METRO MANILA, Philippines – The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines (CCIFP) successfully held its first-ever sustainability conference, La Conférence Bleue, last September 10, 2024, at the Ascott Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
At the forefront of the Filipino-French Community, CCIFP acknowledged its role with and through its members to pursue and promote sustainability not just as a simple term but as a practice, goal, and future for both France and the Philippines. The summit aimed to celebrate sustainability and the journey of its members by promoting their companies, products, services, and sustainability journeys, advocacies, and practices. The focus was on two main themes: circular economy and social responsibility.
The event was large in scale, attended by different key leaders, including representatives from major industries, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations, who gathered together to share their expertise and insights for a more sustainable future. Guests indulged in insightful talks of inspiring sustainability journeys of invited speakers as well as embassy officials and representatives.
The event kickstarted with the presence of Her Excellency Marie Fontanel, French Ambassador to the Philippines, who emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing sustainability challenges.
Afterward, the chunk of the event spotlighted the different and inspiring sustainability journeys of the invited speakers. These included Donnel Tiedra, Government and Industry Affairs Executive at Nestlé Philippines. Kaye Parala, HR Business Partner of EssilorLuxxotica. Director of Espoir School of Life, Christine Lei Go. Co-Managing Director and Chief Sustainability Officer of NEO, Gie Garcia. Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Head of Sustainability and Resilience of SM Cares, SM Supermalls. Director of Save Palawan Seas Foundation, Margaux Inocando. Founder and CEO of Havas Ortega, Jos Ortega. Jollibee Foods Corporation Global Sustainability Director, Elise Veloso. T Sivakumar, Managing Director of CMA CGM Philippines. Maxime Droit, CEO of Reurasia Management. Lucille Sodipe, Senior Investigation Journalist of Agence France-Presse. Sustainability and Social Responsibility Manager of Globe Telecommunications, Bernie Roxas. Country Director of Acted Philippines, Ginny Haythornthwaite. Chairman of San Miguel Foundation, Cecile Ang. Director of Agence Française de Developpement in Manila, Benedicte Gazon. Co-Founder of MAD Courses, Rafael Dionisio.
The speakers shared meaningful insights on sustainability, highlighting the importance of integrating sustainable practices into business operations. Their discussions emphasized collaborative approaches in addressing environmental challenges, the long-term benefits of doing so, and inspiring ways industries can take on a bigger role to achieve a more sustainable future.
La Conférence Bleue also provided networking opportunities, wherein attendees exchanged ideas on fostering sustainability in various sectors. CCI France-Philippines showcased its dedication and ongoing commitment to sustainable development and highlighted the progress of its members in embedding sustainability into their business operations. The organization will continue its unwavering dedication to promoting sustainability through its initiatives such as the upcoming Le Trophée Bleu Sustainability Business Awards, to be held on November 21, 2024, which will recognize the outstanding companies championing sustainable development.
The success of La Conférence Bleue would not have been possible without the generous support of the sponsors. The Chamber extends heartfelt thanks to the Gold Sponsor: Jewelmer, Silver Sponsor: PMFTC, Bronze Sponsor: EssilorLuxottica, and Technology Partner: Glue Up. Special thanks to the Media Partners: The Manila Times, MANILA BULLETIN, Daily Tribune, ANC 24/7, ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, and to the Marketing Partners: ReelReve and Artisano. Great appreciation to Destileria Barako for sponsoring the cocktails served at the event.
The success of La Conférence Bleue marks a significant milestone in the Chamber’s sustainability efforts, with plans already underway for the upcoming future.
Through this event, the Chamber sought to sustain and advance the championing of sustainability. Guided by the values of French excellence, being impactful, inclusivity, and valorization, the Chamber and its Sustainability Committee realized their commitment to advocating for sustainability through the Committee’s endeavors and direction, within its community and beyond.
