An array of distinguished global and regional leaders and experts in environment and business presented their views on orienting industries toward sustainability during the International Conference on Green Industry in Asia (ICGIA) held last September 9-11, 2009 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
Carrying the theme “Managing the Transition to Resource- Efficient and Low-Carbon Industries”, the landmark conference was co-organized by the Government of the Philippines through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission (UNESCAP).
ICGIA aims to promote and emphasize ecologically sound business practices. It serves as a platform for industry leaders, economics experts, ecologists, and governments to exchange information and experiences.
More than 1,200 participants, including government ministers and senior officials of Asian countries, business leaders, top officials of the United Nations system and other international/regional organizations, ASEAN secretariat, prominent experts, media and civil society representatives attended the conference.
Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila welcomed the participants of the three-day event. In his speech, Sec. Favila said the Conference provides an opportunity to address approaches for improving industries’ environmental performance.
Representatives from various international organizations also expressed their insights on the conference. These include UNIDO Director-General Kandeh Yumkella, International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Juan Somavia (who spoke through a video message), UNESCAP Chief of the Environment and Development Policy Section, Environment and Development Division Masakazu Ichimura (who spoke on behalf of UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer), and International Panel for Sustainable Resource Management Co-chair Ernst Ulrich von Weizsacker.
In his keynote address, DENR Secretary Jose ‘Lito’ Atienza stressed that the global financial and climate change crises, while both independent problems, cannot be solved with separate solutions. He said green growth was the common solution to these twin challenges, and noted that Asia needs to solve their economic problems in a sustainable manner that protects the environment, creates jobs, generates income and stimulates economic growth.
The highlight of the event was the adoption of the Manila Declaration on Green Industry in Asia and Framework of Action, which is the outcome document of the International Conference on Green Industry in Asia.
While the Manila Declaration and Framework of Action is a non-binding document, it outlines the steps needed to reduce resource intensity and carbon emissions of Asian industries. It also provides a mechanism to periodically review and assess progress in implementing the framework of action towards a low-carbon future.
The Manila Declaration encourages Asian countries to set the appropriate institutional and policy framework towards a transition to resource-efficient and low-carbon industries. It calls for measures such as the incorporation of cleaner production policies in national development plans, and the fostering of a viable business environment conducive to investments in green industries.
Moreover, it encourages the promotion of the increased use of renewable energy and energy-efficient processes in the industrial sector, research and development programs that will lead to green innovation, and investments and financing in low-carbon and resource-efficient manufacturing industries.
The Framework of Action calls for the establishment of a communications strategy to enhance awareness towards green industries performance tools. It also calls for a network of green industries by setting up of energy management standard among Asian countries.
For more information about the event, contact DENR at (632) 929-6626 or visit the conference website, http://www.unido.org/index.php?id=7781
Carrying the theme “Managing the Transition to Resource- Efficient and Low-Carbon Industries”, the landmark conference was co-organized by the Government of the Philippines through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission (UNESCAP).
ICGIA aims to promote and emphasize ecologically sound business practices. It serves as a platform for industry leaders, economics experts, ecologists, and governments to exchange information and experiences.
More than 1,200 participants, including government ministers and senior officials of Asian countries, business leaders, top officials of the United Nations system and other international/regional organizations, ASEAN secretariat, prominent experts, media and civil society representatives attended the conference.
Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila welcomed the participants of the three-day event. In his speech, Sec. Favila said the Conference provides an opportunity to address approaches for improving industries’ environmental performance.
Representatives from various international organizations also expressed their insights on the conference. These include UNIDO Director-General Kandeh Yumkella, International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Juan Somavia (who spoke through a video message), UNESCAP Chief of the Environment and Development Policy Section, Environment and Development Division Masakazu Ichimura (who spoke on behalf of UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer), and International Panel for Sustainable Resource Management Co-chair Ernst Ulrich von Weizsacker.
In his keynote address, DENR Secretary Jose ‘Lito’ Atienza stressed that the global financial and climate change crises, while both independent problems, cannot be solved with separate solutions. He said green growth was the common solution to these twin challenges, and noted that Asia needs to solve their economic problems in a sustainable manner that protects the environment, creates jobs, generates income and stimulates economic growth.
The highlight of the event was the adoption of the Manila Declaration on Green Industry in Asia and Framework of Action, which is the outcome document of the International Conference on Green Industry in Asia.
While the Manila Declaration and Framework of Action is a non-binding document, it outlines the steps needed to reduce resource intensity and carbon emissions of Asian industries. It also provides a mechanism to periodically review and assess progress in implementing the framework of action towards a low-carbon future.
The Manila Declaration encourages Asian countries to set the appropriate institutional and policy framework towards a transition to resource-efficient and low-carbon industries. It calls for measures such as the incorporation of cleaner production policies in national development plans, and the fostering of a viable business environment conducive to investments in green industries.
Moreover, it encourages the promotion of the increased use of renewable energy and energy-efficient processes in the industrial sector, research and development programs that will lead to green innovation, and investments and financing in low-carbon and resource-efficient manufacturing industries.
The Framework of Action calls for the establishment of a communications strategy to enhance awareness towards green industries performance tools. It also calls for a network of green industries by setting up of energy management standard among Asian countries.
For more information about the event, contact DENR at (632) 929-6626 or visit the conference website, http://www.unido.org/index.php?id=7781
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