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Geneva, Switzerland,  29 April – 9 May 2025  –  At the 2025 Conference of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (BRS COPs), held in Geneva from 28 April to 9 May 2025, the Montreal Protocol was featured in a series of high-impact discussions and exhibits. Through a number of side events and a dedicated booth, the Protocol’s role in tackling issues related to chemicals, waste, and climate change was showcased, highlighting the power of interlinked multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs).

INFORMATION NOTE: Green Customs - Free Trade Zones, Trans-shipment and Multilateral Environmental Agreements

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We are pleased to inform you that the Ozone Secretariat, World Customs Organization, Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, and UNEP OzonAction are co-organizing a side-event on Interlinkages between the BRS conventions and the Montreal Protocol: policy, implementation and enforcement. This side-event will be held on 1 May, 1h15 hours - 2h45 CET (Geneva time) at the BRS COPs.

17 April 2025, Paris, France – The ozone layer is not visible to the naked eye, and similarly, the enforcement of the Montreal Protocol often takes place behind the scenes, yet its impact is undeniable.

Organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collaboration with Centro Studi Galileo, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR)of Paris, AREA, the Renewable Energy Institute (REI) o

This year, the 2025 Champions of the Earth award spotlights outstanding climate action focusing on solutions on 

8 March 2025 - In commemoration of International Women’s Day, we highlight both the significant progress and the ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality within the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) sector, known globally as HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration). Initiatives from around the world, including countries such as Grenada, North Macedonia, Sierra Leone, Armenia and Peru, are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry.

Paris, France, 8 March 2025 — In celebration of International Women’s Day, the International Network of Women in Cooling (INWIC) officially launched its Mentorship Programme, a new online service designed to connect women professionals in the cooling sector across the world, encouraging knowledge exchange and career development in the industry.

The Hague, the Netherlands, 20 February 2025 – UNEP OzonAction contributed to the discussion of customs related issues from the perspective of the implementation of the Montreal Protocol at the recently held 19th meeting of the Green Customs Initiative (GCI) from 19 to 20 February 2025 in the Hague, the Netherlands. The meeting was hosted by one of its partners, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). 

A collaborative initiative between the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association of Australia (AREMA) and the Australian government is making great strides in phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in 12 Pacific Island Countries (PICs).

It is with profound sadness and regret that we share the sad news of the passing away of our dear friend, esteemed policy expert, and supporter, Janusz Kozakiewicz on 9 January 2025. 

Muscat, Oman, 30 December 2024 – UNEP OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) for West Asia, in collaboration with the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Environment Authority of the Sultanate of Oman, organized a Training of Trainers and Technicians on good practices for servicing refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) systems in Oman. The training focused on the safe handling of alternative refrigerants and introduced the assessment method for technician certification, in preparation for the implementation of Oman’s assessment and certification system.

Belgrade, Serbia, 13 December 2024 - The members of UNEP’s Regional Network for Europe and Central Asia (ECA) were able to see the benefits of advanced refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump (RACHP) technology firsthand during the 55th International HVAC&R Congress and Exhibition in Belgrade, which was organized by the Serbian Refrigeration Association KGH.

20-22 November 2024, Freetown, Sierra Leone – The National Ozone Unit and Customs Twinning Workshop & Border Dialogues for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and North Africa region took place at Sierra Palms Resort, Freetown, Sierra Leone from 20-22 November 2024.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 15 November 2024 – UNEP OzonAction organized the Thematic Meeting for Ozone Officers of the Latin America Network from 13-15 November in Santo Domingo.  The event was designed to support the region’s countries in meeting their commitments under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment.

Belize City, Belize, 19 November 2024 – The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP), Latin America and the Caribbean team organized a Workshop for Youth in the Refrigeration Servicing Sector (RSS) in the English-Speaking Caribbean Region and Haiti in Belize City, Belize, from 18–20 November 2024. The workshop was attended by 29 participants (15 men and 14 women) including National Ozone Officers and Youth Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Technicians from the Caribbean Region.

Clark, Philippines, 13 - 15 November 2024 – UNEP’s OzonAction Asia-Pacific Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) team organized the Joint Thematic Workshop of Southeast Asia (SEA) and Pacific Island Countries (PIC) National Ozone Officers (NOOs). The workshop brought together experts and partners to discuss critical issues related to the management of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Tunis, Tunisia, October 7-11 2024 – Tunisia hosted the Regional Network Meeting of French-Speaking African Countries from 7-9 October held back-to-back with a Thematic Workshop for National Ozone Officers (NOOs) National Energy Efficiency Policymakers (NEEPs) and National Climate Funding Mechanism Focal Points (FPFMs) on 10-11 October in Tunis.

Kolkata, India, 3 – 5 October 2024 – The International Network for Women in Cooling (INWIC) and UNEP OzonAction proudly participated in REFCOLD India 2024, held from 3-5 October in Kolkata, India. 

Bangkok, Thailand, 1 November 2024 – The 36th Meeting of the Parties (MOP36) to the Montreal Protocol brought together nations worldwide to address critical environmental challenges. At the heart of this gathering, UNEP OzonAction hosted a captivating exhibition highlighting the significance of international collaboration in protecting the ozone layer and fostering sustainable cooling.

Washington, DC 11 October 2024 - The Global Food Cold Chain Council (GFCCC) and UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) OzonAction announced speakers for the 2024 World Cold Chain Symposium (WCCS) on October 26, 2024. The Symposium, which is themed, “Building a Sustainable Cold Chain” will take place at the UN ESCAP building, in Bangkok, Thailand, beginning at 1:00 PM local time.  

Nuremberg, 10 October 2024 –  The International Network for Women in Cooling (INWIC) participated at Chillventa  8-10 October 2024, in Nuremberg, Germany. This year, INWIC showcased its initiatives at an exhibition booth, highlighting its mission to promote gender equality and support the professional development of women in the cooling sector.

Closing date extended to 31 October 2024

Chennai, India, 24 – 27 September 2024 – UNEP’s OzonAction Asia-Pacific and West Asia Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) teams organized the Customs Border Dialogues.