Background

As countries update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and implement National Cooling Action Plans (NCAPs), buildings and cooling are emerging as central to low-emission, climate-resilient development.

This session will examine how passive cooling strategies, nature-based solutions, sustainable materials and private sector innovation can be integrated into national strategies to deliver both mitigation and adaptation outcomes. Drawing on case studies and policy experiences, it will explore how aligning NDCs and NCAPs can unlock systemic change, promote thermal comfort and resilience and support equitable transitions towards climate friendly cooling.

The session will unpack how the NCAP methodology is being adapted and contextualized for the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, and showcase its practical application for countries seeking to rollout holistic and integrated national strategy for cooling. The discussion will also introduce the newly launched NDC Cooling Guide, a key resource designed to help governments align cooling actions with updated NDC commitments. Participants will gain insights into innovative approaches, regional priorities, and tools that support efficient, climate-friendly cooling solutions. Join us to hear about countries’ experience in developing and implementing NCAPs, integrating cooling targets into their NDCs, and learn about existing tools to advance sustainable cooling while meeting climate targets and protecting communities from rising heat.

Agenda

Opening
Niklas Hagelberg, Senior Programme Coordinator, Climate Change Division, UNEP

Special Address
Scott Tew, Global Head and VP, Sustainability Strategy, Trane Technologies

Fireside Chat
Moderator: Niklas Hagelberg, Senior Programme Coordinator, Climate Change Division, UNEP
Amanda McKee, Director for Knowledge and Learning, NDC Partnerships

Panel Discussion
Moderator: Niklas Hagelberg, Senior Programme Coordinator, Climate Change Division, UNEP

• Dr. Zoheir Hamedi, Executive Director, Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE)
• Lido Lun, Chief of Policy and Coordination Office, Department of Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, Cambodia
• Kennedy Matheka, State Department of Public Works,  Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Kenya
• Abdullahi Khalif, NDC Partnership, In-Country Facilitator and Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Somalia
• Mirza Shawkat, Director Department of Environment, Government of Bangladesh
• Uboho Ekpo, Principal Scientific Officer at National Council on Climate Change, Nigeria

Audience Q&A
Moderated by Niklas Hagelberg, Senior Programme Coordinator, Climate Change Division, UNEP

Closing Remarks
Niklas Hagelberg, Senior Programme Coordinator, Climate Change Division, UNEP

Resources

• Slide deck
• Photo gallery
• Recording