Strengthening cold chain technologies in hot climates: IIR and UNEP lead the conversation at MOP37

Nairobi, 3 November 2025 — At the 37th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP37), UNEP OzonAction and the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) hosted a dynamic side event focused on strengthening sustainable cold chain technologies knowledge  in hot climates. Held at UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, the session brought together leading researchers, government officials, and technical experts to explore innovative solutions for cold storage and refrigerated transport. 

 

The event, titled “Cold Chain Technologies in Hot Climates: From Storage to Transport,” highlighted the critical role refrigeration plays in reducing food loss, improving public health, and supporting climate goals. With over 12% of global food production lost annually due to inadequate refrigeration, the need for resilient and energy-efficient cold chains has never been more urgent. 

 

Jim Curlin, Head of UNEP OzonAction, opened the session by welcoming participants and highlighting the significance of the side event as a key moment in the global effort to strengthen cold chain systems in hot climates. He emphasized the importance of UNEP’s ongoing cooperation with the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), which has resulted in the development of four Cold Chain Technology Briefs. These resources aim to support Article 5 countries with practical guidance on sustainable refrigeration solutions, and serve as tools for capacity building, policy development, and regional collaboration. Souhir Al-Hammami of IIR set the scene by emphasising that the cold chain is a critical link in the food value chain for reducing waste, preserving quality, and supporting food security. She highlighted how sustainable cold chain systems connect climate action with economic growth, enabling market access and rural development. Investing in cold chain infrastructure, she noted, means investing in people, planet, and prosperity.  

 

The session included the following technical presentations which showcased practical innovations: 

• Dr. Alan Foster (London South Bank University and member of IIR D1 commission: Refrigerated Storage) discussed walk-in cold rooms (WICRs) for developing countries, highlighting passive cooling, thermal energy storage, and natural refrigerants. 
• Dr. Silvia Minetto (Italian National Research Council and President of IIR D2 commission: Refrigerated Transport) addressed refrigerated transport, presenting data on vehicle performance in extreme heat and sustainable design options. 

 

Aline Uwasempabuka, National Ozone Officer for Rwanda, shared her country’s experience in building a robust cold chain ecosystem. Rwanda’s initiatives include the Rwanda Cooling Initiative, the National Cooling Strategy, and the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES), which trains technicians and supports solar-powered technologies. 

 

The event concluded with a dynamic panel discussion and Q&A session, moderated by Sonja Wagner (UNEP OzonAction), which generated strong interest and active participation from the audience. Attendees raised a wide array of insightful and technically nuanced questions, ranging from the operational challenges of deploying solar-powered walk-in cold rooms in tropical climates, to the safety protocols for handling hydrocarbon refrigerants, and experience with training sessions organised in Rwanda. The event wrapped up with closing remarks from Dr. Yosr Allouche, Director General of IIR, who emphasized the vital role of cold chains in safeguarding human well-being and dignity. She also highlighted that focusing on isolated efforts will not deliver the impact we need. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector requires a simultaneous and integrated approach: deploying low-GWP refrigerants, strengthening energy efficiency, and structuring the sector with robust governance so that all national stakeholders, from environment and energy authorities to broader sectors, can work together. The refrigeration sector is transversal by nature, and coordinated action is essential. 

 

Participants were invited to continue the conversation through the upcoming UNEP/IIR webinars on refrigeration across all sectors, including marine cooling, and transport innovations. 

 

Key takeaway: Strengthening the cold chain infrastructure is not just about cooling—it’s about transforming food systems, protecting health, and powering economies in a warming world.