Morocco’s National Steering Committee to Drive NCAP Forward

 Rabat, Morocco – May 28, 2025

A high-level meeting of the National Steering Committee for the National Cooling Action Plan (NCAP) project, implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Cool Coalition and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), with the support of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), was held today at the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development in Rabat. The meeting brought together key national stakeholders and consultant teams to strategically advance the NCAP’s development, a critical framework to deliver sustainable, climate-aligned cooling in line with Morocco’s national priorities and international commitments, including the Global Cooling Pledge and the Kigali Amendment.

The primary objectives of the meeting were to establish a clear governance framework, define the roles and responsibilities of the National Steering Committee members, and outline a robust coordination mechanism. Discussions centered on the Steering Committee’s pivotal role in guiding the NCAP’s development and ensuring its alignment with national priorities and international best practices.

Key topics addressed included:

• Overview of the Steering Committee’s Role – Governance & Decision-Making: Participants engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the Steering Committee’s mandate, its authority in decision-making, and the overall governance structure that will guide the NCAP project. The aim is to establish efficient and transparent processes for effective project oversight.
• Stakeholder Identification & Committee Composition: The meeting involved a review of key stakeholders across various sectors relevant to cooling, including energy, environment, health, agriculture, and industry. The composition of the Steering Committee was further refined to ensure comprehensive representation and engagement from all pertinent entities.
• Defining Roles & Responsibilities: Clear roles and responsibilities for each member of the Steering Committee were discussed and defined to ensure accountability and efficient collaboration throughout the NCAP development process. This clarity is crucial for streamlined workflows and effective contribution from all stakeholders.
• Coordination Mechanism & Governance Frameworks: Participants explored and agreed upon the coordination mechanisms that will facilitate seamless interaction and information sharing among different government agencies, research institutions, the private sector, and international partners involved in the NCAP. Robust governance frameworks were also discussed to ensure the project adheres to national regulations and international standards.
• Collaborative Model for Cross-Sectoral Coordination: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to establishing a collaborative model that fosters effective cross-sectoral coordination. Recognizing that sustainable cooling requires a holistic approach, the committee explored strategies to ensure alignment and synergy across different policy domains and sectors.

Furthermore, the National Steering Committee held productive discussions with the consultant teams responsible for the technical aspects of the NCAP. Key focus areas included:

• Data Collection Strategies: The consultant teams presented their proposed methodologies for collecting comprehensive data on current and future cooling demands across various sectors in Morocco. The committee provided valuable feedback to ensure the data collection process is robust, accurate, and aligned with national data availability.
• Modelling Approaches: The consultants outlined the modelling techniques that will be employed to analyze the collected data and project future cooling scenarios under different policy interventions. Discussions ensured the modelling framework effectively captures Morocco’s specific context and supports the development of evidence-based policy recommendations.

This National Steering Committee meeting marks a significant step forward in the development of Morocco’s NCAP. The outcomes of the meeting have laid a strong foundation for effective governance, collaboration, and the crucial data collection and modelling phases that will inform a sustainable and climate-friendly cooling future for the nation.