Speaking at the inaugural ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit 2026 in Cebu, government officials, diplomats, and business leaders underscored that sustainability is now central to the region’s long-term economic stability and competitiveness.

Held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit, the event brought together more than 200 policymakers, ambassadors, and senior executives from ASEAN and Europe to discuss strategies for advancing climate action, trade cooperation, food security, and resilient supply chains.

Frederick Go highlighted the importance of deeper economic ties between the Philippines and the EU, describing the relationship as a growing partnership anchored on trade, investment, and development cooperation.

“Europe and the Philippines have a stable and evolving partnership, built on trade, investment and development cooperation,” Go said during his keynote address.

“Today, it is also focused on sustainability, climate and inclusive growth, and we remain committed to deepening our collaboration with the EU and advancing our shared priorities together.”

Go also described the proposed EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement as the country’s “most important economic agreement this year,” noting that both sides are aiming to finalize the deal by the third quarter of 2026.

Paulo Duarte, president of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and executive board member of the EU-ASEAN Business Council, said the summit came at a critical time for the region.

“At a time of global uncertainty marked by energy volatility, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs, this summit could not be more timely,” Duarte said.

“It reflects a shared recognition across the region that sustainability is no longer optional. It is central to economic resilience, competitiveness, and long-term growth.”

Massimo Santoro emphasized the need to align climate ambitions with financing and implementation mechanisms.

“While we are rightly ambitious in setting our targets for climate and environmental action, we do not always synchronize the financial resources needed to implement that ambition,” Santoro said.

“Strengthening the link between ambition and financing is essential to turning policy into real, on-the-ground impact.”

Santoro also called for a more integrated regional approach to sustainability and resilience, stressing that trade, climate policy, and disaster risk reduction should no longer be treated separately.

“The current energy situation must become an opportunity to accelerate this integrated approach, including on renewable energy and economic resilience,” he said.

Leonardo Teguh Sambodo said ASEAN economies must balance growth with emissions reduction to achieve sustainable development.

“The only viable path forward is cohesive planning that integrates sustainability into every aspect of development,” Sambodo said.

For Robert Borje, the region’s energy challenges could also create opportunities for green investments.

“What can be seen right now as a challenge can be turned into an opportunity — an opportunity not just for investments to come into the Philippines, but an opportunity that provides co-benefits as we work towards a greener future and greener sources of energy,” Borje said.

During sectoral discussions, business leaders stressed the importance of stronger public-private collaboration in advancing circular economy initiatives, protecting supply chains, and strengthening food security systems.

Jonas Leones of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said circular economy policies would require greater investor participation and private sector support.

“The government cannot do it alone,” Leones said. “We need investors and the private sector to really implement and move forward.”

Antonio Del Rosario said Extended Producer Responsibility policies could significantly strengthen ASEAN’s circular economy initiatives by bringing together governments, businesses, NGOs, and the informal waste sector.

On supply chain integrity, Rodney van Dooren said private firms should complement government enforcement systems through data sharing and operational transparency.

“As a private sector, our role is to embed integrity into our day-to-day operations and to share relevant information, such as risk indicators and supply chain data, to support government enforcement efforts,” van Dooren said.

Meanwhile, Cynderella Galimpin warned that lengthy regulatory approval timelines for animal vaccines could threaten food security and economic stability during disease outbreaks.

“Today, regulatory approval timelines for vaccines across Southeast Asia range from one to three years, but when the outbreak is already there, that is too late, as it has already impacted food supply, trade and the economy,” Galimpin said.

Closing the summit, Chris Humphrey urged governments, businesses, and citizens to turn sustainability discussions into concrete action.

“We need governments, businesses and citizens to take sustainability more seriously in all its aspects, so we can all live a longer life, a healthier life, and look after our planet at the same time,” Humphrey said.

The occasion marked the relaunch of bike racks at Rizal Park Luneta, an initiative supported by the European Union (EU) and carried out in partnership with the National Parks and Development Committee (NPDC). More than a ribbon-cutting, the event felt like a quiet but determined celebration of urban possibilities where heritage spaces and modern lifestyles can coexist.

“The European Union has set ambitious targets to combat climate change. We are working to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030, and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. But we know that climate change is a global challenge that requires global solutions,” said EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro.

“It is heartwarming to note that today we are all convinced that soft mobility, through public transport and bicycles, are effective and affordable solutions for achieving these objectives,” he added.

