Ashraf AboArafe
Within the framework of the International “Zero Waste” Forum held in Istanbul, First Lady Emine Erdoğan brought together representatives from the environment ministries of 63 countries, alongside global leaders and experts dedicated to building a sustainable planet.
Among the distinguished participants was Egyptian businesswoman Rawya Mansour, celebrated for her innovative environmental projects and green entrepreneurship in Egypt. Her participation was facilitated through the coordination of the Turkish Embassy in Cairo, under the guidance of Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen, whose tireless diplomatic efforts have strengthened environmental and cultural bridges between Türkiye and Egypt.
During the forum, Mrs. Mansour was warmly received by First Lady Emine Erdoğan, to whom she presented an overview of her pioneering eco-projects and sustainability initiatives.
It is noteworthy that Mrs. Mansour is the granddaughter of Field Marshal Deli Fuad Pasha, a historic figure symbolizing the shared heritage of Egypt and Türkiye. Born and educated in Cairo, Fuad Pasha served as a military officer and instructor in the Egyptian Army — embodying the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
In her address, First Lady Emine Erdoğan stressed that achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 requires collective effort, solidarity, and shared responsibility, guided by a vision of “a world where no one is left behind.” She highlighted that all nations must actively engage in addressing environmental challenges, while emphasizing Türkiye’s steadfast commitment to international cooperation and climate responsibility.
Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen, reflecting on the forum’s outcomes, praised the participation of Egyptian representatives as a symbol of regional unity and green diplomacy, noting that such collaborations “lay the foundations for a sustainable and equitable future across the Mediterranean and beyond.”
Concluding her remarks, First Lady Emine Erdoğan expressed her hope that the Istanbul forum would serve as a new platform for strategic partnerships grounded in fairness, shared duties, and environmental harmony — reaffirming Türkiye’s role as a global catalyst for sustainable change.
