World Refrigeration Day is being celebrated today, June 26, 2025, as an annual global event to raise awareness about the importance of refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump (RACHP) technologies in everyday life. The day brings together industry professionals, educators, and policymakers to promote the role of these technologies and the people who operate them.
The organizers announced this year’s theme as “Cool Skills,” focusing on the value of expertise and professionalism in ensuring sustainable cooling and heating. The campaign addresses a broad range of professionals—from technicians and engineers to educators, researchers, and innovators—whose work supports safety, comfort, and health worldwide.
The 2025 theme emphasizes the need to attract new talent to the RACHP sector amid growing demand for climate-resilient technologies. It also highlights the shortage of qualified professionals, particularly in light of global climate targets.
An official symbol was introduced for the new theme: two hands—one radiating heat, the other cooling—representing the balance between heating and cooling. Organizers encourage all stakeholders, from educational institutions to companies and government agencies, to mark the day in ways relevant to their national and regional contexts.
World Refrigeration Day was established in 2019 with support from professional associations and industry groups around the world. The date, June 26, was chosen to honor the birthday of William Thomson, Lord Kelvin, highlighting the relevance of RACHP technologies in food preservation, healthcare, climate comfort, and industrial processes.
“Refrigeration has a long and fascinating history, filled with inventors, engineering pioneers, scientists, and entrepreneurs from around the globe—all of whom deserve recognition,” said Stephen Gill, one of the initiators of the day. “The industry came together to raise its visibility in society, and we achieved agreement on the date thanks to shared goals.”
Stephen Gill, founder of World Refrigeration Day, shared that a chance encounter led him into the industry and inspired the creation of a global movement to raise awareness about the importance of refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump technologies.
The idea for a professional holiday emerged in 2004, but the first official WRD took place on June 26, 2019—Lord Kelvin’s birthday. According to Gill, “We all speak one language—the language of cooling,” and recognizing the value of the profession remains the core motivation behind the celebration.
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