The JA PreventNCD webinar, "Wellbeing Economy – A Pathway to Sustainable Wellbeing for People and the Planet", held on November 28, 2024, was well-received, attracting an audience of 300 participants. This event was organised by the Communication Work Packages (WP) and Health in all Policies WP, in collaboration with the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) and the Wellbeing Economy Governments (WEGo). The webinar concentrated on enhancing the capacity of economic systems to serve both societal needs and environmental sustainability more effectively. Under the moderation of Michael Weatherhead, Development Lead at WEAll, the webinar underscored the urgent necessity to transition from conventional, profit-centric economic models to an alternative framework that prioritises the health and wellbeing of individuals and the environment.
Redesigning Economies to Prioritiese Health and Wellbeing
Amanda Janoo, Economics and Policy Lead of WEAll, emphasised the pressing issues of inequality and the challenges associated with mental health. Citing a survey conducted in G20 countries, she noted that 68% of participants believe that economies should prioritise health and wellbeing of individuals and the environment over wealth and profit.
Mrs. Janoo presented WEAll’s vision for a Wellbeing Economy, which is guided by principles such as ensuring everyone has sufficient resources for lives of dignity and purpose, valuing, protecting and restoring the natural environment, ensuring a fair distribution of income, wealth, power, and time, fostering meaningful relationships and connections, and grounding structures in active community participation. These principles present a clear framework for developing societies that harmonise human flourishing with planetary health.
A New Economic Paradigm
Dr. Gary Gillespie, Director and Scottish Government Chief Economic Adviser, emphasised the necessity for a new economic paradigm. He indicated that this perspective is not novel and can be traced back several centuries, referencing the works of Adam Smith that the success of government should be viewed in direct proportion to the extent to which to improve the happiness and wellbeing of their citizens. As a founding member of the WEGo, Scotland has embraced this perspective through its National Performance Framework, which evaluates progress across social, environmental, and economic dimensions using integrated indicators.
Dr. Gillespie underscored the need for a system-wide approach, noting that no single government department can effectively tackle the multifaceted challenges of today. Collaboration and the breakdown of silos are essential. The WEGo partnership fosters a secure environment for countries to share policies, tools, and methodologies to advance the Wellbeing Economy.
Ongoing Work on the Wellbeing Economy in JA Prevent
Dr. Eloi Laurent, Senior Economist at Sciences Po, and Dr. Aurore Fransolet, Postdoctoral Researcher at Sciences Po, presented their ongoing work within the JA Prevent NCD initiative. The efforts will lead to the creation of an online European Wellbeing Economy Toolbox, designed to showcase and disseminate Wellbeing Economy policies throughout Europe.
During the webinar, they introduced the first draft of their paper, which aims to propose a conceptual framework, and begin the operationalisation of the Wellbeing Economy through actionable domains and policy instruments. Their work represents a significant step forward in translating the Wellbeing Economy concept into practical tools and policies, offering valuable insights to inform European decision-making.
Health in the Wellbeing Economy
Dr. Dora Gudmundsdottir, Director of Public Health, Directorate of Health Iceland, highlighted the importance of a Wellbeing Economy in fostering healthier and more equitable societies. She emphasised that healthcare systems alone do not shape health outcomes; instead, health is deeply influenced by the environments in which individuals live, love, work, and play. Decisions across various sectors—government, workplaces, and communities— have profound impacts on the determinants of health, underscoring the necessity of cross-sector collaboration.
In a Wellbeing Economy, health and wellbeing become shared priorities across sectors, breaking down silos and promoting cooperative efforts. By prioritising wellbeing over conventional economic measures, such as GDP growth, this approach effectively addresses pressing public health challenges, including non-communicable diseases, while contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.
Transforming the Economic Framework
This webinar brought together stakeholders from the European Union, Wellbeing Economy Governments, and the Wellbeing Economy Alliance, a prominent collaborative network of organisations, alliances, movements, and individuals dedicated to transforming the economic framework. The webinar highlighted the transformative potential of the Wellbeing Economy in driving societal progress. By prioritising wellbeing as a core objective, we can pave the way toward a future that emphasises individual health and happiness while ensuring the planet's sustainability.
For those who missed the event or wish to view the webinar again, the recording is accessible via the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdJCr4uNq64
Authors:
Margrèt Jòhannsdòttir, Project Manager at the Directorate of Health in Iceland
Dóra G. Guðmundsdóttir, Director of Public Health at the Directorate of Health in Iceland.
Elín Hirst, Project Manager at the Directorate of Health in Iceland