CACCI joins Asia Pacific Green Alliance as founding member
CACCI President Peter McMullin AM was excited to be back in Singapore last January as CACCI President to announce a collaboration with the SMF, the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), and the China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), in launching the Asia Pacific Green Alliance.
Well, it’s a response to the fragmented sustainability landscape we currently navigate. Across nations, we encounter diverse standards, regulations, and approaches to sustainability. This diversity, while reflective of local priorities and contexts, creates a significant challenge, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Here’s why Peter so excited.
It’s not a secret that Peter is a huge supporter of SMEs.
The World Bank found that ‘SMEs account for the majority of businesses worldwide and are important contributors to job creation and global economic development. They represent about 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide.’
But despite their positive contribution to the economy they also play a key role in climate change.
A report by the OECD found that SMEs can contribute to up to 40% of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. A recent study by the International Chamber of Commerce places that figure at over 50%.
The conclusion is simple – there can be no Net Zero without SMEs. But unlike their larger counterparts like multinational or listed companies, SMEs often lack the resources or expertise to adapt and thrive amid these varying sustainability demands and legislation around the world.
This is why SMEs in the Asia-Pacific region have an important role. As highlighted by the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific not only houses over half of the global population, it is also a pivotal player in the world economy.
However, it faces significant environmental challenges that impact both its population and economic resilience. Our initiative, therefore, is not just timely but of paramount importance. Unless we equip SMEs with the skills, knowledge, and support to take on the climate change challenge, we won’t move the needle.
By leveraging the collective voice of SMEs, we will advocate for regulations that not only benefit the environment but also create a conducive ecosystem for SMEs to thrive sustainably.
Most people, including business owners, know that they want to take action on climate change but often just don’t know where to start.
This initiative is a significant step towards democratising sustainability. By providing SMEs with the tools and resources they need to measure and reduce their carbon emissions, we are ensuring that sustainability is not just reserved for large corporations with significant resources.
It levels the playing field and empowers smaller businesses to contribute to a greener future. It will also help large businesses by providing suppliers along their supply chain with green credentials.
In recognition of the ever-evolving nature of global sustainability standards, the APAC Green Alliance will remain dynamic and adaptable. It will continuously update the various standards to stay in step with international developments and foster cross-border recognition.
Enhancing the capability and capacity of SMEs for sustainable development is not just a feel-good initiative; it’s a necessity for the future of our planet and our economies. By focusing on capability and capacity, we ensure that SMEs are not left behind in the global shift towards sustainability.
One country cannot solve this challenge alone. Focusing on relationships and collaboration is vital for launching the Asia-Pacific Green Alliance as it leverages the diverse strengths and resources of the region’s nations.
The Asia-Pacific region, characterised by varying economies, cultures, and environmental challenges, demands a unified approach to effectively combat climate change and promote sustainable practices. The Green Alliance is an invitation that extends to all Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations to join this growing movement. Our collective effort will be focused on nurturing sustainable growth among SMEs across the APAC region. CACCI President Peter McMullin is excited to work with new and familiar faces across the region.
Peter couldn’t have planned the timing of this launch any better.
Last year, CACCI gathered in the historic city of Kathmandu, Nepal, for the 37th Annual CACCI Conference. The Conference was successful in bringing together government and business for key discussion in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, and Trade under the theme ‘Helping business get SET for the future’.
Peter is indeed thrilled to share that the journey will continue in Singapore, where the 38th CACCI Conference will set the stage in November 2024. This next chapter is not just a location change; it’s a leap towards a greener future, spearheaded by the APAC Green Alliance.
From now until the conference, we will be able to spotlight the progress and impact made by the APAC Green Alliance and build upon the knowledge we have created. The conference is more than 7 months away, but we all sense excitement in the air.
The Green Alliance is the work we do today, to create a better tomorrow, Peter argued. Focusing on long-term investments is crucial for the successful launch of the Asia-Pacific Green Alliance, as it underscores a commitment to sustainable development and environmental resilience.
By prioritising long-term over short-term gains, the Asia-Pacific Green Alliance can ensure that its initiatives are not only effective in the immediate future but also contribute to a lasting positive impact on the environment and the economies of its member nations. This Alliance is integral to building a resilient, sustainable future for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. This can’t exist without building the next generation of leaders to build upon the work we create today.
So while Peter is excited about the progress, CACCI members should be also excited about the future business opportunities that will emerge on this initiative. Let’s bring this all together in 2024 as the year is shaping up positively.
CACCI President said that the launch of the Green Alliance is a step in the right direction and builds the momentum to bring into my Presidential period. Together, all CACCI members could lead the way in sustainable practices, setting an example not just for our region but for the global community.
This message is also a good opportunity to offer best wishes to the Singapore Manufacturing Federation for continued success and innovation as we embark on transforming SMEs locally and regionally, let us embrace the promising prospects and challenges of a sustainable SME sector.