For Luneta visitors, the newly rehabilitated bike racks are a small but meaningful invitation: arrive by bicycle, linger longer, breathe easier.

According to Ambassador Santoro, the racks represent cycling as a viable and accessible mode of transport; one that reduces carbon emissions and traffic congestion, improves air quality, and supports a healthier lifestyle within the city’s most iconic green space.

The project extends beyond Luneta, with similar facilities rehabilitated in Intramuros, reinforcing the idea that even heritage districts can welcome contemporary, climate-friendly habits.

As NPDC Deputy Executive Director Jezreel Gaius A. Apelar put it: “These facilities and partnerships stand as a testament to our shared commitment to promoting active mobility, sustainability, and inclusivity in our public spaces. They also represent our support for environmentally responsible transport and our dedication to making our parks more accessible to all through international cooperation.”

The relaunch drew support from cycling groups and sustainable-living advocates including Kalyetista, CYCAD, Cyclebros, Firefly Brigade, Tiklop Society of the Philippines, PINASLOWRIDAZBC, and Make it Safer Movement—communities that see bicycles not just as transport, but as tools for connection.

In a symbolic moment, participants rang their bike bells in unison, a lighthearted call for families and communities to do their share in cutting greenhouse gas emissions and reclaiming streets for people.

Mia Bunao, Administrator of Kalyetista/Explore Your City on a Bicycle, described the project as more than infrastructure: an enduring gift that fosters community and reflects pakikipagkapwa (being one with others) in the shared mission to build livable cities.

Poetry, too, found its place among spokes and spokespeople. Dr. Roselle Leah Rivera of Firefly Brigade Inc remarked: “We summon the city to the dusk-dance of wheels, pedals pulsing like heartbeats in cooling twilight. Fireflies reborn in flickering bike-lights as communities rise, ride, and breathe as one, each crank-turn sparking awareness and every mile rekindling climate courage.”

For Pio Fortuno Jr., President of Tiklop Society of the Philippines, the moment carried both symbolic and practical weight: “Today is a great day, as we bear witness to the relaunching of the bike racks at the Luneta. While every completion of any bicycle friendly infrastructure is a cause for celebration, this one is special since it allows bicycle access to the Philippines’ foremost historical landmark, and it is made possible from friends from the European Union.”

In a city often defined by congestion and concrete, the return of bike racks to Luneta is a reminder that progress does not always roar. Sometimes, it arrives quietly on two wheels, with a ringing bell, and the promise of a softer way to move.

The Unity Board serves as a visual expression of shared responsibility and collective action toward climate resilience, cultural preservation, and a climate-smart future. The initiative highlights collaboration among government, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector in addressing climate challenges.

As part of the ceremony, participants from national and local government, international organizations, civil society groups, and the private sector were presented with traditional Philippine fabrics, including T’nalak, Inabel, Abaca, Straw Habi, and Ifugao fabric. Each piece, reflecting the heritage and stories of local communities, was pinned onto the Unity Board and sealed with the participants’ signatures.

Launched in 2024, the Solidarity Night underscores the CCC’s belief that effective climate leadership is a shared responsibility—strengthened through partnerships, guided by evidence, and driven by collective resolve.

“Building a climate-resilient Philippines requires a whole-of-nation approach, where every individual and sector contributes within their sphere of influence,” said PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios. “As part of the private sector, PLDT and Smart play a critical role by continuously building and operating a robust and reliable network that keeps communities connected, even amid extreme weather conditions.”

PLDT and Smart also reaffirmed their support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as they continue to embed sustainability across their operations and business strategies.

The ceremonial switch-on was led on December 18, 2025 by Meralco executives—Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho, Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand O. Geluz, and Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer and One Meralco Foundation (OMF) President Jeffrey O. Tarayao—alongside Department of Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, Energy Regulatory Commission Chair Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan, Quezon Governor Dr. Angelina D.L. Tan, and Mauban Mayor Erwin Dwight C. Pastrana.

“We celebrate the fulfillment of a promise that progress should reach every Filipino home. This project is a testament to what can be achieved when government, regulators, and the private sector work hand-in-hand for the greater good,” Meralco COO Aperocho said.

