Speaking at the opening of the Sustainable Solutions Exchange Forum, a conference organized by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), Dr Marco Gemmer, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, stated: “Our joint ambition is to connect Philippine and European partners to advance green and circular economy practices in the country. We are proud to partner with the Philippine Government, as well as Finland and Germany, on building a greener future as part of Global Gateway, the European Union strategy to promote sustainable investments. There is a lot we can learn from each other.”

The platform acts as a centralized knowledge hub, providing access to policy updates, technical resources, case studies, and emerging best practices and strategies on circular economy. It also showcases matchmaking services such as the Green Transition Lab, which connects and shares sustainable forest and circular economy technologies from Finland and other countries, and the Sustainability Solutions Exchange, which links micro, small, and medium enterprises with green purchasers, suppliers, and service providers.   

The Green Economy Platform has engagement spaces such as virtual communities, events, discussion forums, and matchmaking solutions to hype conversations and strengthen partnerships. Whether through knowledge-sharing webinars, collaborative workshops, or peer-to-peer learning, the platform creates inclusive spaces where individuals and organizations can share insights, align on policy actions, and co-create solutions that drive the country's green transition forward. 

To explore the Green Economy Platform, visit: www.greeneconomy.ph 

About the EU-Philippine Green Economy Partnership

Funded by a P3.67 billion (Euro 60 million) grant from the European Union, the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership will run from 2023-2028 in collaboration with the government of the Philippines, led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This priority programme is part of the Global Gateway, the European Union’s strategy to promote sustainable investment. The EU in the Philippines links European and Filipino partners from the private sector and local governments to foster a circular economy and the reduction of plastic waste. It also aims to improve energy efficiency and promote renewable energy use and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Through technology transfers and investments, the programme aims to accelerate the transition to a greener economy while sustaining economic growth that benefits all Filipinos. The Green Economy Platform is co-funded by the European Union (Euro 12 million) and German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (Euro 1 million). 

Implemented by Germany's development agency GIZ, UNDP Philippines, Expertise France, the Global Green Growth Institute, and the International Finance Corporation –  a member of the World Bank Group –, the programme is part of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative - the European strategy engaging with partners globally and promoting investments around shared priorities such as the transition to a green economy, renewable energy and green hydrogen, education and research, and the advancement of digital infrastructure, among others. 

ABOUT THE EUROPEAN UNION   

The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment and economies, so that everyone can benefit. 

For media inquiries, please contact:

European Union Delegation: Thelma Gecolea, Email: Thelma.GECOLEA@eeas.europa.eu

GIZ: Marky Tumalad, Email: mark.tumalad@giz.de