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Statement from IIR Director General at COP13/MOP36

On the final day of COP13/MOP36, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 28 October to 1 November 2024, IIR Director General Yosr Allouche delivered IIR’s official statement to the Plenary.

Source: Ozone Secretariat, "13th COP - 36th MOP, Day 5 - Morning", YouTube, https://youtu.be/yerhV0siDaE (1:03:45 - 1:07:03)

 

Transcript

 

Esteemed delegates and distinguished members of the Montreal Protocol Ozone Secretariat,

 

As the head of Delegation of the International Institute for Refrigeration, an intergovernmental organization fostering collaboration and enhancing knowledge on all aspects of refrigeration and heat pumps technologies globally, I commend and reaffirm our commitment to the objectives of the Montreal Protocol, whose noble efforts have set a global precedent in environmental protection and ozone layer preservation. We fully support the activities of the Secretariat and stand ready to engage in the vital transition to sustainable refrigeration sector worldwide.

 

Refrigeration is essential in our current climate context, yet it must be sustainable to protect humans, environment and climate. A critical component of this sustainability is the adoption of heat pumps, which play an instrumental role in the energy transition, for heating in the built environment as well as in industry.

 

At the IIR, we firmly believe that evidence-based policymaking is essential to achieving our environmental and climate targets. We ensure an interactive process that enables effective exchanges of knowledge between scientific evidence providers and scientific evidence users. Through this collaboration, we ensure that the latest scientific insights are not only shared but also provided in a practical and relevant way suitable for policy formation, supporting each of you in making informed and impactful decisions.

 

In line with the outcomes of MOP35 and ongoing discussions at MOP36, we recognise the importance of effective financial mechanisms to support the phase-out of HFCs and the promotion of clean, sustainable alternatives. At the IIR, we are committed to strengthening technology transfer and capacity-building initiatives, ensuring that both developed and developing countries have the resources they need for this essential transition.

 

Beyond technical skill-building, we will continue strengthening the capacities of National Ozone Officers by providing resources and training materials on energy efficiency and conducting sectoral assessments, such as those focused on the food and health cold chains. Our holistic approach addresses not only ozone layer protection but also the broader challenges of climate change.  

 

Recognising the challenges posed by accessibility, finance, and infrastructural gaps towards the implementation of sustainable refrigeration, we remain impartial and dedicated to supporting the sector’s transition in every country.

 

Moving forward, IIR provides independent support and fosters cross-sector collaboration, remaining committed to this vital mission.  

 

We are eager to work hand in hand with each of you. Together, through lasting partnerships, we can reach our shared goals, securing a healthy present and building a sustainable, safe future for generations to come.

 

Thank you.