Timed with the Christmas season, Meralco—through its corporate social development arm, One Meralco Foundation—also brought holiday cheer to the island by lighting up the Our Lady of Fatima Chapel. OMF further distributed 100 Noche Buena packages to families, 300 Balik Eskwela kits with school supplies to students, and donated five printers and 12 laptops to barangay offices and schools.

Designed to provide 24/7 electricity to more than 1,000 households and businesses, the Cagbalete Microgrid is poised to become the largest microgrid system in the Philippines once it reaches full build-out capacity within the next three years.

Beyond improving energy access, the project is expected to achieve 100% household-level electrification on the island and deliver renewable energy that could offset up to 42,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions—supporting environmental protection while advancing the country’s sustainable energy goals.

Aligning with the world to confront climate risks while energizing broad participation to achieve sustainable development, climate change is rapidly reshaping the global economic structure and risk landscape. Taiwan is not immune to this growing challenge.

In the summer of 2025, southern and eastern Taiwan were struck by successive typhoons and torrential rainfall, causing severe flooding in many locations and underscoring the profound effect of extreme climate on regional development and public safety. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is moving to address climate change in line with global efforts to limit temperature increases to 1.5°C over baseline. In 2025, Taiwan presented a clear and transparent Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2035, setting explicit goals for a low-carbon transition. With the regular publication of National Inventory Reports on greenhouse gases as well as Biennial Transparency Reports, Taiwan is disclosing its progress and demonstrating its commitment to meeting its responsibilities as concerns the global effort to reduce emissions.

When he took office in 2024, President Lai Ching-te announced the National Project of Hope, setting out a policy vision for green growth and a 2050 net-zero transition. His administration has since dictated five major strategies for advancing the net-zero transformation: developing an intelligent green energy strategy; promoting a dual-track industrial transformation involving both digitalization and greening; fostering net-zero, sustainable lifestyles; ensuring a leading government role supporting the transition; and achieving a just transition that leaves no one behind. In June 2024, the National Climate Change Committee was established under the Office of the President to create societal momentum and facilitate dialogue on national climate governance strategies. Through this process, Taiwan set new emissions reduction targets—26 to 30 percent by 2030 and 36 to 40 percent by 2035 compared with the base year.

Setting ambitious mid-term targets to steer the net-zero transition
Taiwan is focusing on mid-term targets as the core strategy by which to steer its transition to net-zero emissions by 2050. It is also progressively building an institutional, action-oriented climate governance framework. The Climate Change Response Act enshrines in law the 2050 net-zero goal. Moreover, in line with the updated NDC under the Paris Agreement, Taiwan is voluntarily advancing its implementation in accordance with Article 4 obligations. It is concurrently reviewing and refining its mitigation pathway. Taiwan has raised its 2030 target to a 28 percent ± 2 percent reduction from 2005 levels while setting mid-term goals of 32 percent ± 2 percent by 2032 and 38 percent ± 2 percent by 2035.

In parallel, Taiwan has launched the Comprehensive Carbon Reduction Action Plan. Through a bottom-up approach, every ministry and agency is reviewing and improving its own mitigation programs, while the National Council for Sustainable Development is, meanwhile, utilizing a top-down strategy to identify and coordinate 20 flagship mitigation actions. Among these are accelerated deployment of solar photovoltaics and offshore wind; breakthroughs in geothermal and small hydropower technology; high-tech energy storage; low-carbon fuels and hydrogen (including ammonia) supply chains; carbon capture, utilization, and storage; industry self-mitigation measures; enhanced energy efficiency; decarbonization of state-owned enterprises; near-zero carbon buildings; electrification and decarbonization of commercial vehicles; sustainable aviation fuel; agricultural resilience and carbon sinks; low-carbon, sustainable agriculture; circular resource use; and net-zero, sustainable lifestyles. Complementing these are six institutional innovation mechanisms: technological innovation, financial support, carbon pricing, regulatory adaptation, green workforce development, and community-driven engagement. These will further enhance national mitigation efforts.

Advancing voluntary compliance and fostering inclusive dialogue
In accordance with Article 4 of the Paris Agreement and the decision adopted at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP28) in 2023, parties are required to submit 2035 greenhouse gas reduction targets (NDC 3.0) by 2025. Although Taiwan is not a party to the convention, it has voluntarily aligned with the UNFCCC framework and timeline in submitting its NDC 3.0 this year. Developed in line with guidance on information necessary to facilitate clarity, transparency, and understanding, Taiwan’s NDC 3.0 shows enhanced ambition and fairness comparable to those of other countries.

