#Paris #France #Sustainable Solutions #Refrigeration #International Institute of Refrigeration

Establishing National Refrigeration Committees

On the occasion of World Refrigeration Day, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) has issued a strong call urging all countries to recognize refrigeration as an essential infrastructure that significantly impacts health, food security, energy efficiency, and climate sustainability. The IIR advocates for the establishment of National Refrigeration Committees; these committees serve as interdisciplinary platforms aimed at harmonizing efforts for sustainable refrigeration practices across various applications, ranging from cryogenic technologies to food and health cold chains, air conditioning, and heat pumps.

The Role of National Committees

The proposed national committees would bring together all relevant stakeholders, ensuring participation from both public and private sectors, as well as technical and political arenas. The IIR emphasizes that these committees are crucial for developing effective and inclusive national refrigeration strategies. Such initiatives are seen as vital for strengthening food systems, public health, industrial development, and climate action.

A Global Call to Action

As an intergovernmental organization focusing on refrigeration development, the IIR urges more nations to join this mission, actively supporting global efforts to prioritize refrigeration on national and international agendas. The IIR posits that recognizing the refrigeration sector as a pivotal element for sustainable development and climate resilience is essential. This global appeal echoes the outcomes of the High-Level Event for World Refrigeration Day 2025, which took place in Paris on June 18, 2025. Over 170 representatives from governments, industry, science, and international organizations from over 60 countries gathered to emphasize that refrigeration is no longer a secondary issue but a critical infrastructure.

Innovative Solutions Presented

At this event, national leaders from various countries, including Indonesia, Nigeria, and the European Union, highlighted how refrigeration contributes to clean energy, food security, and economic inclusion. The proposed National Committees would unify ministries, the private sector, and academia to ensure coherent policies, aligned investments, and a qualified workforce. The IIR is witnessing a renaissance, as stated by Professor Min-Soo Kim, President of the IIR General Conference.

The Paris event featured critical interventions from the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, underscoring the necessity of implementing sustainable cooling actions through sectoral approaches. Such interventions were also supported by organizations like UNESCO, UNIDO, UNEP, and the World Bank.

The announcement of the Global Refrigeration Outlook, a new flagship report series by the IIR to guide policies, science, and finance, was well received by attendees. Industry leaders such as Carrier Transicold, Daikin Europe, and Danfoss Climate Solutions displayed scalable solutions utilizing natural refrigerants and innovative cooling chains while stressing the requirement for favorable policies and predictable investments.

Conclusion

The growing recognition of refrigeration as a global systems issue signifies potential benefits that are rapid and equitable if collaborative approaches are adopted. As the IIR continues to lead this transformative dialogue, the emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity in refrigeration practices will play a crucial role in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time, including climate change and energy access.



In summary, the IIR's call to establish National Refrigeration Committees is a crucial step towards a sustainable future where refrigeration is acknowledged for its significant role in food security, health, and climate resilience. Countries are encouraged to act swiftly and decisively to adopt these recommendations for the betterment of society as a whole.