The inaugural Cool Leaders represent a diverse range of achievements: from national policy and urban cooling to industry transformation and technology deployment. Unveiled at the 2026 Global Cooling Pledge Assembly, their recognition comes at a pivotal moment, as governments, cities, and businesses move from commitments to implementation through new policies, investments, and partnerships that protect people from extreme heat while accelerating the transition to sustainable cooling.
Recognized for leadership through a holistic approach bringing heat resilience and sustainable cooling together.
Represented by H.E. Grace Fu Hai Yien, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment.
Ms Grace Fu is the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations. She is also the President of the Singapore National Olympic Council. In 2025, Ms Fu was recognised on the Forbes Sustainability Leaders List and the TIME100 Climate List for her work on climate change-related issues. Ms Fu entered politics in 2006 and is an elected Member of Parliament for Jurong East–Bukit Batok GRC (Yuhua). She held appointments in various Ministries including National Development, Education, Information, Communications and the Arts, Environment and Water Resources, and Foreign Affairs. Ms Fu was appointed Minister for Culture, Community and Youth in 2015. Prior to entering politics, Ms. Fu spent the early part of her career in the private sector. She last held the position of Chief Executive Officer at PSA Southeast Asia and Japan, overseeing the business performance of PSA’s port terminals in Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, and Japan. Ms. Fu graduated with a Bachelor of Accountancy (Honours) and subsequently obtained a Master of Business Administration from the National University of Singapore.
Recognized for leadership through the Global Cooling Pledge, connecting cooling emissions, access and implementation.
Represented by H.E. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.
His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei is the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of the UAE. In this capacity, he oversees the Ministry’s mission of putting the energy, infrastructure, housing, and transport sectors on a sustainable, progressive path through effective measures, policies, and initiatives. Prior to his current role, His Excellency was Minister of Energy and Industry. His responsibilities included sustainably utilizing the country’s petroleum, minerals, electricity, and water resources for its socio-economic development. Earlier, His Excellency served as Minister of Energy, where he led the UAE’s efforts to enhance its energy security. His Excellency Al Mazrouei holds a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Tulsa in the US.
Recognized for a lifetime of leadership and service to innovation and sustainable cooling.
Ms. Dong Mingzhu is a Chinese business leader and Chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances, and holds a postgraduate degree and an MBA from Zhongnan University of Economics and Law. Since joining Gree in 1990 as a sales representative, Ms. Dong has held progressively senior leadership roles, becoming President in 2001 and serving as Chairwoman and President from 2012 to 2025. Since April 2025, she has served as Chairwoman. Under her leadership, Gree has advanced innovations in sustainable cooling technology, including the development of the world’s first “Zero-Carbon Source” air-conditioning system, which innovatively combines photovoltaic power generation with high-efficiency air conditioning. She has built a “systematic carbon-reduction” pathway that embeds green transformation across the entire value chain. GREE closely adheres to the core philosophy of “practicing low-carbon concepts and promoting green, sustainable development in the industry,” deeply integrating its corporate growth into the national strategic framework for green and low-carbon transition. Beyond her corporate leadership, Ms. Dong has has served as a Deputy to the National People’s Congress across its 10th through 14th terms and as a member of the Executive Committee of the All-China Women’s Federation. Internationally, she has served as a UN Advocate for Sustainable Urban Development, and as chair of the UNDP Commission on Sustainable Development.
