The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) had an eventful first quarter of 2021 with new initiatives engaging member companies and representatives. One of the highlights has been the introduction of a Sustainability Committee. The SACC has for a number of years been working together with businesses and organisations including the Global Compact Network Australia on various sustainability projects focusing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We are now bringing our sustainable focus to the next level and created a Sustainability Committee, a platform bringing together Swedish companies that are committed to the sustainable development through actions and contributions to take a leadership role in advancing sustainability efforts, seeking new solutions and partnerships between the private sector, the public sector, academia and civil society. Sustainability Committee focus:
- Organise online and in-person events such as chamber breakfasts or lunches with sustainability experts
- Lobbying for more sustainable business practices in Australia
- Engaging the business community in Australia to be proactive in the change towards a more sustainable society
- Arranging visits to companies and organisations that are leaders in sustainability
- Organising member activities with a sustainability focus
- Deliver articles/posts on current sustainability topics
Committee participants to date are representatives from the following member companies; ABB, Alfa Laval, AstraZeneca, Getinge, H&M, IKEA, Tetra Pak and Volvo Group Australia. Chair of the committee is Carin Varverud Härdin SACC Board Director and Vice President Marketing & Communications, Volvo Group Australia. The committee also includes representation from the SACC, the Embassy of Sweden, Business Sweden and Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia (BCSD Australia). "The focus on sustainability is very high on many corporates agendas today and I’m very pleased that we have the opportunity for an established forum where members of the Chamber of Commerce can discuss important topics and ideas on how we can contribute to a more sustainable future. There are so many fantastic initiatives already today and I am really looking forward to take part in these, looking ahead and seeing what we can achieve together." Quote from Committee Chair Carin Varverud Härdin, Volvo Group Australia. If you are interested in joining the committee and/or would like more information please contact Camilla Jennings, sacc@swedishchamber.com.au. | 
