The Nordic Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (NordCham Philippines), together with the Embassies of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden in Manila, is organizing the online edition of the Nordic Ambassadors’ Forum: on 28 October 2020, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on the Zoom platform. The subject is: Perspectives on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Focusing on Quality Education, Affordable and Clean Energy, and Decent Work and Economic Growth
The forum is part of the Nordic Talks, supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers (Norden).
Our keynote speakers will share Nordic Perspectives on selected sustainability development goals, while representatives from companies will share their reactions for each track.
SDG 4: Quality Education – To ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning
Getting to the point of achieving inclusive and quality education for all strengthens the belief in the enormous role education plays in achieving sustainable development. The goal is to ensure that all girls and boys will be able to complete free primary and secondary schooling by 2030. It aims as well to provide equal access to affordable vocational training, to eliminate gender and wealth disparities, and achieve universal access to a quality higher education.
Keynote Message on SDG 4: Quality Education by the Finnish Ambassador-Designate H.E. Juha Pyykkö noted: “Finland is using the whole-of-society and whole-of-Government approach in implementing Sustainable Development. One focus is the promotion of education with the aid of the dynamic features of its Finnish educational system. Finland educators are partnering with companies and organizations to offer Finnish education know-how and learning solutions on a global scale.”
As well as insightful discussion with Grace David Chief Marketing & Partnerships Officer, Edukasyon.ph / Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr. Founder and Convenor at The Institutes for Research, Innovation and Scholarship (The IRIS)
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – To ensure access to affordable and sustainable energy for all
The population continually grows so would the demand for cheaper and more efficient energy. To achieve SDG 7 energy productivity must be improved; investments in solar, wind, and thermal power are essential; and ensuring energy for all is a must.
The Danish Ambassador H.E. Grete Sillasen highlighted on Keynote Message on SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy focusing on Energy Efficiency:
“Buildings account for 40 percent of global energy consumption and nearly the same share of CO2 emissions. Consequently, reducing the energy consumption of buildings will be a key priority for any country or community striving to lower energy expenses and reduce CO2 emissions. With today’s technologies, it is possible to reduce energy consumption in buildings by at least 50 percent. For decades, Denmark has focused on energy efficiency in buildings and energy-efficient solutions are widely implemented in both new-built, renovated and retrofitted housing, offices and public institutions across the nation. Over the past four decades, Denmark’s economy has grown almost 80%, while energy consumption remains largely unchanged. (State of Green).”
Niels Robert Arbjerg Asia Pacific Regional President, Danfoss / Stephan Skare Enevoldsen Special Advisor, Centre for Global Cooperation, Danish Energy Agency will be sharing their insightful experience on the day.
Norway will be presenting: Affordable and Clean Energy focusing on Hydroelectricity. The Norwegian Ambassador H.E. Bjørn Staurset Jahnsen highlighted: “Norway’s experience is that renewable energy has been a key factor in social and economic development. Sustainable development is not possible without access to sustainable energy. In order to provide energy for all, contribute to poverty reduction and to fight global warming, we need to increase the share of sustainable energy on a global level. The transition to sustainable energy systems also presents a major opportunity when this is based on viable business models and involvement of the private sector.”
Hear more of Hydro Electricity from Torbjørn E. Kirkeby-Garstad Executive Vice President Asia, SN Power and Juha Kuusisto Executive President &Managing Director, Wärtsilä Philippines, Inc.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – To promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.
In achieving the goal of full and productive employment, and decent work for all men and women, economies should encourage entrepreneurship and job creation. Other key factors that will drive the achievement of the goal are sustainable economic growth, higher levels of productivity, and innovation.
The Swedish Ambassador H.E. Harald Fries highlighted: “To support the achievement of SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, the Global Deal for Decent Work and Inclusive Growth was initiated by the Swedish Prime Minister and developed in cooperation with ILO and OECD. The Global Deal has now grown into a multi-stakeholder partnership of governments, businesses, and employers’ organisations, trade unions, civil society, and other organisations. The aim of the Global Deal partnership is to foster social dialogue, consultation, negotiation between or among representatives of governments, employers and workers on economic and social policy issues. Against a background of the jobs crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to invest in decent work in order to rebuild labour markets in a better way.”
Georg Platzer Market Development Manager and Store Manager of IKEA Pasay City, IKEA Southeast Asia and Khalid Hassan Country Director, International Labour Organization Manila are participating in sharing their insightful experience on the day.
NordCham Philippines offers a special rate on tickets if you sign up for the Nordic Ambassadors’ Forum and the Nordic Innovation Forum: Nordics INSPIRE the Philippines to ACT Smart & Sustainable happening on 4 November 2020.
NordCham Members: 750PHP
Non-Members: 1000PHP
2 Event Tickets
NordCham Members: 1000PHP
Non-Members: 1500PHP
Virtual Pass (access via live-streaming or recorded sessions from the event) will be sent upon registration’s confirmation.
For Students who may wish to sign up for the event, please send an email to [email protected].
