Daily report for 6 November 2025

The High-level Segment (HLS) of the 37th Meeting of the Parties (MOP 37) to the Montreal Protocol opened Thursday morning, with contact group and informal discussions running in parallel throughout the day. Delegates agreed on two more draft decisions during the afternoon: on life-cycle refrigerant management in Article 5 (developing) Parties, and on ensuring the viability of Protocol operations. They also heard reports from the Protocol’s three Assessment Panels and the Executive Committee (ExCom) of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF), as well as statements from ministers, high-level representatives, ambassadors, and other officials.

High-level Segment

MOP 36 Vice-President Ndiaye Cheikh Sylla (Senegal), on behalf of MOP 36 President Kerryne James (Grenada), opened the HLS. Parties were treated to a performance by Ghetto Classics, a Kenyan non-profit youth programme based in informal settlements that gives free music education to underprivileged children.

Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of Industry and Economy Division, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), welcomed delegates and introduced a video message from UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen. Saying that this protocol “has always found its way to consensus when it mattered most,” Andersen acknowledged the present-day more “turbulent times” and differing positions, but expressed confidence that Parties will find a way, as they always have, guided by science. She also: drew attention to UN reform, noting real cost pressures and possible tough choices ahead; underscored the need to strengthen atmospheric monitoring, especially given the gap in observed and reported hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-23 emissions; and highlighted the potential for emissions avoidance in addressing life-cycle refrigerant management.

Deborah Mlongo Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Kenya, highlighted her country’s efforts under the Protocol, including in: preparing Kenya’s Kigali Implementation Plan; advancing environmental regulations, licensing, and control measures to combat illegal trade in controlled substances; and, with support from Germany and France, various other measures to do with HFC phase-down, safe disposal of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), and training. She noted difficulties in accessing alternative climate-friendly technologies and adequate training, and called for sufficient funding for Article 5 Parties to meet their targets.

MOP 36 Vice-President Sylla drew attention to this year’s achievements in advancing atmospheric monitoring and looked forward to next steps to tackling regional monitoring gaps. He noted important work ahead on HFC-23, feedstock emissions, strengthening the Protocol, and the 2027-2029 MLF replenishment and expressed great pride in serving a process “that has time and time again demonstrated what dedication and mutual understanding can deliver for the planet.”

Organizational Matters: Election of MOP 37 Officers: By acclamation, delegates elected: President: Paul Krajnik (Austria); Vice-Presidents: Meringo Obed Baloyi (South Africa) and Chen Haijun (China); and Rapporteur: Cristina Vaca (Panama). No Vice-President was nominated from the Eastern European States (EES).

Adoption of the HLS Agenda, Organization of Work, Credentials of Representatives, and Other Matters: Delegates adopted the agenda and organization of work (UNEP/OzL.Pro.37/1, section II, and UNEP/OzL.Pro.37/2, paras. 99-101). Delegates were reminded of the process for submitting, reviewing, and accepting credentials.

KYRGYZSTAN, supported by KAZAKHSTAN and TAJIKISTAN, requested to include under Agenda Item 8 on Other Matters a discussion about their concerns that some Parties in the EES regional group are attempting to exclude them, as well as Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, from the regional group. The issue was included in the agenda.

Presentations by the Assessment Panels on their Progress Reports, including any Emerging Issues: The Scientific Assessment Panel (SAP) presented preliminary updates on the 2026 Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UNEP. They highlighted that: the atmospheric abundance of both tropospheric chlorine and bromine from long-lived ODS controlled under the Montreal Protocol continued to decline since the 2022 Assessment; and that climate warming emissions in 2024 from HFCs were larger than from all ODS. They also noted, inter alia, an increase of ODS production for feedstock uses, and improved estimates of the potential effect of solar radiation management on the ozone layer.

The Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP) presented a summary of their contribution to the 2026 Quadrennial Assessment. They addressed progress and emerging issues, including on: potential consequences of stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI); per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) related to the Montreal Protocol; the fate of plastic in the environment; and interactive effects of ultraviolet radiation and climate change on human health. They also addressed projections including for nuclear war, supersonic aircraft, satellite and rocket launches, and nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture; SAI impacts on terrestrial and marine ecosystems; and PFAS and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). They noted that nearly one-third of gases controlled under the Protocol can be classified as PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.”

The Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) presented an update on its forthcoming reports, including by its five Technical Options Committees (TOCs), and on the 2026 Quadrennial Assessment, addressing, among other things: 

• Foams, stating that successful transitions from hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and HFCs continue for most foam types, highlighting challenges of some alternatives with flammability and toxicity.
• Methyl bromide, informing that alternatives are now available for most pre-shipment uses.
• The “contentious issue” of PFAS, cautioning that the bioaccumulative toxin properties of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were improperly extended to other chemicals including controlled substances and their alternatives, which could, in some cases, degrade to a variable degree to trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) salts that are persistent in surface waters.

They warned that the uncertainty around PFAS regulations could slow down the phase-down of HFCs.

In the ensuing discussion, the Assessment Panels responded to questions from ARGENTINA, the EU, GUINEA, CUBA, SWITZERLAND, MALAYSIA, NORWAY, and the US, noting, among other issues, that: the transition to alternative inhalers is dependent on safety measures and further information, and can take five to ten years in developed countries and more in developing countries; the new metric on ozone loss allows for a better understanding of the real losses; and they will work together with Parties on the issue of PFAS to enable decisions based on science, including research on effects from PFAS on drinking water, human and animal health, and ecosystems.

Presentation by the ExCom: Chair Alessandro Guiliano Peru (Italy) presented on the 2024 accomplishments of the MLF aimed at implementing the Kigali Amendment to phase down HFCs in Article 5 Parties and an operational framework for energy efficiency (UNEP/OzL.Pro.37/8). He described a number of approved projects amounting to USD 136.5 million.

Statements by Heads of Delegation: The meeting was honored by two Ministers, one State Secretary, and several Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and other dignitaries. Most Parties expressed their unwavering commitment to the Protocol, stressing its preeminence as the most effective environmental treaty in history. Many outlined their actions to implement both the Protocol and the Kigali Amendment; highlighted the undeniable linkages between ODS and climate change mitigation; and reaffirmed their commitment to act collectively to address ODS and HFC phase down.

The MALDIVES highlighted that phasing out HFCs, data collection, and energy efficiency are not easy tasks for a low-volume consuming country. NIGERIA described their Kigali Implementation Plan. ANGOLA explained how they are strengthening institutions and setting up a licensing system, stating that refrigeration is critical for food security and health.

INDONESIA outlined how they exceeded interim targets for the reduction of HCFC and HFC consumption. COLOMBIA referred to its 91% reduction of HCFC consumption to date and called for the MLF replenishment to reflect the circumstances of the most vulnerable Parties.

CUBA said they are challenged by global crises, and need specific support to acquire new technologies. COSTA RICA called for a fair and equitable MLF replenishment and emphasized the decisive role the MLF plays for Article 5 Parties in implementing the Protocol.

BARBADOS warned about the paradox that the use of refrigerants with a high global-warming potential further increases the demand for cooling. INDIA drew attention to India’s Cooling Action Plan, a cross-sectoral roadmap also aligned to support its 2070 net-zero emissions target.

IRAN underscored their National Training Programme on refrigerants and air conditioning with its focus on women’s empowerment, adding that the Kigali Amendment ratification process is in its final stage in Parliament.

The EU, on behalf of its 27 Member States, pointed to the persistent unexplained gap in global emissions in HFC-23, noting the need to reassess some of the original assumptions under the Protocol, including those related to feedstocks and PFAS.

Senegal, on behalf of the AFRICAN GROUP OF NEGOTIATORS, called for sufficient resources to be made available to the Secretariat to enable it to continue providing support for actions to protect the ozone layer.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA lamented unproductive attitudes within the EES regional group, calling for advice from the Ozone Secretariat and others. BRAZIL underscored the importance of data and systematic monitoring and noted their entry in the final stage of their HCFC Phase-Out Management Plan to fully eliminate HCFCs by 2030.

Emphasizing gender equality and accessibility, MEXICO outlined initiatives on industrial reconversion and training, HFC-23 emissions control, life-cycle refrigerant management, and regional monitoring. CAMBODIA highlighted its advances establishing a strong legal and institutional foundation, including through its Clean Air Plan.

QATAR emphasized the need for an integrated approach to ozone layer protection, climate change mitigation, energy efficiency, circular economy, and economic growth. The PHILIPPINES referred to persistent challenges in monitoring illegal trade across its vast maritime borders and called, with FIJI, for an adequate MLF replenishment that takes into consideration the needs of low and very low-volume-consuming countries.

THE GAMBIA stated that, globally, it was among the ten countries most vulnerable to climate change, and reiterated the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities under the Protocol. SAUDI ARABIA emphasized the needs of high-ambient temperature countries and their challenges in adopting alternatives to controlled substances.

COMOROS stated that strengthening data collection and monitoring is key to controlling illegal trade. TUNISIA pointed to improvements in its management of fluorinated refrigerants and expressed concern with the high cost of current alternative technologies in the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors.

CHINA urged to uphold the principles of equity and solidarity and referred to its proposals to improve global governance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in September 2025. VIET NAM underscored its national plan on ODS, HCFCs, and HFC management, with a focus on sustainable cooling systems.

MALAYSIA encouraged the allocation of resources, capacity-building, and training, in particular on emerging issues such as PFAS.

SRI LANKA highlighted capacity-building though training, including in the informal sector, and gender mainstreaming. MYANMAR drew attention to ongoing public awareness and stakeholder engagement activities. TÜRKIYE pointed to its integration of ozone protection in the climate change agenda.

Statements will continue on Friday.

Preparatory Segment

HFC-23 Emissions: The contact group, co-chaired by Heidi Stockhaus (Germany) and Leslie Smith (Grenada), continued the discussion of UNEP/OzL.Pro.37/CRP.5.

Delegates discussed methodology, estimate discrepancies, and data insufficiencies. The TEAP and SAP reiterated that their methodologies are sound and that further information on potential HFC-23 emissions from plants or processes would be very helpful.

An intense discussion was triggered by one delegation’s proposal to request the SAP and the TEAP, when updating their decision XXXVI/3 reports on HFC-23, to provide “more detailed information regarding the discrepancy between reported and atmospherically derived emissions in Eastern China that began around 2015.” Delegates strongly disagreed whether it was appropriate to mention a specific region in the draft decision.

Several delegations requested the deletion of a paragraph requesting four specific elements for the TEAP to include in its updated report. Based on previous advice by the TEAP, the group agreed to delete two of those elements: a comparison of Parties’ methodologies for estimating HFC-23 emissions, and related best practice suggestions. However, the group disagreed to what extent it was possible and helpful for the TEAP to further describe the HFC-23-related methodologies used under the Clean Development Mechanism before it was discontinued in 2015.

Enhancing Regional Atmospheric Monitoring of Controlled Substances: The contact group, co-chaired by Alain Wilmart (Belgium) and Sophia Anselm-Larocque (Dominica), continued consideration of the EU’s proposed draft decision (UNEP/OzL.Pro.37/CRP.3). Delegates discussed the need for funding to advance work and what this work might entail. On a reference to funds coming from a 2026 budget line item from the Montreal Protocol Trust Fund cash balance with a bracketed amount of maximum USD 340,000, a delegation explained that they had foreseen this as a much smaller amount for simply bridging costs until EU funding is available, and therefore proposed referring to USD 50,000 instead.

The Co-Chairs noted that only one additional meeting would be available to the group and encouraged delegates to engage in informal consultations.

