U-3ARC U-3ARC Union of Associations of African Actors in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
U-3ARC Union of Associations of African Actors in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

U-3ARC, Guest of Honor of Day Event WRD of IIR, in Paris

On the occasion of the celebration of World Refrigeration Day, a delegation from U-3ARC, chaired by Madi Sakandé, was invited to Paris by the IIR (International Institute of Refrigeration). The importance of the cold chain for the agri-food industry and sustainable socio-economic development in Africa was once again examined.

World Refrigeration Day is celebrated annually on June 26. IIR (International Institute of Refrigeration), which is organizing a Day Event on June 18, 2025, invited U-3ARC to attend. After an opening session, marked by welcoming remarks from Ms. Yosr Allouche, Director General of the International Institute of Refrigeration, followed by an opening address from Ms. Béatrice Le Fraper Du Hellen, Director of the United Nations, International Organizations, Human Rights and Francophonie at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and an official photo, four sessions, two in the morning and two in the afternoon, punctuated the proceedings.

U-3ARC, Guest of Honor of Day Event WRD of IIR, in Paris

As a reminder, Dr. Ing. Yosr Allouche, Director General of the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Porto. With over 15 years of experience in the refrigeration sector, she distinguished herself as a researcher in refrigeration technology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), where she also served as an Associate Professor in Refrigeration Technology.

A Busy and Useful Day

During the first session, entitled "High-Level National Perspectives : Addressing National Needs for Refrigeration Applications to Ensure Food, Health, and Energy Security," country representatives discussed the importance of refrigeration to the well-being of their societies, in terms of access to safe and quality food, human health and animal welfare, and the development of technological services such as AI. The current status, successes, and challenges were presented. It is noteworthy that the panelists at this first session, moderated by Ms. Mariana Castano, included prominent figures and keynote speakers, such as Mustapha Ferjani, Minister of Health, Tunisia, and Ms. Tina Birmpili, Executive Director, Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. Other panelists included Mr. Rokhmin Dahuri, former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Member of Parliament of the Republic of Indonesia, Commission: Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Development Programmes; Mr. Mustapha Abdullai, Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria; Ms. Constance Maréchal-Dereu, Head of the Department of Industry, Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty of France; Ms. Coumba Ndiaye, Director General, Agency for the Economy and Energy Management, Senegal; Mr. Arno Kaschl, Senior Policy Officer, Directorate-General for Climate Action, European Commission; Mr. Priya Ranjan, Assistant Secretary for Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture, India; and Mr. Yagouba Traoré, Head of the Department of Energy Policy, Planning and Strategy, African Energy Commission at the African Union. A second session, on "Scientific Perspective : Scientific Information and Research as the Foundation for Advances in Refrigeration and Heat Pump Technologies," closed the morning. This roundtable brought together the IIR's Scientific and Technical Council. Council members shared their insights into the key applications of refrigeration and their critical role in meeting human needs and reducing environmental impact.

This afternoon's session 3, focused on "Industry Leaders : Refrigeration Innovations and Technological Solutions for Well-being and Climate Sustainability," will be followed by session 4 on "International Cooperation: Strengthening the Link between Science, Industry, and Policy to Ensure Resilient, Accessible, and Sustainable Refrigeration."

This was an opportunity to highlight this cross-cutting sector, which can drive entire sectors of socioeconomic and sustainable development on the African continent, in collaboration with its European and international partners.