Statement by Yosr Allouche, new Director General of the IIR

Dear Network,

 

This fall marks a significant milestone for the International Institute of Refrigeration and for me, as I officially assume the role of Director General of the organisation. After a transitional year of learning and growth, I am both honoured and excited to lead our prestigious organisation into a promising future.

 

The past year has been one of profound transformation. Through collaborative efforts of the Head Office, the newly elected Board of Management Committee, the Science and Technology Council and the Executive Committee, we have developed a visionary strategy for the benefit of all.

 

Refrigeration has become vital, and access to this utility is mandatory in the current context of climate change, but it must also be sustainable to protect the climate and the environment. Another key aspect of this sustainability is the adoption of heat pumps, which play a critical role in the energy transition.

 

We believe that science-based information is essential to drive innovation and develop effective policies. Science should be the main driver for decision-making. The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) stands out as the only intergovernmental organisation in the world dedicated entirely to providing this vital scientific refrigeration foundation. However, we believe that by collaborating with other organisations in the field, we can accelerate our impact and pool the efforts needed to achieve sustainability goals.

 

Our vision is ambitious: we aim to bridge the gap between research, policy, and practice, ensuring that sustainable and climate-friendly refrigeration and heat pump technologies play a critical role in addressing global challenges. To achieve this, we are committed to making scientific knowledge more accessible, strengthening partnerships across sectors, building capacity and enhancing the benefits we deliver to countries, academia, industry, and our global network.

 

Our team has been strengthened by the arrival of talented young people of diverse nationalities, representing various regions of the world. Their extensive technical expertise, combined with policy and finance backgrounds in the refrigeration and heat pump sectors, gives us the means to advance our mission and usher in a promising new chapter for the IIR.

As I step into this role, I am excited to collaborate with our dedicated Management Committee and the 400+ distinguished experts of our Science and Technology Council. Their unwavering commitment to providing objective, evidence-based information is crucial in tackling the challenges related to society, climate, geopolitical dynamics, and issues such as health utilities and food loss and waste.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to former Director General Didier Coulomb. His guidance during this transition period has been invaluable. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the delegates of our member countries for placing their trust in me. Together, we have the opportunity to write an inspiring new chapter for the IIR, one that unites our sector and enhances its contributions to the benefit of future generations, while taking care of our planet.

 

Looking ahead, I am excited to share that a public version of our new strategy will be available in Q1 2025. I encourage everyone to engage with us as we embark on this journey, working hand in hand to realise our shared vision.

 

Yosr Allouche