The forum centered on three critical themes: the Philippines' progress on its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, the role of Green Infrastructure and Business Solutions in reducing emissions and enhancing urban resilience, and the significance of Green Jobs in fostering sustainable economic growth.
GPCCI President Ms. Marie Antoniette E. Mariano officially opened the event, emphasizing the Chamber’s commitment to sustainability and economic transformation. German Ambassador Pfaffernoschke followed with a welcoming address, reaffirming the strong German-Philippine partnership in pioneering long-term, innovative solutions for a resilient and inclusive future.
Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Sec. Robert E.A. Borje delivered the keynote address, underscoring the urgency of collective action in addressing the climate crisis. He emphasized the need to mobilize resources and strengthen partnerships to achieve climate action goals. His speech highlighted the critical role of transitioning to renewable energy, the imperative of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, and the importance of fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive a sustainable and resilient economy. Moreover, Sec. Borje emphasized transitioning to sustainable economies, innovative industries, and inclusive policies that protect natural resources, minimize social impacts, and support vulnerable communities. Climate action must involve all stakeholders and address the needs of workers, energy access, and modernizing agriculture for small farmers
The Philippines' Commitment to NDCs: Pathways to Achieving Climate Action Goals
The first keynote panel featured Sec. Robert E.A. Borje of the Climate Change Commission, Mr. Lucas Zaehringer of Planet 2050, Mr. Edward Gacusana of the United Nations Global Compact, and Ms. Naeeda Crishna Morgado of the Asian Development Bank’s Southeast Asian Department. Moderated by Dr. David Klebs of the German Embassy in Manila, the discussion emphasized the urgency of reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to its NDCs through concrete climate action and mitigation strategies. Panelists underscored that the transition to a green economy must be inclusive, just, and resilient, ensuring that no sector is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development.
Key takeaways from the keynote panel include:
- Global Carbon Market and NDCs: Mr. Zaehringer highlighted the need for carbon pricing, carbon credit trading, and market-based mechanisms to help the Philippines meet its NDC targets. He noted the absence of a national carbon pricing policy and emphasized the aviation sector’s role in achieving carbon neutrality through sustainable aviation fuel and carbon offsetting.
- Asian Development Bank’s Role: Ms. Morgado outlined ADB’s support for the Philippines through financing, project structuring, and policy reform, particularly in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies. She emphasized that ADB plays a crucial role in de-risking investments to attract private sector participation in sustainability initiatives.
- Private Sector Engagement via the UN Global Compact: Mr. Gacusana discussed the network’s efforts to help businesses transition to sustainable operations. He highlighted the importance of climate action and sustainable finance, citing tools such as accelerator programs and online platforms that equip businesses with the knowledge and resources to implement sustainability strategies.
- Public-Private Sector Collaboration: Sec. Borje underscored the need for a balanced approach in transitioning to a low-carbon economy—one that addresses private sector concerns while promoting investment in sustainable business models. He emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue, consultation, and the establishment of clear national frameworks to drive effective climate action.
This panel discussion reinforced the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in accelerating the Philippines’ sustainability agenda and ensuring a just transition toward a greener economy.
Green Infrastructure: The Role of Sustainable Infrastructure in Achieving the Philippines' Climate Goals
The second panel, moderated by Ms. Charlotte Bandelow of GPCCI, brought together key experts, including Usec. Rowena Guevara of the Department of Energy, Arch. Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr. of Palafox Associates, Mr. Mario Lawrence Suelto of the Philippine Green Building Council, Mr. Ronald Mercado of BASF Philippines, and Mr. Nilesh Y. Jadhav of Siemens Inc. The discussion focused on Green Infrastructure and Business Solutions, emphasizing the critical role of renewable energy in large-scale development projects. Both government and industry leaders highlighted that integrating sustainable practices is essential to enhancing community resilience and ensuring long-term economic and environmental sustainability. Usec. Guevara summed up the urgency of the situation, stating, "If we do not move now and do our energy transition building by building, business by business, we are doomed.”
Key takeaways from the second panel include:
- Achieving Climate Goals: Mr. Jadhav highlighted the importance of aligning sustainability targets between the government and private sector, particularly in supply chains. While acknowledging the challenges, he reaffirmed that sustainability is achievable with the right strategies and commitment.
