Countries Urged to Establish National Cold Committees for Sustainable Development

Global Call for National Cold Committees

On June 26, 2025, in recognition of World Refrigeration Day, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) made a compelling plea to countries worldwide to acknowledge refrigeration as a critical infrastructure. This infrastructure is vital not only for public health but also for food safety, energy efficiency, and climate compatibility.

The IIR emphasizes that establishing National Cold Committees is essential. These committees will serve as cross-sector platforms designed to coordinate sustainable cooling efforts across various applications, from cryotechnology to food supply chains and health care systems. By incorporating diverse stakeholders, these committees aim to bring together public, private, technical, and political entities to develop effective national cooling strategies.

Yosr Allouche, Director General of the IIR, highlighted the importance of sustainable cooling in shaping the future of society. He stated, "This is the decade where sustainable cooling will define our community. Let’s be visionary, groundbreaking, and inclusive."

Importance of Cooling in Global Issues

The urgency of this initiative reflects the global recognition of cooling as a pivotal factor in various critical areas. During the high-profile World Refrigeration Day event held in Paris on June 18, 2025, over 170 representatives from government, industry, and international organizations from more than 60 countries convened. They articulated a unified message: cooling is no longer a marginal issue; it is central to infrastructure development.

Officials from regions such as Indonesia, Nigeria, and the European Union expressed the significant role of cooling in supporting clean energy initiatives and food security. The proposed National Cold Committees are expected to harmonize efforts from ministries, the private sector, and scientific communities, ensuring coherent policies, coordinated investments, and a skilled workforce.

Prof. Min-Soo Kim, President of the IIR General Conference, remarked, "We are witnessing the rebirth of IIR—more relevant and unified than ever." This sentiment was echoed throughout the event, underscoring the necessity of embracing sustainable cooling strategies as part of comprehensive climate action.

Multilateral Contributions and Support

Participants were also introduced to crucial contributions from various multilateral organizations concerning the imperative of integrating sustainable cooling measures across sectors. For instance, the Multilateral Fund for the Montreal Protocol highlighted the significance of adopting sectoral approaches to maximize the benefits of early action in emerging sectors within developing countries. This aligns with the commitments of the Kigali Amendment. Key contributions also came from UNESCO, UNIDO, UNEP, and other vital organizations.

The announcement of the Global Refrigeration Outlook, a new flagship report series by the IIR, was welcomed positively by attendees. This series is intended to serve as a guiding framework for policy, science, and finance in the refrigeration sector.

Leading industry players such as Carrier Transicold, Daikin Europe, and Danfoss Climate Solutions showcased scalable innovations using natural refrigerants, enhanced thermal integration, and pioneering cooling systems, reinforcing the need for supportive regulatory measures and predictable investments.

Addressing Global Challenges Through Collaboration

From climate change to energy access, cooling is increasingly recognized as a global system issue that presents the potential for swift and equitable progress when approached collaboratively. The integration of cooling technologies is seen as indispensable not only for combating climate challenges but also for elevating public health and bolstering food systems worldwide.

In conclusion, the International Institute of Refrigeration's call to action for nations to establish National Cold Committees is a defining moment in the pursuit of sustainable development and climate resilience. It's imperative for countries to heed this call and put refrigeration at the forefront of their national and international agendas, recognizing its critical role in facilitating sustainable development and enhancing our resilience against climate change.