Since 2017, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with support from the UNDP as the lead implementing agency, has been working in collaboration with UNIDO, UNEP, and other international partners to implement the HCFC Phase-Out Management Plan (HPMP) Stage-II. With funding from Multilateral Fund (MLF) for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, this project supports Iran’s commitment to phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are ozone-depleting substances, while promoting the transition to ozone friendly technologies in the refrigeration, air-condition and foam sectors. 

Following the approval of the MLF, HPMP Stage III commenced in 2026. The project builds on the achievements of the previous stages and aims to support Iran in addressing the remaining HCFC consumption in the servicing sector (service tail), through targeted measures to promote the adoption of low-GWP alternatives.

Spanning from 2017 to 2030, the initiative focuses on strengthening technical and institutional capacities and advancing sustainable practices in line with the country’s environmental development goals.

In 2025, a major environmental milestone was achieved. Through UNDP’s technical support and technology transfer, Iran surpassed its commitments under the Montreal Protocol, significantly reducing the use of ozone-depleting substances. The project also empowered local industry, equipping commercial refrigeration and foam factories with cleaner technologies, training over 1,000 technicians, and providing ozone-friendly technologies to support a transition toward global standards and greener production.

In 2025, the project also advanced women’s empowerment in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector. In mid-December the first specialized training workshop for women technicians was held under the Iran HPMP project at National Instructor Training Center (ITC Karaj). The two-day workshop combined theoretical and hands-on sessions, equipping 20 women participants with practical skills on the safe use of flammable hydrocarbon refrigerants and environmentally friendly technologies. The initiative aligns with Iran’s national and international commitments under the Montreal Protocol while supporting women’s access to green skills and specialized technical professions.

Reflecting on the experience, Raziyeh, a mechanical engineer who participated in the workshop, noted that it “promotes green skills development and supports the empowerment of women in specialized and technological professions.”

Together, these efforts demonstrate how effective international cooperation combined with national ownership can deliver environmental impact, strengthen local capacity, and promote inclusive, sustainable development.