UNEP OzonAction and the League of Arab States held two regional meetings in Egypt to advance cooperation under the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment. From September 30 to October 2, 2025, National Ozone Units from West Asia and Arab countries in Africa gathered in Cairo to review implementation efforts and discuss the alignment of building codes with ozone protection goals.
Organized under the UNEP OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme and supported by the Multilateral Fund, the meetings included a Coordination Meeting of Ozone Officers and a Technical Meeting with the Arab Building Codes Committee. Participants shared updates on national activities, challenges in phasing out ozone-depleting substances, and transitioning to low-GWP refrigerants.
The technical discussions focused on integrating Montreal Protocol priorities into regional building codes, with emphasis on refrigeration, air-conditioning, and foam sectors. Countries including Egypt, Iraq, and Bahrain presented national initiatives related to the safe use of low-GWP alternatives and the need for updated safety standards.
Khaled Klaly, Montreal Protocol Regional Coordinator for West Asia, stated: “These meetings reflect the region’s continued commitment to environmental protection and cooperation. By working together, we can support more effective implementation and build stronger technical foundations.”