African nations over the past two decades, focusing on cultural and development cooperation.
During the event, an updated edition of the “African Cuisine” book was introduced, featuring 110 unique recipes from five African regions. This book was published under the Turkish Presidency and the African Cultural House Association. Spouses of presidents from various countries attended the event, and Erdoğan personally served Moroccan tea to the guests.
Advocating for Women and Children’s Rights
In addition to her cultural initiatives, First Lady Erdoğan hosted another event titled “Bridal Treasures: A Journey Through Ottoman and Anatolian Dowries,” showcasing Turkish hospitality to world leaders’ spouses.
She also met with Najat Maalla M’jid, the U.N. Secretary-General’s special representative on Violence against Children. At a UNICEF program called “A Starfish Story: A Global Call to Volunteers of the Heart,” Erdoğan called for global cooperation to strengthen foster care systems.
“I join this global call for volunteers of the heart,” she said, inviting nations to unite in protecting children, who are the future of humanity.
First Lady Erdoğan is committed to improving women and children’s rights. Her projects, such as “Come On Girls, Let’s Go To School” and “Mothers and Daughters at School Literacy Campaign,” address literacy and access to education in Türkiye.
As President Erdoğan advocates for a more just global system, First Lady Erdoğan’s initiatives also positively impact future generations in Türkiye and beyond. Her emphasis on women’s and children’s rights contributes to the well-being of disadvantaged communities, extending from the Middle East to Africa.
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