This guide explores how co-operative and mutual enterprises (CMEs) can produce positive social change, given their member-owned structure. Beyond the case study of Teachers Mutual Bank Ltd, the guide also highlights the scalability of CMEs, demonstrating the versatility of their business structure across financial institutions.

This month’s sustainability roundup captures a shift from framework development to real-world application, where climate and nature risks are increasingly embedded across financial systems, legal accountability, and decision-making. It highlights how intensifying physical climate signals, evolving disclosures, and maturing litigation are converging with insights on sovereign risk, energy systems, and corporate strategy. Together, these developments show how sustainability is moving beyond principle—being tested, priced, and enforced across markets, regulation, and the real economy.

Global labour markets remain resilient amid uncertainty, but decent work deficits persist. Informality, working poverty and gender gaps remain widespread, especially in low-income countries. Productivity growth is weak, and demographic shifts and AI add risks. Economic growth alone is insufficient to improve employment quality or social outcomes.

The Transition Minerals Tracker is an online database by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre that tracks human rights risks linked to mining key minerals for the energy transition. It compiles company data, policies and allegations, enabling users to assess exposure to social and governance risks across global mining operations.

Examines how AI in robotics, geospatial analysis and communications networks can address global challenges. Highlights applications for human and planetary well-being, including healthcare, disaster response and climate action, and outlines five enabling pathways covering data governance, infrastructure, skills, policy and digital ecosystems.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a United Nations specialised agency that coordinates global information and communication technologies. It develops international telecom standards, manages radio spectrum and satellite orbits, and supports digital connectivity. ITU works with governments and industry to expand inclusive, reliable networks and reduce the global digital divide.

Climateworks Centre is an independent non-profit climate research organisation based at Monash University. It develops evidence-based solutions to support net zero emissions across Australia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, advising governments, businesses and investors on decarbonisation, sustainable finance, and climate transition strategies.

University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a leading Australian public research university based in Sydney, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across disciplines including business, engineering and law. UNSW focuses on innovative research, sustainability and global partnerships, supporting industry engagement and delivering education that improves societal outcomes locally and internationally.