ECCP Appointed as Accelerator for Race to Zero Campaign in the Philippines

Manila, Philippines — The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) is proud to announce its appointment as an official Accelerator in the Philippines for the Race to Zero. Race to Zero is a global campaign rallying more than 14,500 non-State actors around the globe to take rigorous and immediate action to reach net zero by 2050. This new role underscores ECCP’s commitment to driving substantial environmental and social change, aligning with the global objective to halve emissions by 2030 and foster a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable world.

In April 2024, ECCP solidified its commitment by formally expressing its intent to collaborate with the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions team leading the Race to Zero campaign. Through rigorous efforts and fulfilling all prerequisites, ECCP is now poised to launch this critical initiative, aiming to catalyze significant environmental advancements within the Philippines.

"We are thrilled to welcome ECCP to the Race to Zero campaign as an Accelerator and are keen to support them as they mobilise large corporates, SMEs, healthcare institutions and universities in the Philippines, driving ambitious climate action in the APAC region and beyond,” says H.E. Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 and Ms. Nigar Arpadarai, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29.

Facing the Climate Challenge

The challenge we face in the Philippines is significant: The Philippines, one of the largest carbon emitters in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has not yet committed to a definitive net-zero target. The country's urgent environmental challenges are underscored by its status as one of the most disaster-prone nations globally. This situation is further compounded by recent calamities, such as the devastating flooding from Typhoon Carina, which affected over 1 million people and placed Metro Manila in a state of calamity. The urgency for action has never been more apparent and ECCP's role as an Accelerator will be pivotal in addressing these challenges head-on.

Call to Action for Industry Leaders

Join us in Racing Towards a Healthier, Fairer, Zero Carbon World. ECCP is calling on its members and leading corporations to join the inaugural cohort of advocates to spearhead this transformative movement.

By joining ECCP in this initiative, we can work together to help steer the nation towards a resilient and sustainable future, stated ECCP's President, Paulo Duarte.

"We envision a Philippines where the adversities of climate change are a thing of the past, replaced by a narrative of resilience and proactive adaptation."

Strategic Partnerships and Collective Impact

ECCP is committed to leveraging its extensive network and resources to uphold the Race to Zero criteria and amplify collective impact, driving significant change for communities and the environment. As an Accelerator, ECCP will align with Race to Zero’s 5Ps: Pledge, Plan, Proceed, Publish, and Persuade, ensuring that initiatives encourage stakeholders to meet these criteria. Additionally, ECCP will support Climate Champions’ 2030 Climate Solutions and Breakthroughs to promote sector-specific advancements. The campaign also aims to raise funds to support activities in line with the Race to Zero roadmap, including Data Mapping, Impact Measurement, Net Zero Initiatives, Community Initiatives, Policy Support, and the fostering of Public-Private Partnerships. Furthermore, ECCP will work to build campaign momentum and enhance global adoption of net zero by utilizing its platforms to encourage non-state actors to join the movement, share the criteria, and showcase case studies of successful net-zero transitions.

Join the Movement

ECCP invites all stakeholders to discuss potential collaborations and how each partner can play a crucial role in this historic campaign. Together, we can forge a legacy of sustainability and resilience for generations to come and join the Race to Zero.

For more information, please contact: Dawn Cabigon, dawn.cabigon@eccp.com

About ECCP

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) stands as a key multilateral foreign chamber with a rich history spanning 46 years, dedicated to fostering economic and commercial ties between Europe and the Philippines. With a diverse membership of over 800 entities ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises to major corporations, ECCP serves as a vital bridge supporting mutual interests and sustainable growth across both regions.

About Race to Zero

Led by the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, the Race to Zero is a global campaign rallying non-State actors – including companies, cities, regions, financial, educational, and healthcare institutions – to take rigorous and immediate action to contribute to halving global emissions by 2030 and deliver a healthier, fairer zero carbon world. Since June 2020, over 13,500 members have joined the campaign and are committed to the same overarching goal: reducing emissions across all scopes swiftly and fairly in line with the Paris Agreement.