Establishment of National Refrigeration Committees: A Key Step for Health, Food Security, and Climate Action

Urgent Call for National Refrigeration Committees



On World Refrigeration Day, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) made a significant announcement urging all nations to establish National Refrigeration Committees. This initiative is aimed at addressing vital challenges related to food security, public health, animal welfare, and climate change. Recognizing refrigeration as a critical infrastructure component, the IIR emphasizes its importance for health, energy efficiency, and climate sustainability.

Importance of Refrigeration


Refrigeration plays a pivotal role in ensuring food safety and security, especially in our global economy where food supply chains are increasingly interconnected. With adequate refrigeration technologies, we can minimize food wastage, preserve nutritional value, and ensure safe distribution through cold chains. Furthermore, proper refrigeration systems support public health by extending the shelf life of medical supplies and vaccines, particularly in remote areas.

Establishing National Refrigeration Committees


The IIR advocates that governments create cross-sectoral platforms known as National Refrigeration Committees. These committees would include representatives from various stakeholders, such as government ministries, private sectors, and academia, to foster collaborative efforts in developing effective and comprehensive national refrigeration strategies. By doing so, they will ensure coherent policy-making, aligned investments, and a skilled workforce necessary for sustainable refrigeration practices.

Yosr Allouche, Director General of the IIR, articulated the goal, stating, "This is the decade where sustainable refrigeration will shape our societies. Let's be visionary, let's be disruptive, and let's be inclusive." Echoing this sentiment, national leaders from across the globe—from Indonesia and Nigeria to the European Union—expressed their support for these proposed committees, underscoring refrigeration's role in facilitating clean energy solutions and fostering economic inclusion.

Events in Paris


The call to action was part of a broader narrative shared during the 2025 World Refrigeration Day event held in Paris. The gathering comprised over 170 representatives from various sectors, including government, industry, science, and international organizations. The discussions collectively focused on positioning refrigeration as a central issue in sustainable development and climate resilience agendas.

Key highlights from the event involved crucial inputs from influential organizations like UNESCO, UNIDO, and the World Bank. They emphasized considering sustainable cooling actions through various sectoral approaches, particularly in developing countries. The importance of early action to leverage benefits in emerging sectors was also discussed extensively.

Innovative Solutions and Future Directions


Industry leaders showcased groundbreaking innovations that incorporate natural refrigerants, thermal integration, and advanced cold chain solutions. Companies like Carrier Transicold, Daikin Europe, and Danfoss Climate Solutions highlighted the need for supportive policies and consistent investment to realize such scalable innovations.

In this context, the IIR announced the launch of the Global Refrigeration Outlook, a series aimed at guiding policies, scientific endeavors, and financing in the refrigeration sector. This report is expected to be instrumental in aligning national and international strategies.

Conclusion


As we face challenges from climate change and energy access, it is crucial that refrigeration is viewed as a systems issue that requires collective action. Countries are encouraged to join forces in addressing these challenges by prioritizing refrigeration on their national and international agendas. Strengthening the refrigeration sector through established committees can pave the way for sustainable development, ultimately leading to healthier populations and resilient food systems.

In summary, the call from the International Institute of Refrigeration for nations to establish National Refrigeration Committees marks a significant step towards tackling contemporary challenges in food security, public health, and climate action. Time is of the essence, and with cooperative efforts aimed at proper refrigeration practices, we can foster a safer and more sustainable future for all.

Topics Policy & Public Interest)

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