Hello Everyone! I am excited to introduce myself as the new Engagement Officer at ISWA. My name is Ceren Baran. With a diverse background, I was born and raised in Istanbul, a city that has been my home for most of my life. In my late twenties, I ventured beyond Turkey, travelling through Europe before settling in the Netherlands. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one where I could pursue my dream of building a greener career.
For the past few years, following my Master’s in Environmental Management, I have been deeply involved in various sustainability projects, with a particular focus on waste and food systems. I believe these areas are often overlooked yet are critical to transforming our current practices into sustainable and even regenerative ecosystems. Our connection to these delicate systems is profound—we may be small, but our impact can be significant. It saddens me to witness the harm our species has caused to our precious ecosystems, and I am determined to be on the right side of history. My goal is to contribute to a better world for both humanity and the non-human beings we share it with.
As I take on this important role at ISWA, I am eager to connect and engage individuals in the waste sector who are ready to make a difference. Engagement is vital for success, raising awareness and challenging the status quo. I aim to foster a sense of global community within ISWA, uniting us all in pursuit of our shared vision for a sustainable future.