- Legislation as a Driver of Sustainability: Mr. Mercado emphasized the need for government-led policies that enforce energy efficiency standards, ensuring compliance across industries to accelerate sustainability efforts.
- Overcoming Challenges in Sustainability: Private sector representatives discussed the difficulties of balancing costs with green goals, emphasizing the need for data transparency and improved systems to measure and track sustainability progress.
- Guiding the Path to Net-Zero: Mr. Suelto stressed the importance of guiding developers toward net-zero energy goals through green building systems. He highlighted the role of community-level sustainability and the need to connect resources that facilitate regulatory implementation and sustainable practices.
- Showcasing Sustainability in Action: Panelists shared successful projects, such as rooftop solar installations and energy-saving initiatives. Usec. Guevara discussed the Department of Energy’s efforts to expand renewable energy adoption, including incentives for businesses investing in solar energy.
- A Vision for the Future: Arch. Palafox called for a stronger focus on sustainable urban planning, advocating for greener cities and 10-minute communities—walkable, self-sustaining urban spaces designed for efficiency and reduced emissions.
The panel concluded with a collective call to action, urging businesses and local governments to accelerate the adoption of green solutions, reinforcing sustainability as both an economic imperative and a shared responsibility.
Green Jobs: Empowering Jobs of Tomorrow for a Sustainable Future
The third panel, moderated by GPCCI Vice President Mr. Tristan Arwen Loveres, explored the role of Green Jobs in driving sustainable economic growth. Panelists included Mr. Karthik Subburaman of Asia for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation, Ms. Jeanette Damo of the Department of Labor and Employment – Institute of Labor Studies, Ms. Brenda Baylon of PV2 Energie Philippines Inc., Mr. Arturo C. Guerrero III of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, and Mr. Josef Werker of Humble Sustainability.
Key takeaways from the third panel include:
- Developing Expertise in Green Infrastructure and Renewable Energy: Mr. Subburaman emphasized that achieving sustainable development in the Philippines hinges on having a workforce equipped with specialized expertise in green infrastructure. Ms. Baylon echoed this, highlighting the need to upskill Filipino engineers through knowledge-sharing with industry experts in renewable energy.
- The Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016: Ms. Damo championed the Green Jobs Act as a key policy framework for promoting sustainability in the labor sector. She explained that the law mandates the development of the National Green Jobs Human Resources Development Plan, covering six critical sectors: renewable energy, manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, transportation, communication, and ecotourism.
- Expanding Opportunities for Provincial Engineers: Ms. Baylon emphasized the need for companies to provide equal opportunities for Filipino engineers from provincial areas to enter the renewable energy sector. She highlighted the importance of equipping them with the necessary expertise to drive the country’s sustainability efforts.
- Affordability and Accessibility of Green Jobs: Mr. Guerrero pointed out that while green jobs are essential for economic sustainability, their adoption remains costly—making them more feasible for large corporations rather than small businesses. He stressed the need for government incentives and policy support to make sustainable employment opportunities more accessible across industries.
- Advancing the Circular Economy: Mr. Werker advocated for circular economy solutions, particularly in electronic waste management, emphasizing the importance of recycling and reusing materials to address environmental and economic challenges. He also commended the younger generation for their proactive stance in championing sustainability.
The discussion underscored that fostering a green workforce requires a multi-stakeholder approach—balancing skills development, policy support, and economic feasibility to accelerate the Philippines’ transition toward a sustainable and inclusive economy.
In his closing remarks, GPCCI Executive Director Mr. Christopher Zimmer expressed sincere gratitude to the speakers, panelists, and moderators for their valuable insights. He emphasized the importance of translating the forum’s discussions into concrete actions, reinforcing the commitment to advancing sustainability efforts that will shape a resilient and sustainable future for the Philippines and beyond.
The 2025 Sustainability Forum served as a vital platform for advancing discussions on NDCs, green infrastructure and business solutions, and green jobs as key drivers of sustainable economic development. GPCCI and the German Embassy in Manila remain committed to supporting both global and national sustainability goals. Climate action is not just a responsibility of businesses or governments—it is a collective imperative for society to secure a resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.
