The Cool Up consortium—comprising ten expert organisations—met in Türkiye to reflect on four and a half years of progress and chart a bold course for the future. Hosted by Guidehouse, the workshop focused on strengthening collaboration across workstreams and translating ambition into action.

Sessions explored the implementation of National Cooling Action Plans (NCAPs), upscaling of demonstration projects, and shaping the programme’s exit strategy. Key discussions included:

• Demonstration projects: Showcasing adaptability and visibility of sustainable cooling technologies, and engaging international financial institutions to promote bankable business cases.
• NCAP implementation: Developing roadmaps with responsible entities, identifying funding opportunities, and ensuring NCAPs are reflected in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Cross-output collaboration: Creating holistic narratives and working models to connect project developers with banks, enhancing replicability and financing access.
• Exit strategy: Embedding cooling responsibilities in national institutions, assessing market readiness for natural refrigerants, and establishing technical training labs and curricula.

Participants shared lessons learned, celebrated positive outcomes, and discussed future challenges and opportunities. The meeting reaffirmed the strength of interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of embedding ownership within national stakeholders to ensure long-term impact.