WHEN: 28 January 2026 I TIME: 10:00 - 12:00 (GMT+8) I VENUE: TBC, Makati City, Philippines / Hybrid I This event is by invitation only
Background
Southeast Asia has committed to transition to the Circular Economy to support resilient economy, sustainable growth, and resource efficiency, through the regional 2021 ASEAN Circular Economy Framework. This is complemented by national policy and action plans in ASEAN Member States, including in the Philippines for example the Philippine Action Plan for Sustainable Consumption and Production, the Extended Producer Responsibility regulation and sustainable public procurement initiatives.
Leading businesses and organisations in the Philippines and in the ASEAN region have started to benefit from the adoption of Circular Economy practices in sectors as diverse as hospitality, building materials, agri-food, textiles, and recycling and resource recovery. Businesses stand to gain through new products and markets, and savings on materials, energy and water costs, whilst simultaneously doing good towards environment, labour, human rights, and anti-corruption – the impact areas of the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact. Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP) provides the platform for participating companies and non-business stakeholders to advance the U.N. Global Compact and its principles at the local level. The ASEAN Circular Economy Business Alliance (ACEBA) was launched in July 2024 to further facilitate business leadership and action on Circular Economy, in support of stated Philippine and regional policy objectives. ACEBA engages businesses through advocacy, knowledge and experience sharing, provision of actionable tools and insights, and networking.
GCNP and ACEBA are launching this partnership to further support business leadership and action on Circular Economy in the Philippines, through documentation and promotion of business practices, knowledge sharing, and networking.
Agenda
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10:15 – 10:20 |
Welcome and overview |
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10:20 – 10:30 |
Opening Remarks on behalf of the EU Delegation |
(TBC) |
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10:30 – 10:40 |
Circular Economy and ASEAN Circular Economy Business Alliance (ACEBA) |
Mr Thomas THOMAS, Chairperson (ARAIBA Sdn Bhd), Co-Convenor (ACEBA) and expert (EU SWITCH-Asia PSC) |
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10:40 – 10:50 |
Circular Economy and Global Compact Network Philippines |
Ms Ma. Victoria TAN, Chairperson of Board of Trustees (GCN Philippines) and Head, Group Risk Management and Sustainability (Ayala Corporation) |
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10:50 – 10:55 |
Signature of Memorandum of Agreement (ACEBA and GCNP): Accelerating Circular Economy in Business to advance the Global Compact Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs |
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10:55 – 11:10 |
Circular Economy for Responsible Business: performing well and doing good |
Dr Rene VAN BERKEL, Co-convenor (ACEBA), Expert (EU SWITCH-Asia PSC), Faculty (Thammasat University) and Member (International Resource Panel) |
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11:10 – 11:20 |
Circular Economy Experience: Bayo Manila (TBC) |
Ms Anna LAGON, co-CEO (Bayo Manila) and VP for Membership (GCNP) |
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11:20 – 11:30 |
Circular Economy Experience: Converge ICT (TBC) |
Jeremy Gatpo, VP and Head of Supply Chain |
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11:30 – 11:40 |
Circular Economy Experience: CEMEX (TBC) |
Christer Gaudiano, Director of Sustainability |
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11:40 – 11:55 |
Panel Q&A: Advancing circular business in Philippines |
Moderated by Gil Gonzales, Co-Convenor (ACEBA) and East Asia Business Council (TBC) |
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11:55 – 12:00 |
Closing Remarks (GCNP and ACEBA) |
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