Conference - A Cool World
Clean cooling and cold-chain systems are pivotal to sustainable development, food and health security, and economic prosperity - particularly in the Global South. Yet, despite the critical urgency, clean cooling and cold-chain solutions are neither being financed nor implemented at the required scale or in a holistic and inclusive manner on-the-ground. What barriers are holding back progress, and why do these persist? What critical issues need addressing, and what risks does continued inaction pose? Crucially, what practical and tangible steps can be taken now to overcome these challenges and accelerate meaningful change?
Dates and Venue
On 28th and 29th October 2025, we are hosting a two-day international conference at University of Birmingham to advance the collaborative thinking on how, as a community, we can provide holistic, sustainable, affordable, and resilient cooling and cold-chain services to all; how we can embed this approach quickly enough to avoid locking-in cooling emissions for years or decades; and of course identify the research, trade, and commercial opportunities this offers to the UK.
This will be a collaborative, multi-stakeholder event with a focus on discussions and workshops for end-users, academics, Development Agencies and NGOs, industry and investor groups to share ideas, make connections and to develop thinking around clean cold. There will be opportunities to showcase technology and present academic posters. We will have colleagues from Africa and India in attendance to present work and impact on the ground.
This conference is free to attend.
To make general enquiries, please email [email protected].
Programme
Tuesday 28th October 2025 - Day 1
- 09.00 - 09.20: Registration
- 09.20 - 09.30: Welcome
- 09.30 - 09.55: Introduction and scene-setting
- 09.55 - 10.45: Overview of key activities in the Global South
- 10.45 - 11.15: Tea and coffee
- 11.15 - 12.30: Break-Out Groups – Session 1:
1. Community track - Moving Farmers Up the Value Chain
2. Policy track - System Design & Horizon Scanning
3. Technology track - Training, Continuous Professional Development & Capacity Building
- 12.30 – 14.00: Lunch
- 14.00 – 15.15: Break-Out Groups – Session 2:
1. Community track - Social Capital, Building Inclusive & Resilient Communities
2. Policy track - Transport Energy Strategies & Modal Shifts
3. Technology track - Technology Selection, Testing & Demonstration
- 15.15 - 15.45: Tea and coffee break
- 15.45 - 16.30: Plenary feedback
- 16.30 - 17.15: The Role of Sub-Zero
Please also join us for a reception, at the University of Birmingham's Great Hall:
- 06.30- 22.00: Drinks Reception, Buffet Dinner and Photo Exhibition
Wednesday 29th October 2025 - Day 2
- 08.30 - 09.00: Tea and coffee
- 09.00 – 09.50: Plenary session - One Health
- 09.55 - 10.45: Plenary session - Return on Investment
- 10.45 - 11.15: Tea and coffee
- 11:15-12:30: Break-Out Groups – Session 3:
1. Community track - Business Models & Finance
2. Policy track - Refrigeration and Technology Accelerator Strategies for Africa
3. Technology track - Innovation & Future Research
- 12.30 - 13.45: Lunch
- 13.45 - 15.15: Plenary session – discussion, conclusions and recommendations
- 15.15 - 15.25: Close
Tea and coffee will be served prior to departure.
