In efforts to accelerate business transformation toward a green and circular economy, the European Union (EU) joined Philippine leaders from the government and the private sector at the first-ever Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX) 2025, held on 29–30 August 2025 at the SMX Convention Center in Taguig City.
With the theme “Innovation for Environmental Stewardship,” the two-day event aimed to promote sustainable business practices through science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions. Organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), together with SM Prime and Arise Philippines, SUSTEX 2025 brought together industries, innovators, and policymakers to advance circular economy practices, low-carbon development, and climate resilience.
Driving Green Solutions and Partnerships in the Private Sector
SUSTEX 2025 served as a collaborative platform for cross-sector dialogue, policy alignment, and public–private partnerships. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum stressed that the private sector can seize immense opportunities by accelerating industry–government collaboration on policies and research, leveraging DOST innovations for industry use, and investing in green solutions such as renewable energy, sustainable products, and ESG-aligned financing.
Dr. Marco Gemmer, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, underscored the European Union’s quality partnership with the Philippines, emphasizing that true progress in sustainability can only be achieved through the interplay of science, research, innovation, and strong public–private collaboration, with local communities and private sector solutions at the core of addressing climate challenges and ensuring just, inclusive economic development.
Deputy Head of Mission Peter Dalberg of the Royal Danish Embassy in Manila highlighted the value of the recent study visit to Denmark in equipping Philippine delegates with circular economy best practices, stressing that real progress in sustainability relies on strong public–private partnerships and active private sector engagement, while reaffirming Denmark’s commitment to support the Philippines on its sustainability journey.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Energy (DOE) also accentuated the role of the businesses in building an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future. DENR Undersecretary for Strategic Communications Marilou Erni emphasized that tackling pressing environmental challenges demands innovation, strong private sector leadership, and a whole-of-society approach, while DOE Director of the Energy Utilization Management Bureau Lana Rose Manaligod underscored that a greener, more resilient, and energy-secure future relies on innovation, collaboration, and the active participation of MSMEs in driving nationwide energy efficiency and sustainability.
Turning Connections into Green Solutions
SUSTEX 2025 featured more than 50 exhibitors showcasing advancements in recycling and waste management, energy and water efficiency, electric vehicles, carbon reduction, air quality improvement, and disaster resilience.
The EU hosted a booth under the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership, a priority programme under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative that links European and Filipino partners from the private sector and the governments to accelerate the country’s transition to a greener economy while sustaining economic growth. The booth offered a diverse range of engagement and networking activities such as the Green Exchange Wall where organizations can share green ideas and solutions as well as collaborate on their next green initiatives.
The EU-PH Green Economy Partnership supported the SUSTEX 2025 under its Specific Objective 1: Policy and Alliances, co-funded with a €12 million grant from the European Union and a €1 million contribution from the German Government, and implemented by GIZ. Expertise France with Global Green Growth Institute also supported the event under Specific Objective 3: Green Business, Infrastructure, and Finance.
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