Valentino Bagatsing, Chairman and CEO of Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines, was invited by the Malaysian Pavilion as part of a virtual panel discussion on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. Supported by the Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia (ICDM) and Climate Governance Malaysia (CGM), Bagatsing engaged in crucial dialogues centered on climate resilience and strategic adaptations for corporate boards.

Held from November 12 to 21, 2024, these influential parallel virtual sessions were streamed live across CGM’s media channels, with select programs showcased on the Malaysia Pavilion’s online platforms, reaching a global audience dedicated to climate action.

During the panel, Chairman Bagatsing emphasized the urgent need for integrating climate risk into corporate governance frameworks. He discussed the significance of embedding climate considerations into key performance indicators (KPIs), cost-benefit analyses, and strategic planning. “Climate risk impacts every aspect of business and daily life,” Bagatsing asserted, urging companies to make sustainability a core operational priority for a resilient future. He cited ICCP group affiliates Science Park of the Philippines and Pueblo de Oro as among the early adopters in industrial & real estate development space embedding climate adaptation features in its various projects.

CGM has garnered a strong reputation for its strategic advocacy in climate governance, focusing on influencing policy and fostering collaboration with business leaders. This approach underscores that climate action is not merely regulatory compliance, but an essential component of long-term business success.

Mr. Bagatsing was joined by esteemed panelists including Esther An – Chief Sustainability Officer, City Developments; Ar. Ahila Ganesan – Independent Non-executive Director of Velesto Energy, Founder of Future LinQ  and Former Senior Director of Think City; and Dr. Kalanithi Nesaretnam, Independent Non-Executive Director for various publicly listed companies in Malaysia.

Michele Kythe Lim, President & CEO of ICDM, moderated the panel discussion aimed at empowering corporate boards to navigate the complexities of climate resilience. The dialogue equipped participants with essential tools to adopt sustainable business practices amidst rising climate risks. This conversation was crucial in fostering a more resilient global business landscape and underscored the pivotal role of corporate governance in tackling climate challenges.