Groups convene to accelerate climate action

Business leaders, policymakers, climate advocates, solution providers and media representatives are set to convene for a two-day conference to fast-track corporate decarbonization and build long-term climate resilience on 15 to 16 September at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

The Philippine Net Zero Conference 2026, which will serve as a crucial platform to move corporate and national climate ambitions into urgent, measurable action, comes amid a backdrop of a global energy crisis, climate-induced massive flooding in Luzon and widespread drought in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The summit is organized by the Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA) in partnership with the Southeast Asia Corporate Decarbonization Exchange (CDx).

“Achieving net zero is no longer just a voluntary commitment, but an essential business strategy to manage operational risks, protect supply chains, and safeguard communities from catastrophic warming, the group said in a statement.

The event also marks the fifth anniversary of NZCA, the Philippines’ leading private-sector coalition committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. It was founded in 2021 by First Gen-owned Energy Development Corporation (First Gen Renewables).

Allan Barcena, NZCA executive director, said the global energy crisis has made one thing unmistakably clear: protecting our climate and insulating our businesses from severe risk are the exact same fight.

"Achieving net zero is more urgent than ever because transitioning to clean, regenerative solutions is the only viable path to safeguard our planet, manage climate risks for businesses, and ensure lasting economic survival."

The two-day conference is structured to translate this shared urgency into concrete actions. Day one will focus on the frontline realities faced by corporate decision-makers, sustainability practitioners, climate advocates and small-to-medium enterprises.

Sessions will cover climate governance, mandatory sustainability disclosures, carbon footprint tracking and mobilizing climate finance. The opening day will also celebrate five years of private-sector climate leadership by presenting the alliance’s accomplishment report and welcoming new member pledges.

Day two shifts toward real-world deployment and market-ready technologies. Industry enablers and climate innovators will demonstrate how artificial intelligence, smart energy systems, carbon management tools and science-based verification enable organizations to drastically cut emissions.

Dedicated business-matching sessions will run concurrently to connect delegates directly with clean-technology providers.