Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dong Mingzhu, Chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances, have been named the inaugural Cool Leaders by the UNEP Cool Coalition. The recognition was presented on 17 September during the first Global Cooling Pledge Assembly and highlights approaches to sustainable cooling spanning government policy, infrastructure and cooling technology.
Singapore was recognised for combining heat resilience with sustainable cooling, including the establishment of its first dedicated Heat Resilience Policy Office. Its approach covers urban planning and passive design, energy efficiency, district cooling and long-term heat resilience planning.
The UAE was recognised for treating cooling as an infrastructure issue. Cooling can account for up to 70% of the country’s peak electricity demand during summer, and its response has included district cooling, energy-efficiency policy and long-term infrastructure planning. The UAE also hosted COP28 in 2023, when the Global Cooling Pledge was launched.
Dong Mingzhu was recognised individually for leadership and service to innovation and sustainable cooling. Her nomination highlighted work in high-efficiency air conditioning, standards and low-carbon cooling technologies, including solar-storage-air-conditioning systems integrating renewable power, storage and cooling, as well as Gree’s work on technologies recognised through the Global Cooling Prize.
“Through continuous innovation and global collaboration, we can make cooling greener and more accessible for our global communities,” Dong said.
The Cool Leaders serve for one year and are expected to engage peers and share implementation experience. For the 2027–2028 cycle, the framework is set to expand to four areas: national government, subnational government, industry, and civil society, academia and youth.
