Islamabad: Pakistan joined the international community in observing World Ozone Day 2026 on 16 September, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the ozone layer and promoting sustainable cooling practices under the Montreal Protocol.
The theme, “Global Action for a Cooler Planet,” highlights the importance of collective action and marks ten years of sustainable cooling under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
To mark the occasion, the National Ozone Unit (NOU), Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, organized a session in Karachi featuring awareness activities, including speech and poster competitions, expert presentations, and discussions on ozone protection and environmentally safe technologies.
A delegation from the Pakistan HVACR Society, comprising Mr. Yousuf Hasan (President, Pakistan HVACR Society) and Mr. Zeeshan A. Siddiqui (Hony. Joint Secretary / Chair, Technical Training Committee), also attended the event and joined government representatives, development partners, academia, industry stakeholders, and environmental experts in highlighting the importance of ozone protection and sustainable cooling.
Speaking on the occasion, Syed Abrar Hussain, DG (Pak-EPA) / National Project Director, National Ozone Unit, as Chief Guest of the celebrations, highlighted the importance of collective action to protect the ozone layer and promote sustainable cooling solutions under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
On the occasion, Syed Azmat Hussain Shah, Interim National Ozone Officer, emphasized the country’s continued commitment to the protection of the ozone layer and the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment.
Mr. Fawad Hassan Mir, National Project Coordinator, UNIDO, reaffirmed UNIDO’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts to protect the ozone layer and advance the transition towards ozone friendly technologies.
A presentation on ozone science was also delivered by Dr. Waqar Ahmed, Assistant Professor, University of Karachi. Ms. Bushra Gul, Programme Analyst, UNDP, reaffirmed UNDP’s support to the Government of Pakistan in protecting the ozone layer and advancing sustainable cooling solutions.
Concluding the World Ozone Day 2026 celebrations, Dr. Zaigham Abbas, Spokesperson, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, thanked partners from academia, industry, importers, government institutions, and development organizations for their continued cooperation and commitment to ozone protection and sustainable cooling in Pakistan.