The NDC 3.0 highlights 10 key dimensions: (1) equity and ambition; (2) the domestic legal and institutional framework for climate governance; (3) smart green energy strategies for an energy transition; (4) the dual-track transformation of digital and green industries; (5) green finance and carbon pricing; (6) net-zero, sustainable lifestyles through community-driven initiatives; (7) a just transition and green workforce development; (8) international cooperation; (9) climate change adaptation; and (10) human rights, gender equality, and the rights and welfare of children and youth. These components ensure a science-based and transparent framework for Taiwan’s concrete actions on climate.

During the formulation of the NDC 3.0, extensive public engagement and multistakeholder consultations were conducted. Meetings were held under the Comprehensive Carbon Reduction Action Plan to discuss 20 flagship mitigation actions, engaging participants from government, industry, academia, and civil society to build consensus and jointly find climate solutions. In parallel, experts in a variety of areas—including human rights, gender equality, child welfare, youth participation, and technology—were consulted. Outreach efforts also covered NGOs, university students, and indigenous communities. The diverse perspectives of these various groups and individuals were incorporated into the NDC 3.0 draft, ensuring that Taiwan’s submission to the international community reflects a comprehensive, inclusive, and forward-looking commitment to long-term climate action.

Promoting a combined carbon fee system and emissions trading system approach to carbon pricing
Taiwan officially launched its carbon fee system this year as well as pilot reporting. The fee was initially set at approximately US$10 per metric ton CO2e. Establishing a national carbon price is a new milestone. To ensure that the system is effective, it features earmarked funds, self-determined reductions, preferential rates, and other measures that address sectors with high risk for carbon leakage. Such measures will incentivize emissions reductions in high-emitting sectors while enhancing fairness and encouraging participation. The carbon fee system has as its main objective reducing emissions and is projected to reduce emissions by 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) by 2030.

This marks the first year of carbon pricing in Taiwan. For the next stage, the government will draw on international practices to stabilize the carbon fee system and introduce a cap-and-trade emissions trading scheme in stages that ensures price incentives and fair competition. This will create a dual-track carbon pricing framework. Such a structure reflects requests by our domestic industries for diversified incentives and market tools while also enhancing system resilience and creating a foundation for alignment with international carbon markets.

As concerns international cooperation, Taiwan is preparing for substantive engagement under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, thereby bolstering the regulatory and institutional groundwork for participation in global carbon markets. By making progress on both domestic carbon pricing instruments and international cooperation, Taiwan aims to create its own model of carbon market engagement and make meaningful contributions to the global net-zero transition as a key export-oriented player in regional and global supply chains.

Integrating resources and expanding networks for climate adaptation
In response to the effects of climate change, Taiwan is pressing forward with nationwide climate change adaptation policies in line with Article 7 of the Paris Agreement, which calls for strengthening adaptation actions at all levels. Taiwan has established a National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan with a four-year cycle. It covers seven areas, including critical infrastructure, water resources, land use, coasts and oceans, energy supply and industry, agricultural production and biodiversity, and health. It also addresses capacity building. Local governments have developed climate change adaptation programs to promote context-specific adaptations, with annual progress reports published to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience, and reduce vulnerability.

This year, central and local governments, public health experts, and nongovernmental organizations have established the Heat Adaptation Strategy Alliance as a response to the problem of heat. In the future, we will continue to build upon this public-private cooperation model, expand the adaptation action network, and enhance overall national resilience.

Connecting to global transformations and shaping a new era of climate action
COP30 will be a landmark event as we mark five years since the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The gathering will serve as the starting point of the next phase of global climate action. Taiwan is aligning with the international community by submitting its NDC 3.0 and completing its first Biennial Transparency Report to respond to the global transparency framework addressed in Article 13 of the Paris Agreement. Such efforts underscore the predictability of Taiwan’s climate policies as well as its commitment to global dialogue.

Taiwan is also acting determinedly on the net-zero transition by furthering work on carbon pricing, driving structural transformation, extending its adaptation actions, and building robust policy support frameworks. Such work demonstrates both resolve and the capacity to confront the challenges of climate change. Yet Taiwan recognizes that net zero is not something any one nation can achieve alone, but rather is a collective journey the global community is taking together.

