Cool Leaders Award 2026 Recognises Global Cooling Initiatives

First Cool Leaders Awards Announced

Cool Leaders Award 2026 Recognises Global Cooling Initiatives: The inaugural Cool Leaders Award was presented during the Global Cooling Pledge Assembly 2026 in Singapore. The awards recognise leadership in sustainable cooling, heat resilience and efforts to reduce the environmental impact of cooling systems.

The first recipients were Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dong Mingzhu, Chairperson of Gree Electric Appliances. The Global Cooling Pledge Assembly was held in Singapore from 15 to 18 September 2026.

Three Different Cooling Approaches

The three recipients represent different approaches to addressing the growing global demand for cooling.

Singapore was recognised for developing heat-resilient and sustainable cooling practices in a densely populated tropical urban environment. Its approach links urban planning with measures aimed at managing heat exposure and improving cooling efficiency.

The UAE was recognised for its experience with district cooling and for connecting cooling policies with wider international climate and development initiatives.

Dong Mingzhu was recognised for leadership in ultra-efficient and low-carbon cooling technologies, including technologies associated with Gree’s Zero Carbon Source air-conditioning approach.

Static GK fact: District cooling supplies chilled water or cooling services from a central facility to multiple buildings, potentially reducing the need for individual cooling systems.

One Year of Global Advocacy

The Cool Leaders serve for a period of one year. During this period, the awardees are expected to use their experience and visibility to promote sustainable cooling practices and technologies.

The recognition highlights the growing importance of cooling as cities experience rising temperatures, rapid urbanisation and increased exposure to heatwaves.

UNEP Cool Coalition

The UNEP Cool Coalition is a global multi-stakeholder network working to accelerate sustainable cooling solutions. It was established in 2019 as one of the flagship initiatives associated with the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit.

The coalition brings together governments, businesses, cities, financial institutions and other stakeholders. Its approach focuses on expanding access to cooling while simultaneously improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.

Static GK Tip: UNEP stands for the United Nations Environment Programme, established in 1972 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

Global Cooling Pledge

The Global Cooling Pledge was launched during COP28 in 2023 under the UAE Presidency in collaboration with the Cool Coalition.

It represents an international effort to address the climate impact of cooling while improving access to sustainable cooling solutions.

Its major targets include reducing cooling-related emissions by 68% by 2050, expanding access to sustainable cooling by 2030, and improving the energy efficiency of air-conditioning equipment by 50% by 2030, compared with 2022 levels.

Why Sustainable Cooling Matters

Cooling demand is increasing because of global warming, urbanisation and rising heat exposure. Conventional cooling systems can increase electricity consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions, creating a cycle in which higher temperatures increase cooling demand and greater energy use can contribute to climate change.

Sustainable cooling therefore combines energy efficiency, low-carbon technologies, resilient urban planning and wider access to cooling services.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Cool Leaders Award 2026 Recognises Global Cooling Initiatives: