UNEP Cool Coalition Names Singapore, UAE and Dong Mingzhu as First Cool Leaders

Key facts

• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Cool Coalition named Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dong Mingzhu, Chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances, as the inaugural Cool Leaders.
• The recognition was presented on 17 September 2026 during the first Global Cooling Pledge Assembly.
• Singapore was recognised for combining heat resilience with sustainable cooling, including establishing its first dedicated Heat Resilience Policy Office.
• The UAE was recognised for treating cooling as an infrastructure issue; cooling can account for up to 70% of its peak electricity demand during summer.
• The UAE hosted COP28 in 2023, where the Global Cooling Pledge was launched.
• Dong Mingzhu was recognised for leadership in high-efficiency air conditioning, standards and low-carbon cooling technologies, including solar-storage-air-conditioning systems and Gree's work recognised through the Global Cooling Prize.
• The Cool Leaders serve one-year appointments to engage peers and share sustainable cooling implementation experience.
• For the 2027–2028 cycle, the Cool Leaders framework will expand to four areas: national government, subnational government, industry, and civil society, academia and youth.