We call on all countries to support Taiwan’s participation in COP30 in Belém, Brazil, this November, so as to empower Taiwan and the international community to jointly respond to the climate crisis in the spirit of COP30’s “Global Mutirão.” Working together, we can move toward the full implementation of the Paris Agreement and create a net-zero world.

The company also reported that 94% of its operations now run on renewable energy, keeping it on track to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know there’s still more to be done,” said Terrynz Tan, Sustainability Director, Tetra Pak ASEAN. “Real change requires collaboration — with partners, LGUs, schools, and communities — to build a stronger circular economy.”

Driving Sustainability in the Philippines

In the Philippines, Tetra Pak’s Cartons for Communities program has collected over 700 tonnes of used beverage cartons in 2024, marking an 80% year-on-year increase. Working with partners like Rural Industrial Corporation and Axelum Resources Corporation, the initiative transforms used cartons into roofing sheets, furniture, and school materials.

The company has also expanded its collaboration with local government units (LGUs) nationwide to improve collection and recycling systems — key steps toward a more circular economy.

“Beyond providing shelf-stable nutrition to remote areas, we’re helping strengthen on-the-ground recycling systems,” said Catherine Chua, Sustainability Manager, Tetra Pak Philippines.

Global Impact and Innovation

Globally, Tetra Pak supported food manufacturers in cutting energy use by up to 40%, provided 66 million children in 49 countries with milk or nutritious drinks, and helped 84,000 smallholder dairy farmers secure better incomes.

The company invested €100 million in R&D to develop more sustainable packaging, including recycled polymer caps and paper-based barrier cartons, while launching its Approach to Nature framework to protect ecosystems and enhance water security.

Tetra Pak continues to combine environmental responsibility with food security, ensuring safe, nutritious food reaches communities everywhere — sustainably and responsibly.

Speaking at “Ocean Talk: Key Takeaways of the Philippines from the 2025 UN Ocean Conference” held on August 13 at the GSIS Financial Center, Legarda underscored the urgent need for decisive, united action to protect Philippine seas, which she called “the soul of our archipelago” and a lifeline for millions of Filipinos.

“Commitments, no matter how eloquently spoken in conference halls, must be made real in our barangays,” she stressed, said to translate international pledges into domestic policy and practice.

The senator reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to uphold maritime rights under UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award, while urging unprecedented cooperation among government, science, business, and civil society.

“The Philippines has led and will continue to lead in ocean protection and climate action, but our most significant victories are yet to be won, if we dare to do more, together,” she said.

The symposium, organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) with the Office of Senator Legarda, the Climate Change Commission, and GSIS, brought together Philippine delegates from the June UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

Among those present were Ambassador of France to the Philippines Marie Fontanel, DFA Undersecretary and incoming Philippine Ambassador to France Eduardo Jose A. De Vega, and Climate Change Commission Vice Chair and Executive Director Robert EA Borje.

A panel discussion followed, with experts from DFA’s Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Biodiversity Management Bureau, the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, Sulubaai Environmental Foundation, and the High Seas Alliance.

They stressed the urgency of ratifying the BBNJ Agreement and turning policy commitments into measurable outcomes for ocean science, governance, and marine protection.

Ocean Talk reaffirmed the Philippines’ leadership in ocean and climate diplomacy, highlighting the country’s unique cultural, ecological, and geopolitical ties to the seas.

“These are shared priorities where German businesses are eager to contribute, through sustainable investments, technical cooperation, and long-term partnerships that support a more competitive and climate-resilient Philippines,” said GPCCI president Marie Antoniette Mariano in a press statement.

“These priorities strongly align with the values and long-term commitments of the German business community in the Philippines. They reflect areas where we are not only invested, but where we are also eager to do more: through innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships that deliver meaningful and inclusive impact.

“As we deepen our engagement, we also emphasize the importance of transparency and good governance in fostering a stable and attractive investment climate,” she added.

Record-high trade and investments

Philippine government data show that in 2023, Germany ranked as the country’s 11th largest trading partner, with trade volumes exceeding $2 billion in both directions. Philippine exports to Germany reached $2.46 billion in 2024, while imports from Germany stood at around $2.13 billion.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) from Germany soared to a historic high of $149.89 million in 2023—the largest annual figure since 2005. German investments approved in the Philippines during the first nine months of 2023 totaled ₱393.9 billion (approximately $7 billion), making Germany the top foreign source of approved investments for that period.

