Digital Pilipinas conference discusses the pivotal role of ‘sustainabilitytech‘ in shaping a sustainable future
According to the latest World Economic Forum 2022 report, digital technologies are now transforming global environmental conservation efforts with the potential to reduce, by 2050, up to 20% of carbon emissions in the three highest emitting sectors — energy, transportation, and agriculture.
In a half-day conference organized recently by Digital Pilipinas, in collaboration with its sustainability technology champion, Transnational Diversified Group (TDG), the pivotal role of “sustainabilitytech” in addressing carbon emissions and in shaping a more sustainable future became the focus of discussions.
The conference, themed “SustainabilityTech for Collaborative Systems Transformation”, was held at the Lighthouse Theater of the TDG In.Hub in Taguig City. It served as a platform for engaging discussions and collaborations that are considered vital in laying the groundwork for a more sustainable Digital Pilipinas as guided by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
Photo shows Kai Farms Founder and Transnational Diversified Group (TDG) Chief Sustainability Officer Karla Delgado; Digital Pilipinas, Digital ASEAN, and Philippine Fintech Festival Convenor Amor Maclang; and SEC Commissioner Kelvin Lee as they pose with keynote speakers Chenny Galano, President of The Rizal Academy for Innovation and Leadership; Roderick De Castro, ESG Head of Transnational Diversified Group; Jimbo Reverente, Chief Innovation Officer of The Rizal Academy of Innovation and Leadership; Chan Salimbao, Partnerships Manager of Nexus Energy; and panelists Sarah Bergado, Sustainability Head of Manila Water; Martin Peñaflor, CEO and Co-Founder of Tangere; Simon Howett, CEO of Karzo; Arlene Martinez, Founding President of Asian Council for Small Business Philippines; and Josef Amarra, Co-Founder of Mayani. Joining them are some of the conference participants.
Organized by Digital Pilipinas and co-presented by TDG, Kai Farms and In.Hub, in collaboration with Ideas Asia Pacific and The Rizal Academy of Innovation & Leadership (TRAIL), the conference brought together Philippine leaders who are passionately committed to working together to attain the UN’s sustainability goals. Sector leaders and stakeholders who participated in the event were asked to share their expertise and industry knowledge in the areas of technology, innovation, and sustainability.
They also shared how the four pillars of SustainabilityTech, namely, Sustainable Finance, Agriculture/Food Security, Climate Tech, and Supply Chain/Logistics Tech can help propel the nation forward.
Digital Pilipinas is currently the largest private sector-led movement in the country that aims to create an innovation and technology ecosystem that is actively engaged in the global digital economy. TDG, on the other hand, is a globally competitive and progressive business group that is made up of highly successful companies engaged in leading industries.
Shaping a sustainable future for PH
During the event, Digital Pilipinas Convenor Amor Maclang underscored the pivotal role of technology and innovation in shaping a sustainable future for the Philippines.
“Our mission is clear: harness technology to tackle climate, sustainability, and innovative financing within the interoperable ecosystem we’re all part of. Together, we can solve challenges related to climate adaptation, food sustainability, marketplace creation, and the empowerment of the agri and fisheries sector, driven by a global responsibility that transcends politics,” she remarked.
For his part, SEC Commissioner Kelvin Lee, who is also one of the country’s champions for sustainability, underscored the role of the Philippines as a leader in sustainable finance in the ASEAN region. “We are continuing to move forward in this space (sustainable finance), and there is a lot that can be done. We look forward to working with more partners — and receiving as much support as we can get — in this very important area for the country,” he shared.
The SEC commissioner also delved into the role of sustainable finance as a driving force to achieve net-zero emissions.
“The reason we’re pushing sustainable financing is because we are aware that it is money that will move everyone in the correct direction in relation to climate change and making things green. It is through issuing particular bonds that activities of a company will become green,” Lee further said.
Meanwhile, Karla Delgado, the Founder of Kai Farms and Chief Sustainability Officer at TDG, stressed the importance of establishing a platform for communities to connect. “To ensure food security and address climate displacement, we need a transformative tech platform connecting farmers, affected communities, and willing supporters. This will uplift farmers, granting them access to healthcare, education, and other opportunities. Through this, we can initiate a proactive response, create a better world together, and be the leaders the world needs,” she stated.
Sustainability & technology, and how they can solve ESG issues
The first panel discussion, which focused on sustainability and technology, was moderated by Chenny Galano, President of TRAIL. The panelists included Delgado; Jimbo Reverente, Chief Innovation Officer of TRAIL; Roderick de Castro, Environmental, Social, and Governance Head of TDG; and Sarah Bergado, Sustainability Head of Manila Water.
The second panel discussion, on the other hand, focused on how to solve ESG issues with technology. It was moderated by De Castro, with panelists including Simon Howett, CEO of Karzo; Martin Penaflor, CEO and Co-Founder of Tangere; Josef Amarra, Co-Founder of Mayani; and Arlene Martinez, Founding Partner of ACSB Philippines.
Supporting technology and innovation initiatives is a way to invest in tools and ideas that can transform current practices into systems that prioritize environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic viability. Through the collaborative efforts of industry leaders, key stakeholders, and dedicated advocates, the Philippines can become a more sustainable and technologically driven nation.
This conference is a preamble to the Green Unconference set to take place during the Digital Pilipinas Festival x Philippine Fintech Festival Year 2 happening on November 21 to 24, 2023 at SMX Aura, and in various co-located venues and innovation hubs across the country.
Organized by Kai Farms and TDG, the first Green Unconference took place in 2015 with the theme, “A Collective Sharing to Move the Spirit.” It was led by fifteen speakers engaged in environmentally relevant work. This year’s Green Unconference will be championed by TDG in partnership with Digital Pilipinas and will showcase more in-depth discussions on ‘sustainabilitytech.’
To register for the Digital Pilipinas Festival, please visit https://digitalpilipinas.ph. /JDP