During the 21st European Conference on the Latest Technologies in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, held in Milan and organized by Centro Studi Galileo and UNEP, AREA and World Refrigeration Day (WRD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration on public awareness, sustainability, and inclusion in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector.
The agreement was signed by Stephen Gill, Founder of WRD, and Coen van de Sande, President of AREA, in the presence of prominent international figures including Marco Buoni (Centro Studi Galileo), Madi Sakande (U-3ARC), Ina Colombo (INWIC), and Yosr Allouche (IIR).
The MoU sets out a shared commitment to promote the role of cooling in everyday life and its contribution to the ecological transition. The two organizations will work together on public campaigns, educational outreach, and training programs, with the goal of increasing understanding of sustainable cooling solutions and their societal impact.
A central pillar of the agreement is the promotion of diversity in the HVACR workforce. The MoU includes measures to foster gender equality and support underrepresented groups, especially through youth engagement and STEM education initiatives. Joint efforts will include competitions, events, and awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging future generations to consider careers in the sector.
Through this strategic partnership, AREA and WRD aim to give greater visibility to the professionals behind cooling technologies and to highlight their critical role in health, comfort, food security, and climate action.
The collaboration reinforces the message that cooling is not only a technical service but also a pillar of modern society that deserves recognition, innovation, and inclusive growth.