Business missions in key growth sectors

Following successful delegations in the Energy and MedTech sectors earlier this year, the Chamber is preparing to welcome a high-level delegation in Water Technologies later in 2025. These missions aim to facilitate partnerships that address critical challenges while opening opportunities in innovation and sustainability.

In addition, the Chamber is working closely with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to co-certify technical training programs. This initiative aims to boost the skills of the Filipino workforce, particularly in fields related to digital transformation and emerging technologies.

German companies in the country offer the Philippines a valuable springboard for inclusive growth. Among them are Siemens, Deutsche Bank, Bayer, Bosch, and Lufthansa. Siemens, in particular, is leading efforts to modernize Philippine manufacturing with Industry 4.0 technologies, including robotics and augmented reality.

Partnership for a future-ready, climate-smart economy

With the Philippines prioritizing green energy and a circular economy, GPCCI reiterated its readiness to support the country’s climate goals while promoting sustainable job creation. “Germany brings proven strengths in infrastructure, digitalization, and vocational training, all of which are vital to inclusive growth,” the Chamber said in the same press statement.

The Chamber also underscored the role of technical and vocational education in bridging workforce gaps and aligning with the needs of modern industry. Ongoing cooperation between TESDA and Germany’s Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training enhances workforce readiness in digital and green sectors.

GPCCI is the official representative of German businesses in the Philippines. As part of the global AHK network with 150 offices in 93 countries, GPCCI connects around 300 member companies and supports market entry, business development, and strategic partnerships across the country.

“King Charles was advocating concepts such as the circular economy and natural capital years before they captured the public’s imagination,” said Ambassador Beaufils during her farewell King’s Birthday Party (KBP) celebration in Manila.

She described the King as “a modern King with a strong vision and a passion for youth, community, diversity, the environment and sustainability, and strong appreciation for the multi-cultural, multi-religious country he leads.”

Beaufils said the shared values between the UK and the Philippines—especially when it comes to the environment. “I know these values all resonate deeply in the Philippines,” she said. “So to me, this once again confirms all that we have in common and all that brings us together.”

The UK has partnered with the Philippines on climate action, biodiversity, and environmental governance in recent years. Beaufils noted that UK-Philippines cooperation includes initiatives in “climate and biodiversity, cyber security, maritime security and defense, human rights, the peace process, science and tech, business and trade.”

With climate change disproportionately affecting island nations like the Philippines, King Charles’ global environmental advocacy offers a moral and strategic alignment that strengthens bilateral ties.

Beaufils expressed confidence this shared commitment will endure. Veronica Uy

Civil society groups staged a protest outside the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters on the opening day of the Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF), slamming the bank for failing to deliver on its clean energy promises even as the event marked its 20th year.

Rayyan Hassan, Executive Director of the NGO Forum on ADB, criticized the bank’s continued support for harmful energy projects.

“In an unstable world, a multilateral development bank like the ADB has a responsibility to offer solutions rooted in partnership and sustainability — especially in the energy sector,” Hassan said.

“But instead of transitioning Asia toward a just renewable energy system, the ADB continues to create markets for fossil gas, large hydro, incinerators, and even some geothermal plants that carry destructive impacts,” he added.

Hassan also warned against the ADB’s openness to controversial ventures like critical minerals mining and nuclear power, which he said add further risks to people and the environment.

“The bank should not gamble with people’s lives and the environment in pursuit of profit,” he said, calling for accountability and responsible decision-making. “We hope reason prevails in this ACEF.”

The NGO Forum and its allies strongly condemned the ACEF for what they described as legitimizing polluters and false climate solutions.

Activists pointed to the participation of the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), one of the world’s largest coal operators and a backer of the controversial Naga coal plant in the Philippines — financed by the ADB — as evidence that ACEF has become a “platform for polluters.”

“This only proves that ADB has no credibility in the clean energy agenda,” said Ellenor Bartolome, Senior Executive Officer for Policy, Campaigns, and Communications of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice.

“The presence of big climate polluters like KEPCO exposes how just transition is syndicated by the very actors driving the crisis,” she said.

Bartolome stressed that in a period of climate emergency, there is no room for business-as-usual. “We must reject these detours, distractions, and dangers — and demand a real, just transition for the people and the planet,” she said.

The groups vowed to continue challenging the ADB’s energy strategy and warned that mere rhetoric on energy transition will no longer satisfy growing public demand for urgent climate action.