Ms. Tamara Vučić addressed the UN General Assembly at a session dedicated to environment protection
"It is essential to recognize the close connection between irrational consumption, growing production and global challenges. Zero waste is not only about reducing the production of waste, but a way of life and a philosophy that requires solidarity, the exchange of best practices and a coordinated action of all those who can contribute to positive changes." - noted Ms. Tamara Vučić, also stressing that the quintessence of change lies in each of us starting to modify his or her habits.
Ms. Tamara Vučić also noted all the efforts made in the field of renewable energy sources and environmental protection in the Republic of Serbia, which has a long tradition of activism in the domain of environmental protection and which has been one of the first countries in Europe to establish national parks.
"In order to support the breathing process - metaphorically speaking, we have made significant efforts towards renewable energy with the construction of the largest wind farm in Western Balkans four years ago. As a candidate for EU membership, Serbia has also adopted the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. Furthermore, the Serbian Government has launched an initiative to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices, such as reducing plastic packaging and adopting circular business models. We are especially dedicated to the education of the youngest, because they are our future. We are here to transform the Earth into a better place for all of us, so let us join forces and do the necessary - reduce, reuse and recycle," said Ms. Tamara Vučić, thanking in particular the first lady of the Republic of Türkiye, Ms. Emine Erdoğan for her tireless commitment to environmental protection and the promotion of the zero waste concept.
Upon delivering her speech, Ms. Tamara Vučić attended an exhibition dedicated to the contribution that the first lady of the Republic of Türkiye, Ms. Emine Erdoğan has given to the development of the Zero Waste project - not only in her country, but on the global level as well. The Zero Waste project was in fact launched five years ago under the auspices of the wife of the Türkiye president, with the objective of combating climate change through local waste prevention, the establishment of a separation and recycling system by municipalities, the development of innovative projects for waste recycling and the introduction of a system based waste prediction - before it actually occurs. In addition to this project, in 2017, Ms. Emine Erdoğan presented the resolution on the initiative for Zero Waste, which was adopted by the United Nations that subsequently proclaimed March 30th International Day of Zero Waste - to be observed annually.
After the exhibition, Ms. Tamara Vučić signed the book of condolence for the devastating earthquake that claimed tens of thousands of lives in southeastern Türkiye.
Ms. Tamara Vučić used her stay in New York for a meeting with Ms. Emine Erdoğan, where she reiterated her condolences to the people of Türkiye for the tragic earthquake. During their encounter, they discussed environmental protection, zero waste, as well as further opportunities for increasing the degree of nature protection, which represents the key to preserving the environment.
The two distinguished collocutors also discussed bilateral cooperation with a special emphasis on the cultural sphere, exchanged opinions on the issue of overweight school-aged children and talked about accumulated experiences and the approach needed to change the diet and the lifestyle of children. After the meeting, Ms. Tamara Vučić attended an iftar dinner hosted by the first lady of Türkiye.
Source: Tanjug
Photo: Tanjug
