Manama: Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Dainah, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, engaged with international delegations from the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund during an international workshop organized by the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE). The workshop focused on the availability of air conditioning technologies in high-temperature countries.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Bin Dainah met with the World Bank delegation, headed by Jiang Ru, to discuss future cooperation in implementing Bahrain’s national cooling plans and projects aimed at phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). This initiative follows the approval of the Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund’s projects. The discussions also included a presentation on the World Bank’s experiences in financing energy efficiency projects for air conditioning through revolving funds, which have effectively reduced energy consumption and operational costs in several countries.
In a separate meeting with the UNDP delegation led by Xiaofang Zhou, Director of the Chemical and Waste Hub and Montreal Protocol Unit at BPPS, UNDP, the minister explored the programme’s vision for implementing sustainable cooling projects. They addressed challenges associated with reducing ozone-depleting substances and supporting Bahrain’s efforts to develop cooling strategies that align with the nation’s climate conditions and global environmental standards.
Further discussions with Dr. Tina Birmpili, Chief Officer of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, highlighted the fund’s ongoing support for Bahrain’s environmental initiatives since 1995. This includes the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP), which is set to continue until 2030.
Dr. Bin Dainah underscored the critical role of international cooperation in advancing sustainable cooling technologies. He emphasized enhancing countries’ capacities to fulfill their environmental commitments under the Montreal Protocol by adopting innovative and eco-friendly cooling solutions tailored to regional climate challenges.