The First Manila High-Level Roundtable on Trade, Climate, and Sustainable Development brought together representatives from government, academia, and civil society for an open exchange on how trade policy can contribute to advancing the Philippines’ climate and sustainable development objectives. The event was opened by Ambassador Manuel Teehankee, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the WTO, and featured a keynote address by Raphael Lotilla, Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Discussions centered on the Philippines’ climate commitments, particularly preparations for NDC 3.0 ahead of COP30, and examined how trade can serve as a catalyst for mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Participants explored opportunities to leverage trade policy to support the transition to low-carbon technologies, enhance competitiveness in a changing global economy, and promote inclusive and climate-resilient growth.

10:00 – 10:15 I Opening Remarks

• Amb. Manuel Teehankee, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Philippines to WTO

10:15 – 10:45 I Keynote Address

• Hon. Raphael Lotilla, Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources

10:45 – 12:00 I Session 1: Philippines Climate Goals: An advanced viewing of NDC 3.0 and the road to COP30

Moderator: Atty. Jurella Guiahara Santos, Law Reform Specialist, University of the Philippines Law Center – Institute of International Legal Studies

• Asst. Sec. Romell Antonio O. Cuenca, Assistant Secretary and Deputy Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission

Questions for discussion:

• What are the Philippines’ current mitigation and adaptation priorities under its new NDCs and NAPs? And for which sectors?
• What evolved in NDCs 3.0 and is trade integrated in Philippines NDC3.0 and how?
• How is trade integrated in the UNFCCC processes and what priorities is the country advancing in trade-relevant discussions in the UNFCCC?
• What are the prospects of the Philippines engagement in the Integrated Forum on Climate Change and Trade, recently launched by Brazil COP30 presidency at the WTO Public Forum?
• How can trade help mobilize access to climate finance and technology for Philippines’ climate goals?

12:00 – 13:00 I Lunch

13:00 – 13:20 I Project Objectives and Methodology for Developing a Philippine Trade-related Climate Strategy for Climate-Resilient Development

• Christophe Bellmann, Head of Policy Analysis and Strategy at the Forum on Trade, Environment and the SDGs (TESS)

13:20 – 14:50 PM Session 2: Trade at the nexus of Climate and Sustainable Development in The Philippines Strategic Priorities for Policy and Cooperation Towards a Trade-related Climate Strategy

Moderator: Atty. Cecilia Therese Guiao, Head Legal Officer, University of the Philippines Law Center – Institute of International Legal Studies 

• Atty. Vicente Paolo Yu, Independent Consultant
• Jan Redmond L. Dela Vega, Division Chief, Multilateral Relations Division, DTI Bureau of International Trade Relations 

Questions for discussion: 

• Which sectors are strategically important for a climate-resilient economy and trade future?
• Considering information shared on NDC 3.0, what are the Philippines trade-related climate priorities: (i.e. transition to renewable energy, access to low carbon technologies, climate resilient agriculture, access to adaptation goods and services, etc.)?
• How are Philippines domestic climate adaptation and mitigation measures and international climate measures (CBAM, standards, etc.) impacting trade and trade processes?
• How can trade policies, e.g., tariffs, non-tariff measures and domestic regulations, impact the Philippines’ climate strategy and objectives?
• What priorities could the Philippines seek for international cooperation at the nexus of trade and climate in WTO, ASEAN and other fora?

14:50 – 15:00 I Closing Remarks and Next Steps

• Christophe Bellmann, Head of Policy Analysis and Strategy at the Forum on Trade, Environment and the SDGs (TESS)
• Pres. Angelo A. Jimenez, President, University of the Philippines