NordCham Philippines Attends 2nd Philippine ESG Investors Summit
On 14 May 2024, NordCham Philippines participated in the 2nd Philippine ESG Investors Summit at Solaire Resort Entertainment City, Parañaque. The event, titled "Unveiling the Power of ESG Investing," brought together over 150 senior executives and stakeholders to discuss industry challenges, share solutions, and collaborate with sustainability-focused partners.
NordCham Philippines had a booth at the summit to show our commitment to sustainability, connect with experts in ESG, sustainable finance, and responsible investment, and share the sustainable initiatives we do in the Nordic Chamber.
The summit featured talks from esteemed speakers and allowed participants to network with professionals in ESG, sustainable finance, and responsible investment. This interaction provided valuable insights into what asset owners seek in their next investment partners for 2024 and beyond.
The event featured notable keynote speakers, including Ms. Sharon P. Almanza, National Treasurer of the Bureau of the Treasury, who commenced the proceedings, and Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, who underscored the significance of ESG investing.
The morning session covered a variety of topics, starting with Atty. Pedro H. Maniego, Jr. discussing the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard, emphasizing transparency and sustainability. Following him, Atty. Alain Charles J. Veloso elaborated on the Philippines' plan for carbon pricing solutions. Then, Mr. Jaime F. Mendejar from HSBC explored how sustainable finance can bolster corporate sustainability strategies. Additionally, Mr. Mark Dinesh from AXA Climate and Ms. Katrina F. Francisco from SGV & Co. Discussed the impact of sustainable transitions and biodiversity on business success. The session also featured a morning roundtable on recycling infrastructure, with leaders from Cemex, Gobi Partners, Nomura Research Institute, Nestlé Philippines, and SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.
The afternoon session delved into a range of topics, beginning with Mr. David Katz of Plastic Bank sharing insights on how ESG can drive transformative change. Following him, Ms. Kristine I. Aguirre of KPMG discussed the effects of ESG quality disclosure in various regulatory environments. Then, Mr. Jozsef C. Acabo of Diligent presented practical approaches to ESG transformation. Additionally, Ms. Ma. Cecilia T. Cruzabra of ACEN, Ms. Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar of Aboitiz, and Mr. Timothy M. Daniels of SM Investments offered valuable insights on transformational leadership and sustainability.
The event concluded with a highly anticipated roundtable discussion focused on investing in climate action. This session was moderated by Ms. Ping Manongdo, a recognized expert in the field. The roundtable brought together prominent participants from various influential organizations, including Quisumbing Torres, Energy Development Corporation, HSBC Philippines, SGV & Co., the Institute of Corporate Directors, and BDO Unibank. These experts shared their insights on the critical importance of climate action investments, discussing strategies for integrating sustainable practices into business operations and financial planning.
NordCham Philippines' participation in the summit highlights our firm commitment to nurturing sustainable business practices and our proactive engagement within the ESG investing community. By actively involving ourselves in events like these, we demonstrate our dedication to promoting environmental, social, and governance principles in business operations and investment strategies. We aim to inspire and support businesses in their journey toward sustainability, ensuring a positive impact on the future of our planet and society.