Feedstock Uses of Controlled Substances: The contact group, co-chaired by Liana Ghahramanyan (Armenia) and Morgan Simpson (UK), resumed discussions on draft decision C in UNEP/OzL.Pro.37/3.

After a lengthy discussion, the group agreed to alternate language on the request to the TEAP: “to provide an update on emissions of controlled substances produced or used as feedstock, taking into account the information submitted by Parties in response to Decision XXXVI/5, in its next 2027 report.”

The group also agreed to delete paragraphs inviting Parties to provide any available data on emissions from the different processes involved in the production or use of feedstock.

The group could not agree on whether to include: a request for the TEAP to provide scenarios of the impact that feedstock emissions might have on the future evolution of the ozone layer; and to invite Parties to submit information, including any emissions data, on the production of halon 1301 as feedstock.

Terms of Reference for the Study on the 2027‒2029 Replenishment of the MLF: Co-chaired by Azra Rogović-Grubić (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Ralph Brieskorn (Netherlands), the contact group continued its work based on a third revision to draft decision A in UNEP/OzL.Pro.37/3. Discussions centered partly on whether to include in the TEAP study an assessment of aspects around digitalization. Some Parties opposed it on the grounds that it was speculative and premature, preferring to focus on current and clear funding requirements. Others disagreed, stressing the value of anticipating the growth of, and need for, digital tools in the servicing sector and for consistent and reliable information in this regard. The TEAP confirmed the importance of this issue, but cautioned against tasking the TEAP with an unmanageable undertaking, expecting cost estimates of a complex matter with insufficient information.

Accumulation of Refrigerant Gases Nearing the End of their Life Cycles in Article 5 Parties: The contact group, chaired by Morane Godfrin (France), resumed discussion on giving the TEAP a mandate to conduct a study on the accumulation of inventories of refrigerant gases nearing the end of their life cycles. Delegates reached agreement on what information Parties should submit to the Secretariat and the nature of the report. They also agreed to a new title: “Study on quantities, and options for, used and unwanted controlled substances under the Montreal Protocol including those at their end of life.”

Ensuring the Viability of Montreal Protocol Operations: The contact group met under Co-Chairs Alessandro Giuliano Peru (Italy) and Carmen Rivero (Argentina). Following Wednesday’s discussions, the  proponents added a new operative paragraph to UNEP/OzL.Pro.37/CRP.6, stating that the report requested of the Secretariat would be non-prejudicial and would note both the potential benefits and drawbacks of options for ensuring the viability of Montreal Protocol operations.

When one delegate suggested that the Secretariat also report on options for the format of meetings, including virtual meetings, many argued that virtual meetings were not appropriate for decision-making.While the proponents argued that some of the meetings of the Assessment Panels and TOCs could be virtual, the reference to format was removed. After some amendments, delegates agreed to the text.

In the Breezeways

It was a bit of a split screen at MOP 37 with speeches, statements, and presentations in the HLS on the one hand, and negotiations continuing on draft decisions in six contact groups, the budget committee, and an informal group on the other.

On a positive note, delegates reached agreement on two draft decisions: on a study on life-cycle refrigerant management, and on the viability of the Montreal Protocol operations. There was even a moment of laughter when a Sykes’ monkey joined the contact group.

However, there is still no agreement on important issues for the Protocol, including HFC-23 emissions, atmospheric monitoring, feedstocks, and the terms of reference for the MLF replenishment study. As the Preparatory Segment Co-Chairs kept a careful eye on the negotiations, they were coming to terms with the challenges of scheduling additional contact group meetings on Friday, the final day of the meeting, in hope of reaching agreement on all the drafts.

Speaking of a split screen and the optimization of the Protocol, one participant mused whether “the many hours spent on listening to statements by dignitaries and heads of delegations wouldn’t be better invested in removing negotiation roadblocks.”

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin summary and analysis of MOP 37 will be available on Monday, 10 November 2025, here.