Regional Advisory Group Launches for NCAPs in MENA

On 16 January 2025, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) convened the inaugural meeting of the Regional Technical Advisory Group on National Cooling Action Plans (NCAPs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Held under the framework of the UNEP Cool Coalition, the meeting marked a critical step toward fostering climate-friendly cooling policies tailored to regional needs.

With over 12 countries joining the Advisory Group, the initiative underscores a growing commitment across MENA to advance sustainable cooling solutions. By leveraging policy innovation, capacity building, and knowledge exchange, the group aims to integrate efficient, low-emission cooling strategies into national frameworks. This effort is supported by the Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and aligns with global climate goals to cut emissions and build resilience against rising temperatures.

At the heart of this collaboration is the development of NCAPs, comprehensive national strategies that will drive transformative action in the cooling sector. The initiative is structured around three key objectives: catalyzing policy transformation by embedding sustainable cooling into national climate plans, strengthening regional capacities through tailored methodologies, and conducting in-depth sectoral analyses to identify best practices and technological pathways. Two pilot countries will lead the way in implementing the NCAPs, offering a model for broader adoption across the region.

The meeting fostered high-level discussions on the regional cooling landscape, challenges, and opportunities, with participants reaffirming their commitment to NCAPs as a key instrument for sustainable cooling governance. Discussions highlighted the need to scale up Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and labeling policies through a harmonized regional approach, ensuring that energy efficiency becomes a cornerstone of cooling sector development. Participants also emphasized the importance of bridging implementation gaps by leveraging MENA’s potential in cutting-edge cooling technologies, including passive cooling strategies, enhanced energy efficiency measures, and the transition to low-GWP refrigerants.

The Advisory Group also identified the need for concrete, actionable steps to translate policy into practice. Training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives will play a pivotal role in equipping stakeholders with the expertise to develop and implement effective NCAPs. Through strengthened collaboration and a commitment to innovation, the Advisory Group is set to guide the region toward a more sustainable, climate-resilient cooling future.