NEW YORK/ANKARA

Emine Erdogan, Türkiye’s first lady and chair of the UN High-Level Advisory Board on Zero Waste, said on Wednesday that the world is witnessing a “dark era” where water is used as a weapon of war, pointing to Gaza as the most tragic example.

Speaking at the opening of the “Zero Waste Blue—Drop by Drop” exhibition in New York, Erdogan said Türkiye’s environmental efforts are undertaken for the benefit of all humanity.

“We take every step not only for ourselves but for all our brothers and sisters who share the Earth. Each achievement brings us the indescribable joy of contributing to humanity’s welfare,” she said.

Erdogan warned that Gaza now has “the most expensive water in the world, because the price of a glass of water is paid with human life.”

“Unfortunately, we are in a very dark period where water can be used as a tool of genocide. Since October 7, 2023, Israel has targeted Gaza’s water infrastructure in its attacks. 85% of pipelines, treatment plants, wells, and related systems are unusable,” Erdogan said, adding that Palestinians are forced to walk long distances every day to meet their basic water needs.

“Sometimes they are killed in missile strikes on water queues before they can even bring water back to their families. Images of small children struggling to carry water containers heavier than their own bodies are truly a black mark on humanity’s conscience,” she said.

“Out of thirst, people are compelled to drink water that is not fit for human consumption. I believe there is no moral, legal, humanitarian, or ethical red line left in Gaza.”

The exhibition, organized by Turkey’s Ministry of Environment under Erdogan’s patronage, showcased visual and digital works emphasizing the importance of water. It also promoted Turkey’s “Zero Waste Blue” initiative, which has removed 285,000 tons of marine litter from its coasts.

Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen signed the Zero Waste Goodwill Declaration at the event, joining other international officials.

Erdogan highlighted progress since Türkiye launched the Zero Waste initiative in 2017, including the UN’s declaration of March 30 as International Zero Waste Day. “Fortunately, Zero Waste is now a global movement,” she said.