GPCCI and German Embassy’s Sustainability Forum brings climate action to the forefront.
MANILA, Philippines – On 31 January 2025, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), in collaboration with the German Embassy in Manila, successfully hosted the Sustainability Forum 2025: The Green Economies of Tomorrow.
A significant gathering in the Philippines, this event brought together leaders across government, business, and civil society to explore solutions for climate action, green infrastructure development, and the growth of green jobs.
The German Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Andreas Pfaffernoschke said in his welcome remarks, “Germany is a reliable and long-term partner of climate action in the Philippines.”
“Through our global International Climate Initiative (IKI), a wide range of projects have been implemented in the Philippines since IKI was launched in 2008. Currently, ongoing bilateral projects amount to EUR 53.4 million (around Php 3.2 bn). Our commitment not only underscores our dedication to environmental and climate protection but also highlights our ambition to create a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous society for all.”
The forum centered on three key objectives, namely: evaluating the Philippines' progress in meeting its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), promoting sustainable infrastructure and business solutions, and empowering the workforce for green jobs.
The event addressed the Philippines' progress on its Paris Agreement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), emphasizing sustainability efforts across sectors. Experts highlighted best practices in energy-efficient design, sustainable urban development, and innovative green business solutions. Finally, a session focused on green jobs and the importance of workforce development for a sustainable economy.
In one of the panel discussions, Panel 2: Green Infrastructure/Business Solutions, the focus was on the role of green infrastructure in efficient business operations, making urban living better and more conducive for efficiency and progress, and at the same time being in harmony with the environment. The panel of speakers was headed by Department of Energy Undersecretary - Hon. Rowena Guevara, internationally renowned and award-winning urban planner Architect Felino "Jun" Palafox, Jr. (President and Founder/Managing Partner of Palafox Associates), Mr. Marlo Lawrence Suelto (Technical Coordinator of Philippine Green Building Council), Mr. Nilesh Y. Jadhav (Head for Sustainability Advisory of Siemens Inc.) and Mr. Ronald Mercado (Managing Director of BASF Philippines).
Discussion on “Green Jobs” with Moderator - Mr. Tristan Arwen Loveres (VP GPCCI), Mr. Arturo C. Guerrero II (Governor and Chair, Employers Confederation of the Phils.), Mr. Josef Werker (CEO, Humble Sustainability), Ms. Brenda Baylon (GM, PV2 Energie Philippines Inc.), Ms. Jeanette Damo (Exec. Dir. Department of Labor and Employment), and Mr. Karthik Subburaman (Reg. Dir. of Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation) [Photo by the author]
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The event brought together diverse experts to discuss climate action. The Climate Change Commission delivered the keynote, focusing on the Philippines' NDCs. Subsequent panels addressed climate resilience (Climate Change Commission, Planet 2050, UN Global Compact, Asian Development Bank), green infrastructure and business solutions (Department of Energy, Palafox Associates, Philippine Green Building Council, BASF Philippines, Siemens Inc.), and green jobs (ASISST, DOLE – Institute of Labor Studies, PV2 Energie Philippines, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Humble Sustainability).
“The strength of the Philippine economy lies in its people, and green jobs are key to securing a sustainable future,” says GPCCI President Marie Antoniette Mariano. “By equipping our workforce with the right skills and fostering business-led sustainability initiatives, we can drive economic growth while advancing climate action.”
The Sustainability Forum 2025 concluded with a resounding message: businesses, policymakers, and civil society must collaborate to implement impactful sustainability initiatives. This continued partnership is essential to achieving a greener, more resilient future.
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GPCCI / AHK Philippinen belongs to the international network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) which is represented by 150 offices in 93 countries. GPCCI is the official representation of German businesses in the Philippines; a bilateral membership organization with around 300 members; and a service provider to companies in their market entry and expansion.
For queries, please contact:
Mr. Yves Aguilos
Head of Government Affairs and Data Protection Officer
Email: yves.aguilos@gpcci.org | Mobile: +63 917 713 1516
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Photos by Marcelle P. Villegas
