National Cooling Action Plans (NCAPs) are increasingly being developed as countries seek to integrate sustainable cooling into broader climate, energy, and development agendas. The challenge now is moving from planning to implementation by translating national priorities into concrete policies, financing mechanisms, investment pipelines, and coordinated action across institutions.
Earlier this year, the UNEP Cool Coalition and Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) launched the NCAP Methodology for the MENA Region, adapting the Coalition's global framework to regional circumstances. Building on this milestone, the session will explore practical experiences from countries that are developing and implementing NCAPs, highlighting lessons learned, common challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
Türkiye's first NCAP, developed by The Directorate of Climate Change under the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change with support of the developed through the Cool Up programme, will provide a key case study, showcasing how NCAPs can support implementation of the Kigali Amendment and contribute to broader climate goals under the Paris Agreement. Perspectives from Jordan and other countries in the region will illustrate how knowledge and experience can be transferred across national contexts, while regional organisations and international partners will reflect on lessons from programme implementation, financing approaches, and opportunities to accelerate progress through regional cooperation.
Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) will share the approaches being advanced under the Asia Low Carbon Buildings Transition (ALCBT) to mobilize financing for low-carbon, energy efficient building projects in the region. These include enhancing the capacity of building professionals and government through training and developing and leveraging innovative technical solutions - the Building Emission Assessment Tool which supports advanced life cycle assessment of buildings, and the MRV tool which helps strengthen the measurement, reporting, and verification of building-related emissions and performance; engagement with domestic banks and financial institutions through Green Finance Networks and the regional investment matchmaking platform ASEAN-BUILT; and innovative mechanisms such as Green Public Procurement and Cooling as a Service to promote sustainability in buildings. Sharing ALCBT experiences, results and lessons learned is expected to raise awareness on financing pathways, mechanisms, and enabling frameworks for low-carbon, energy efficient building projects. More importantly, to establish a replicable approach and collaboration opportunities in developing a pipeline of bankable low-carbon building projects across Asia.
The discussion will conclude with a broader examination of international best practices, the links between NCAPs and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the importance of combining policy, finance, and technical support to turn cooling strategies into measurable results.