22 Asian countries adopt Manila Declaration on Green Industry

MANILA, Philippines - Senior officials from 22 Asian countries have unanimously adopted the Manila Declaration on Green Industry in Asia and Framework of Action, which is the outcome document of the International Conference on Green Industry in Asia.

Some 1,000 participants attended the United Nations-backed conference hosted by the Philippines and co-organized by the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the UN Environment Program (UNEP) and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) that focused on the transition of Asian economies to more resource-efficient and low-carbon industrial development.

Under the chairmanship of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Enrique Manalo, the Senior Officials Meeting of the Conference last Sept. 8 finalized comments on the Manila Declaration.

At the High-Level Ministerial Segment of the Conference on Sept. 9, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza led ministers in adopting the outcome document.

While the Manila Declaration and Framework of Action is a non-binding document, it outlines the steps needed to reduce resource intensity and carbon emissions of Asian industries.

It also provides a mechanism to periodically review and assess progress in implementing the framework of action towards a low-carbon future.

The Manila Declaration encourages Asian countries to set the appropriate institutional and policy framework towards a transition to resource-efficient and low-carbon industries, calling for measures such as the incorporation of cleaner production policies in national development plans and the fostering of a viable business environment conducive to investments in green industries.

It encourages the promotion of renewable energy and energy-efficient processes in the industrial sector, research and development programs that will lead to green innovation, and investments and financing in low-carbon and resource-efficient manufacturing industries.  – Pia Lee-Brago