UNIDO Environment

Advancing Sustainable Cooling and Industrial Skills in Zambia--Northern Technical College gets specialized equipment

The Northern Technical College (NORTEC) in Ndola is set to transform into a premier regional training and retrofitting hub for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) sector.

Under the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP), UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization, in collaboration with the Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), transferred the specialized cooling equipment to the college. The package consists of advanced diagnostic, recovery, and training tools, including portable refrigerant identifiers, electronic leak detectors, manifold sets, portable refrigerant recovery units, among others.

As Zambia's HVAC/R sector grows to meet urbanization and industrial demand, it faces critical needs to transition toward energy-efficient, low-global-warming-potential technologies and reduce ozone-depleting substances.

NORTEC, with an enrolment of around 6,800 students across its engineering and technical disciplines, plays a vital role in meeting this demand. Beyond the campus classrooms, technicians from across the region will master the safe handling of refrigerants, while local enterprises benefit from a structured equipment-hire model.

On a national level, this initiative aligns with UNIDO’s Programme for Country Partnership (P*P) and Zambia's climate commitments under the and the Kigali Amendment. By bridging technical education with practical application, this milestone elevates 's skills development landscape, safeguards the environment against ozone depletion, and fuels sustainable green industrialization for the nation's future.



Ozone Secretariat I UN Climate Change I Northern Technical College

Expert exchange programme studies Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS) and life-cycle refrigerant management practices in Japan

A delegation from participated in a four-day expert exchange programme in Japan, which focused on themes like Ozone depleting Substances (ODS) Banks Management, Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) sector, life-cycle refrigerant management, circular economy approach, among others.

The exchange programme was aimed at sharing Japanese experience in these areas, with a view to inform Türkiye’s future work. The delegation, comprising of officials from the National Ozone Unit, Directorate of Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, shared their experiences in ODS and Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) management in Türkiye. The Japanese counterparts from Ministry of the Environment, Japan and Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) explained Japan's Fluorocarbon Law and quota system, followed by an open discussion between the delegations.

Among the various sites the delegation visited include JFE Urban Recycle in Kawasaki, Car-Repo in Hitachi, Daikin Tsukuba Training Centre, Create Co., Ltd. in Saitama, Mayekawa Moriya Plant, etc.

At a meeting organized by UNIDO ITPO Tokyo, the delegation discussed key lessons learned and identified potential areas for future UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization-Türkiye–Japan cooperation.

The exchange strengthened technical dialogue among Türkiye, Japan, and UNIDO Environment while demonstrating how sound policies, effective recovery infrastructure, skilled technicians, and climate-friendly technologies can support comprehensive lifecycle refrigerant management.



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T.C. Çevre, Şehircilik ve İklim Değişikliği Bakanlığı I

UNIDO at the 81st United Nations General Assembly | UNIDO New York, 21-25 September 2026 – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) participated in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81), engaging extensively with the United Nations and international partners, high-level representatives of Member States, a...

Towards energy-efficient hospitality sector in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is advancing its transition towards sustainable cooling through a combination of capacity building, technology demonstration, and better refrigerant management practices.

During the commemoration of the Ozone Day and the 10th anniversary of the Kigali Amendment, UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization launched a new energy-efficiency pilot project that will support the adoption of energy efficient, cooling technologies with low global warming potential in the hotel sector. This will help strengthen energy management practices and build local capacities for measuring and verifying energy savings.

The Dominican Republic and UNIDO also recently organized training for refrigeration and air-conditioning professionals on refrigerant recovery, identification, classification, and regeneration, while supporting the successful commissioning of a refrigerant regeneration unit.

Together, these initiatives are helping to reduce refrigerant emissions, improve energy efficiency, and create the conditions for the wider adoption of sustainable cooling solutions across the country.

These efforts demonstrate how collaboration between the Government of the Dominican Republic, The National Ozone Programme (PRONAOZ), industry stakeholders, and UNIDO Environment can accelerate the transition towards sustainable cooling, delivering benefits for the ozone layer, the climate, and energy efficiency.

Pics: PRONAOZ



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Ozone day event in Nigeria attracts youth participation

An active participation in an ‘ozone quiz’ competition for secondary school students from environmental clubs across Abuja, was among the highlights of this year’s ozone day commemoration event in Nigeria.

Organized by the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria in collaboration with UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization, United Nations Development Programme - UNDP, UN Environment Programme and national partners, the event highlighted Nigeria’s continued commitment to protecting the ozone layer while advancing climate-friendly and energy-efficient cooling solutions. It was held under this year's theme ‘Global Action for a Cooler Planet, marking 10 years of sustainable cooling under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.

The competition tested the students’ knowledge of ozone protection, the , the Kigali Amendment, climate action and sustainable cooling, while encouraging young people to become environmental champions of the future.

Participants reflected on the remarkable achievements of the Montreal Protocol and the growing importance of sustainable cooling in addressing both environmental and development challenges. Among those present were stakeholders from government, industry, international organizations, academia, civil society, and youth.

UNIDO Environment is commitment to supporting Nigeria’s transition to climate-friendly technologies and strengthening local manufacturing capacity and enabling a sustainable industrial transformation.



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World Ozone Day in Syria: Meeting Growing Cooling Demand with Sustainable Technology

Syria celebrated World Ozone Day in Damascus under this year’s theme, “Global action for a cooler planet.” The Ministry of Local Administration and Environment (وزارة الإدارة المحلية والبيئة السورية) used the event to show where Syria stands and where it needs to go next.

Syria has been a party to the Montreal Protocol since 1989 and ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2021, which requires a 10% cut in its Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) consumption from the baseline by 2029. HFC are chemicals which are potent greenhouse gases and are mainly used in the cooling sector.

