The Eighth Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM8) meeting was held in Beijing from the 6^th-8^th of June, with participation from Energy Ministers and high-level representatives from 24 countries and the European Commission. The CEM also had representation from international organizations including the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC), the World Energy Council, United Nations Environment (UNE) and Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL), as well as over 600 representatives from the private sector and industry.

Representing K-CEP, Ms. Christi Ulman, Program Director at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), spoke at the high-level roundtable discussion during the Public-Private Action Summit (PPA). The PPA Summit brought together government and business leaders, investors, and other clean energy stakeholders to highlight innovation and leadership. K-CEP, which was launched in April 2017, was highlighted as a good example of an innovative partnership on energy efficient cooling. Christie emphasized that including energy efficiency in Kigali Amendment is not only a climate success story but also a story about improving economic and social prosperity. Decreasing energy demand can help reduce energy waste, while increasing access to energy is a social development issue and a key part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Christie also called for action from the CEM member countries, and leadership from the host country China, in promoting cooling efficiency.

Deputy Director General WANG Shancheng from China’s National Development Reform Commission reported on China’s efforts in promoting energy efficiency. In a follow-up side meeting, Mr. Wang expressed his support to K-CEP’s upcoming program of work in China and also suggested that efforts should be integrated with China’s existing energy efficiency standards, labeling system, and top-runner program to leverage superior outcomes.

As the leading manufacturer and consumer of cooling products, China plays a significant role in achieving K-CEP’s mission. China makes almost two third of AC products and half of refrigerators globally. In 2016, China produced 160 million air conditioning units. Through consulting with policy makers, NGOs and the private sector, K-CEP is in the process of setting an ambitious but highly focused program of work to assist China in spurring one of the largest mitigation opportunities in the global effort to tackle climate change.