The UNEP Cool Coalition has officially launched its 2026 cycle of the Cool Champions initiative, an annual recognition programme spotlighting leaders driving real progress on sustainable cooling.
The initiative is taking place at a time when extreme heat and rapidly growing cooling demand are placing unprecedented pressure on communities, energy systems, and ecosystems worldwide. Cool Champions aims to elevate visible leadership, accelerate peer learning, and inspire wider adoption of proven solutions across regions.
Each year, five Cool Champions will be selected: one from a national Global Cooling Pledge signatory, one from a subnational signatory, and three individual champions recognised for outstanding impact beyond formal government commitments.
With over 70 country signatories and more than 80 non-state supporters, the Global Cooling Pledge represents the world’s first collective commitment to cut cooling-related emissions by 68% by 2050 while expanding equitable access to cooling.
Ballots have now been circulated to Global Cooling Pledge countries and subnational signatories for the institutional categories, while voting is open for the individual Cool Champion. Nominations may also be submitted through self-nomination.
The nomination period runs until the end of March, followed by an evaluation phase from April to May.
An independent seven-member Evaluation Committee, bringing together expertise from international organisations, government, academia, civil society, and development partners, will assess candidates based on leadership, impact, scalability, and alignment with sustainable cooling principles.
During their one-year term, Cool Champions will actively advance sustainable cooling worldwide, from mobilising political momentum and convening high-level dialogues to sharing best practices and amplifying public awareness.