The main challenge is growing demand for cooling. As the Syrian economy recovers and homes, businesses and infrastructure are rebuilt, demand for refrigeration and air conditioning will rise. The country needs to meet it with sustainable technologies that use climate-friendly refrigerants and less energy.

Syria’s licensing system now covers HFCs, and its Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) phase-out programme is under way. Next steps include updated regulations, closer coordination with customs, technician training for safe handling of alternatives and support for manufacturers switching to new technologies.

UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization is working with national counterparts, with funding from the Montreal Protocol’s Multilateral Fund. UNEP leads the phase-out plan, while UNIDO handles the manufacturing investment projects and part of the servicing work. In servicing, UNIDO Environment has delivered equipment to training centres and held awareness workshops. Under the manufacturing component, UNIDO will support the foam sector, where many SMEs operate, to adopt low-carbon alternatives, and will help convert a domestic air-conditioner production line.

UNIDO welcomes the opportunity to support Syria’s recovery and build a cooling sector that serves its people while protecting the ozone layer and the climate.



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On Ozone Day, Cameroon highlights its ongoing activities under climate action

A special event to commemorate the International day for the preservation of the Ozone layer was held in Yaoundé, Cameroon under the theme Global Action for a Cooler Planet and to celebrate 10 Years of Sustainable Cooling under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.

Minister of the Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development, Hele Pierre reaffirmed Cameroon’s commitment to the Montreal Protocol and outlined key activities undertaken by the Ministry and its partners during the year, which include:

--The phase-out of 5% of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC-22) bringing the cumulative to 80% HCFCs reduction.

--Training refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians on ozone-friendly practices.

--Strengthening the capacity of customs officers and environmental inspectors to control equipment containing ozone-depleting substances.

--Updating the licensing and quota system to support the gradual elimination of ozone-depleting substances.

--Conducting a national inventory of refrigeration equipment in healthcare facilities, including blood banks and vaccine storage facilities.

--Rehabilitating refrigeration and air-conditioning workshops at Douala and Limbe Advanced Vocational Training Centres.

Through its support for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization continues to work with Cameroon and national partners to advance sustainable cooling, strengthen technical capacities, and contribute to the protection of the ozone layer.



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Did you know that the Antarctic ozone hole in 2025 was one of the smallest in decades? 🌎

The latest WMO Ozone and UV Bulletin shows that last year’s ozone hole ranked as the 4th–5th smallest since severe ozone depletion patterns were first observed in 1992.

That’s good news for the ozone layer that protects life on Earth from the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While it continues to recover, changes in the UV exposure remain an important concern.

In the recent decades, high UV exposure has become more frequent. In some parts of Europe, it has increased by as much as 20% since the mid-1990s. Ground-based measurements show that reduced cloud cover and longer sunshine hours are the main drivers of this increase.

Higher UV exposure means a greater risk of skin cancer and other related diseases.

“In light of this trend, targeted and effective UV protection measures are of paramount importance,” says the bulletin.

The WMO Global Atmosphere Watch network provides the essential ground-based ozone observations required to help monitor the ozone layer and understand long-term changes, supporting efforts to protect people and the planet.

🔗 Read the full issue to learn more: https://bit.ly/WMOOzoneUVBulletin2026pr

Libya highlights its return to Montreal Protocol compliance as ‘a new phase of national action’.

The ozone day commemoration event was held at Libya’s Ministry of Environment headquarters in Janzour, Tripoli on the theme "Global Action for a Cooler Planet – Celebrating 10 Years of Sustainable Cooling under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol." The event was attended by the Minister of Environment, the Undersecretary of the Ministry, directors of departments and other officials.

The Minister reaffirmed Libya's commitment to environmental protection and to fulfilling its international obligations under the Montreal Protocol. He highlighted the measures undertaken to strengthen the national framework, including implementing the import and export licensing and quota systems, enhancing control over regulated substances and equipment, strengthen coordination with the Customs and other entities, among others.

The Minister noted that Libya's return to compliance with the Montreal Protocol marks the beginning of a new phase of national action, stressing that maintaining compliance will require the continued development of legislation and regulatory oversight, improvements to data and information systems, expansion of training and capacity-building programmes, and stronger partnerships with the private sector.

The Coordinator of the National Ozone Unit presented an overview of Libya's efforts, highlighting the progress in the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances, the development of national capacities, and the strengthening of controls over substances and equipment regulated under the Protocol.

As an implementing agency of the Montreal Protocol, UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization supports Libya's efforts to protect the ozone layer and to promote sustainable industrialization.

Pics: National Ozone Unit/Min of Environment, Libya


Ozone Secretariat I UN Climate Change I وكالة الأنباء الليبية - وال I وزارة البيئة - ليبيا I National Ozone Unit - Libya وحدة الاوزون الوطنية - ليبيا

Oluyomi Banjo I Khalifa Elawej I Tettey Gloria I

📢 Announcing: Sustainable Cooling Workshop in Naples, Italy | 8–9 Oct 2026

Accelerating the transition toward climate-friendly refrigeration and air-conditioning systems

The workshop, “HVACR Technologies and Policies for Climate Mitigation: Innovations, Sustainability, and Key Applications”, is organized by UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization and supported by the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (Ministero dell'Ambiente e della Sicurezza Energetica) and The Foreign Economic Cooperation Office (FECO) of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of China.

The University of Naples Federico II (Unina Federico II) will host this two-half-day event, bringing together academia, industry, and policymakers to address the most pressing challenges across room air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, and data center cooling.

Key topics will include:

Enablers and barriers to the transition toward natural refrigerants;

Sustainable design and resilient operation;

Standards, regulations, and technical challenges;

Current and future trends in research and market deployment.

👉 Full agenda and registration: https://forms.gle/Uinu8e6fwYNViCxG8

We look forward to seeing you in Naples!



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