Rethinking Growth: Towards a Wellbeing Economy for Ireland!
In an unprecedented assembly, a diverse group of stakeholders including politicians, policymakers, industry practitioners, thought leaders, and members of civil society from across Ireland, North and South, are set to collaborate in a pioneering initiative. This gathering will focus on reshaping our understanding of economic growth and its role within society. The central theme of their discussions will be the construction of a more resilient and sustainable framework for economic development—one that prioritizes the wellbeing of both people and the environment throughout the island of Ireland.
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The event’s ambitious agenda is to challenge and expand our current economic paradigms, encouraging a shift towards a ‘wellbeing economy.’ This concept revolves around an economy that not only fosters financial prosperity but equally ensures the flourishing of individuals and nature. By doing so, it seeks to address and provide solutions to the pressing economic, social, and environmental challenges faced by Ireland in both jurisdictions.
The idea of a wellbeing economy is gaining momentum worldwide as communities and nations alike grapple with complex issues such as inequality, climate change, and biodiversity loss. It presents a holistic approach to development, focusing on human and ecological health as benchmarks for success, rather than relying solely on traditional metrics like GDP. This model proposes a balance, ensuring economic activities contribute positively to social equity and environmental sustainability.
Driving this transformative vision in Ireland is the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Hub of Ireland, also known as WeAll Ireland. This coalition is a formidable alliance comprising several influential organizations: the Foundation for the Economics of Sustainability (Feasta), the European Health Futures Forum (EHFF), Social Justice Ireland, Cultivate: The Sustainable Ireland Cooperative, and the Playhouse Theatre in Derrick/Derry. Enhanced by the contribution of individuals like Peter Doran from Queen’s University’s School of Law in Northern Ireland, WeAll Ireland is at the forefront of pioneering a shift in economic narratives.
The objectives of WeAll Ireland are both strategic and aspirational. They aim to redefine the purpose of the economy to serve society’s wider goals, incorporating wellbeing at its core. By synthesizing and promoting knowledge on what constitutes a wellbeing economy, and how its principles can be implemented across different levels of governance and societal systems, they seek to inspire change. Moreover, an important part of their mission is to foster a broad-based, inclusive platform that supports an intergenerational and intercultural dialogue. Such an effort is essential for embedding the practices and values of a wellbeing economy not only within Ireland but also as part of a global movement.
Central to WeAll Ireland’s strategy is leveraging Ireland’s unique cultural, intellectual, ecological, and linguistic heritage. The aim is to utilize these assets to craft compelling narratives and initiatives that can galvanize support for a wellbeing economy, locally and internationally. By doing so, they also emphasize Ireland’s global responsibility in nurturing a societal model that respects and operates within our planet’s ecological boundaries.
The movement towards a wellbeing economy in Ireland signifies a critical shift in how economic success is measured and achieved. It calls for a reevaluation of our values, steering us away from a purely profit-driven mindset towards a more holistic, inclusive approach to development. As Ireland stands on the cusp of this potential economic and societal transformation, the collective effort of diverse stakeholders across the country is a testament to a shared vision for a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
This initiative not only represents a significant step towards reimagining economic growth in Ireland but also sets an inspirational example for other nations to follow. In a world facing unprecedented challenges, the drive towards a wellbeing economy offers a beacon of hope and a viable path forward, championing a society where prosperity is shared and sustainable well-being is a reality for every citizen.
