WSF Meeting on the Wellbeing Economy with Dr Philippa Whitford, 24 October 2024

On 24 October 2024, the Women for a Sustainable Future (WSF) network convened online to discuss how a Wellbeing Economy can support inclusive growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability in the Gulf-MENA region and Europe.

The discussion was led by Dr Philippa Whitford, a former Member of Parliament for the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the UK. Participants included parliamentarians, former parliamentarians and government advisors from Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and the UK.

Discussion focused on how a Well-Being Economy can support a nation’s population, with particular emphasis on strengthening women’s role in society in a ‘post-COVID’ world. Participants highlighted the importance of prioritising citizens’ well-being over GDP growth for genuine societal progress. Discussion also emphasised the need for cross-regional dialogue and the restructuring of transnational organisations to enable global adoption of this economic model.