SM Green Retail Agenda 2014

Last September 18, I was invited to attend the 2014 GREEN RETAIL AGENDA The Business Case for Disaster Risk Reduction Manila, Philippines and it was held at SMX Convention Center.

In the past years, the SM Green Retail Agenda has focused more on climate change mitigation and, to a lesser degree, on adaptation. This year, with the increasing strength and frequency of natural disasters, it is important to create shared value within the private sector. 

As a member of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – Private Sector Partnerships, SM Supermalls seeks to educate, create awareness, and emphasize action points within the private sector and other key stakeholders to ensure disasters will be prepared for and recovered from. 

The theme for this year’s conference is The Business Case for Disaster Risk Reduction, emphasizing the need to prepare for the unforeseen to protect our businesses and the community as a whole. Our roster of speakers will focus on disaster risk resilience, preparedness, tools and best practices to strengthen and empower the retail business and community amidst natural disasters. 

Disaster reduction experts discussed disaster preparedness measures to protect businesses and communities from natural calamities, new technologies in disaster management and communicating disaster preparations.

Dr. Renato Solidum Jr., director of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) shared his Topic in the symposium - "Earthquake Vulnerability of Metro Manila" 

The Green Retail Agenda aims to address the lack of awareness on the relationship between business investment practices and disaster risks. SMPHI President Hans Sy underscored the need for businesses to understand that the growing environmental problem is relevant not just for the business community but for the economy as a whole. “Trillions of dollars of new investments will pour into hazard-exposed regions. In most economies, the private sector is responsible for 70-85% of these new investments,” said Sy. “Therefore the decisions made by the private sector have far-reaching consequences on disaster risk accumulation and on underlying risk drivers.” 

Atom Araullo, TV host and reporter of ABS-CBN shared his experience in Tacloban during Hayan.

Join the SM Cares Housing Program and extend our help for those affected by Yolanda.