On World Environment Day 2026, UNEP OzonAction is spotlighting the contributions of women in the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) sector through a special campaign featuring a series of quote cards and an inspiring interview with RAC Engineer and Lecturer Oyu-Erdene Enkhtaivan from Mongolia.
The campaign showcases the experiences of women from South Asia who participated in UNEP OzonAction’s International Training of Trainers Programme held in Italy in May 2026. Through their personal reflections, participants share insights on their careers, the importance of technical education, and the need for greater representation of women in the cooling sector.
Full Interview: Oyu-Erdene Enkhtaivan, RAC Engineer and Lecturer, Mongolia
What does being an RAC practitioner/lecturer mean to you, personally and professionally?
For me, working as a lecturer in the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Ventilation (RAC) sector is a meaningful profession that contributes directly to people’s comfort, food safety, and energy efficiency in their daily lives and working environments. I also believe that sharing my knowledge and experience with students, and supporting them in becoming skilled and confident engineers, is one of my most important responsibilities.
As a university lecturer, I focus not only on teaching technical knowledge, but also on helping students develop professional ethics, responsibility, and the right engineering mindset. I believe a good educator is someone who not only transfers knowledge, but also serves as a role model, supports students, and continues growing together with them.
Why is it important to see more women as trainers and leaders in the RAC sector?
I believe it is important to see more women as trainers and leaders in the RAC sector because diversity of perspectives and approaches plays a key role in innovation and development within the industry. The presence of female engineers and educators helps create a more inclusive and encouraging environment, especially for young women considering technical careers.
Seeing women succeed and lead in engineering also helps challenge the outdated perception that technical fields are only for men. It demonstrates that professionalism, knowledge, and capability matter far more than gender.
At a time when the world needs more skilled technical professionals, increasing women’s participation in the RAC sector will contribute significantly to industry growth, innovation, and a more sustainable future.
What are the advantages of the RAC profession?
The RAC profession is one of the most in-demand and socially important fields today. Professionals in this sector have opportunities to work across many different industries.
For example, refrigeration systems play a vital role in maintaining food quality and safety in the food industry. Ventilation and air conditioning systems provide healthy and comfortable environments in buildings, offices, and mining operations. In healthcare, refrigeration technologies are essential for storing medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment safely.
In addition, modern data centers, artificial intelligence systems, and digital technologies all rely heavily on advanced cooling systems. This means the RAC sector is not only a technical field, but also one that is directly connected to human health, safety, and technological advancement.
For these reasons, I hope more young people will recognize the value and future opportunities offered by this profession and choose to study and work in the RAC field.
What message would you share with young people, especially women interested in RAC or technical careers?
Do not be afraid to pursue engineering or technical careers. Engineering is not only about machines and tools – it is about solving problems, thinking creatively, collaborating with others, and making a positive impact on people’s lives.
If you are willing to learn, work hard, and stay persistent, there is absolutely an opportunity for you to succeed in this field. And honestly, being a knowledgeable, skilled female engineer and shining confidently in the professional world is pretty cool, isn’t it?
For more insights from fellow training participants, please explore the gallery below.
