The document discusses sustainable economic development and the role of trade unions in low-carbon economies. It notes that social, economic, and environmental development are interlinked. Sustainable development meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to do the same. The role of business is to generate wealth through investment while considering social and environmental impacts. Trade unions can help with job training and monitoring labor to support transitions to more sustainable economies.

1. “SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,
LOW CARBON ECONOMY AND THE ROLE
OF AUSTRALIAN TRADE UNIONS IN THESE
AREAS.”
Speech to the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU):
Matthew Tukaki, CEO
The Sustain Group

2. The links between social, economic and
environmental development are key
"...the "environment" is where we live; and "development" is what we all do in attempting to
improve our lot within that abode. The two are inseparable.“ The Brundtland Report was issued in
1987
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". It contains two key
concepts:
 the concept of 'needs', in particular the essential needs of the world's poor, to which
overriding priority should be given; and
 the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the
environment's ability to meet present and future needs."
Social, Economic and
Environmental Growth are not
stand alone.
www.sustaingroup.net

3. The role of business
 Work to grow and generate wealth
 Investment decisions now amount to social investment
 Understanding our social license to operate
 Commitment to align social, economic and environmental development
Our focus is that of everyone else – sustainable development
Asia Pulp and Paper and its commitment to bio-diversity, the
extractive resources sector is focussed on education, job creation
and skills development – this all leads to poverty reduction and
wealth creation.
www.sustaingroup.net

4. Building bridges with Government
 Knowing that Government and business priorities are one in the same thing
“Re-thinking public sector aid and linking private
and public sector funding means better and more
targeted outcomes – achieving more / social impact
investments.”
www.sustaingroup.net

5. Climate Change being the challenge
9 billion Some facts and figures
3 Billion
The global population...
By 2040….
Growth in middle class
consumers
100 Million All of them who’s purchasing
power will grow and grow and
grow
New cars on the road in India
By 2030 80 Million
New appliances connected to
We will need 50%more food, Indonesia’s power grid
45% more energy, 30% more
water
www.sustaingroup.net

6. Australia playing our role / China playing hers.
The  Investing in clean energy
technology
 Investing in skills and
Carbon education
 Changing attitudes and
behaviours
price
Changing behaviours
www.sustaingroup.net

7. Role of the Unions
All employment market participants need to play a role in a
sustainable future and the transition into a lower carbon economy
 Recruitment industry
 Trade union movements
 Employer bodies and organisations
 Education institutions
 Job services providers
www.sustaingroup.net

8. Trade unions and monitors
The black market of labour is estimated to be more than 50 million in
Asia and the sub continent alone….
 Unions play a role in monitoring the safety and protection of our
migrating skilled and unskilled workforces – population pressures will
change how and where we move.
www.sustaingroup.net

9. “Never impose on others
what you would not choose
for yourself.”
Confucius
www.sustaingroup.net

10. matthew.tukaki@sustaingroup.net
www.sustaingroup.net
THANK YOU