The private sector is vital to creating a truly sustainable Wales, Communities & Tackling Poverty Minister Jeff Cuthbert said today as he prepared for talks with a leading business group about Welsh Government plans to change the law (Weds 5th Feb).
Ahead of a meeting with the Federation of Small Businesses Wales (FSB) he praised how many parts of the private sector are taking the lead when it comes to sustainable development.
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Later this year the Welsh Government will introduce its Future Generations Bill that will aim to ensure that organisations are working to hand over to the next generation a country that is measurably better in terms of environment, economy, quality of life and life chances.
The FSB will join the Minister to discuss the development of the Bill.
Jeff Cuthbert said:
“Our Future Generations Bill will aim to create a better quality of life now and for future generations. This is about creating a country that is the best place to live, learn, work and do business.
“For a long time many businesses have recognised the need to balance economic, social and environmental goals to make sure their business have long-term success. I want to make sure we learn from the best practice in the private sector that is available. This isn’t about the public versus the private sector. It is about a joint effort, working together. As a nation we must think differently and we must act collectively – this includes the private sector.
The Welsh Government has in place a Sustainable Development Charter, which is a voluntary commitment to put sustainable development at the heart of their operations.
Signatories of the Charter include leading business names such as BT, Tata Steel and Marks and Spencer.
