GÖG-Colloquium | Wellbeing Economy - a new approach to Public Health
Understanding how individuals can maintain health despite various societal challenges is a fundamental question in public health, leading to the development of diverse concepts. The influence of economic factors on health has been recognized since the introduction of the social determinants of health framework by Dahlgren and Whitehead (1991).
However, the explicit integration of economic considerations within the context of health and well-being represents a more recent evolution in public health discourse. The Wellbeing Economy paradigm centers on the critical inquiry of how economic systems can be structured to ensure equitable distribution of wealth, health, and well-being while safeguarding planetary resources.
This raises pertinent questions regarding the intersections with established public health frameworks such as Health in All Policies. What novel elements does the Wellbeing Economy introduce to public health? How is its implementation operationalized?
The Presenters
Dr. Margreet Frieling from the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) will present the concept and provide insights into various implementation strategies.
>> Presentation: Wellbeing Economy - a new approach to Public Health, Margreet Frieling <<
Dr. Dora Gudmundsdottir, PhD, is Director of Public Health at the Directorate of Health in Iceland. She will focus on Iceland's initiatives as a member of the Wellbeing Economy Govern-ments (WEGo) and the activities within the EU Joint Action PreventNCD.
The exploration of the Wellbeing Economy is part of the Work Package Health in All Policies within the EU Joint Action on Cancer and other Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention – Action on Health Determinants (JA PreventNCD). The Department of Health, Society, and Health Equity of the Austrian National Public Health Institute is involved in this work.
The discussion emphasized several key points. Despite political changes, the commitment to the Wellbeing Economy remains crucial, requiring patience and strategic planning and target group-oriented communication to deliver the right message to the right audience at the right time. Gender dynamics were discussed as photos from events of WeGo meetings showed significantly more women than men. Partnerships and local movements are essential for driving change, involving collaboration across all levels and sectors such as businesses, NGOs, and civil society organizations. Overcoming silos within government and institutions is vital, with multidisciplinary programs and media involvement being effective strategies. Furthermore there is a need on more knowledge and training for wellbeing economy. One initiative is to develop an interdisciplinary wellbeing science curriculum in Iceland. Regarding monitoring, it was highlighted that it needs subjective and objective indicators, reflecting the multidimensional nature of wellbeing.
Welcoming and moderation
Gabriele Gruber, BA, MA
Austrian National Public Health Institute | Gesundheit Österreich GmbH
Department for Health, Society and Health Equity
