$28 m secured for implementing Montreal Protocol

21 / 12 / 2024

By Marwa Nassar - -

Thirty-seven Member States of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) will benefit from the $28 million in new funding secured from the Multilateral Fund for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF).

At its 95th Executive Committee meeting held in December 2024, the MLF approved numerous project proposals submitted by UNIDO on behalf of its member-states. The Committee meets twice a year, to discuss and decide on policies, procedures and guidelines of the Fund’s operation and to approve investment and non-investment projects in developing countries. The earlier meeting in June approved approximately $23 million, bringing the total UNIDO Montreal Protocol approvals to $51 million for 2024.

Projects approved this time relate to Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) Phase-out and Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Phase-down plans in various countries, assisting countries in the preparation of national plans and inventories of controlled substances and chemicals under the Montreal Protocol. There were also projects aimed at introducing energy efficiency measures and promoting refrigeration technologies which use substances with low global warming potential (GWP), helping industries to leapfrog to climate-friendly production processes and stay competitive.

“UNIDO is at the forefront of accelerating innovation for climate action. As an implementing agency of the Montreal Protocol, our priority is to support industry to deliver innovative climate solutions and remain competitive,” said Alois Mhlanga, Chief of Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol division, who led the UNIDO delegation to the meeting. He also had meetings with various representatives from the member-states to review the implementation of projects in their countries and contributed to discussions on the future programming directions of the Montreal Protocol.