Europe and Central Asia Strengthens Cooperation on Sustainable Cooling and Kigali Implementation in Bishkek

Montreal Protocol Units and RACHP associations met in Bishkek to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation on sustainable cooling, low-GWP refrigerants, and overall implementation of the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment in the region.

Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, 12-14 May 2026 - The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) OzonAction convened a regional meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from 12 to 14 May 2026, bringing together Montreal Protocol Officers and representatives of refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump (RACHP) associations. The meeting aimed to strengthen regional cooperation and support effective implementation of the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment across Europe and Central Asia. Representatives from implementing agencies, UNIDO and UNDP attended in person, while representatives of the Multilateral Fund Secretariat and the Ozone Secretariat participated virtually. The event was hosted by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and funded by the Multilateral Fund for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol.

The meeting addressed a wide range of priority issues for the region, including safety standards and best practices for low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, training and certification systems, compliance and enforcement, refrigerant lifecycle and waste management, centres of excellence, and the integration of energy efficiency measures into Kigali implementation planning.

The Multilateral Fund Secretariat briefed participants on the outcomes of the 97th Executive Committee (ExCom) meeting, key issues for consideration at the upcoming ExCom-98 and beyond, and good practices in project design and submission. The Ozone Secretariat provided updates on the outcomes of the 37th Meeting of the Parties, issues for consideration at the forthcoming 48th Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) meeting, relevant decisions of the Implementation Committee, and ongoing efforts to support countries to ratify the Kigali Amendment.

Participants discussed the need to strengthen national capacities for the safe introduction and use of natural and other low-GWP refrigerants, while also ensuring that technicians, companies, and enforcement authorities are supported through effective training, certification, and compliance systems. Experiences were also shared on refrigerant recovery, recycling, reclamation, and destruction options.

Countries discussed the growing complexity of the work carried out by National Ozone Units. In addition to ongoing hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) phase-out efforts, countries are now also addressing hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phase-down obligations, Kigali Implementation Plans, data reporting, energy-efficiency linkages, standards, enforcement, gender considerations, financing, and stakeholder coordination. Participants highlighted the importance of stronger institutional cooperation and practical tools to help the effective management of this expanding agenda.

Among the practical needs identified for the region was greater support for the digitalization of licensing and data workflows, including electronic licensing systems that can interface with customs and other authorities, as well as improved tools to monitor HFCs and refrigerant blends. Discussions also explored the role of regional and thematic centres of excellence in supporting training, knowledge exchange, and long-term sector transformation.

The Bishkek meeting provided an important platform for regional dialogue, practical peer learning and stronger cooperation between governments and industry stakeholders. It reaffirmed the importance of coordinated action to support a safe, efficient, and climate-friendly transition in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector across Europe and Central Asia.

For more information:

Tatiana Terekhova, Senior Programme Management Officer, UNEP OzonAction  
Denis Toichiev, Programme Management Officer, UNEP OzonAction