June Newsletter
- Laufey Fríða Guðmundsdóttir
- Jun 8
- 5 min read
Highlights from the Wellbeing Economy Forum 2026
Every conversation, contribution and connection at the Wellbeing Economy Forum 2026 helped shape a truly meaningful gathering. From inspiring keynote addresses to thought-provoking discussions, each session offered valuable perspectives on how we can redefine progress and place wellbeing at the heart of decision-making. The Forum brought together leaders, researchers, practitioners and changemakers from across sectors and countries, creating a space where every voice added to the collective dialogue on building economies that serve people and planet. While every moment of the Forum contributed to its success, this newsletter highlights some of the ideas, insights and conversations that particularly resonated with participants.
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Leadership, Democracy and the Power of Dialogue
A powerful discussion on leadership and democracy took place at Veröld, House of Vigdís during this year’s Wellbeing Economy Forum in Reykjavík, where the President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir, and the President of Slovenia, shared perspectives on today’s global challenges. The conversation explored the growing pressure on democratic societies, the importance of trust in leadership, and how smaller nations can contribute meaningfully to international cooperation and peacebuilding.
Both presidents highlighted the importance of involving younger generations in shaping the future and emphasised that dialogue, empathy and cooperation are essential in uncertain times. President Pirc Musar underlined the importance of compromise and respectful political dialogue, stating: “Politics is the art of compromise.” The discussion reflected the core values of the Wellbeing Economy Forum, placing people, democracy and long-term wellbeing at the centre of leadership and decision-making.
You can watch the full conversation here: The Courage to Care: Leadership in a Changing World
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Rethinking Leadership in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
One of the standout conversations at this year’s Wellbeing Economy Forum explored one of the most urgent questions of our time: how can societies ensure wellbeing in the age of artificial intelligence? President of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir joined Jesper Brodin, Chair of The B Team and former CEO of IKEA, for a thought-provoking discussion on leadership, technology and the future of society.
The dialogue focused on the rapid changes reshaping the world, from artificial intelligence and climate change to inequality, trust and democratic resilience. Both speakers emphasised the need for courageous and responsible leadership that places people and wellbeing at the centre of decision-making.
Jesper Brodin highlighted the importance of redefining success in business and society: “Profitability and positive social and environmental impact go hand in hand.”
Young leaders from around the world also took part in the discussion, sharing perspectives on how AI is already influencing education, health, creativity and quality of life for future generations.
The session reflected the core mission of the Wellbeing Economy Forum: bringing together global leaders, businesses, policymakers and young voices to explore practical solutions for a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future.
Watch the full discussion here: Leadership and Wellbeing in the Age of AI
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Katrín Jakobsdóttir and Nicola Sturgeon Honoured at WBEF 2026
One of the highlights of the Wellbeing Economy Forum 2026 was the presentation of the Wellbeing Awards to former Prime Ministers Katrín Jakobsdóttir and Nicola Sturgeon at Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavík.
The awards recognised their leadership in advancing wellbeing-focused policymaking and promoting a vision of progress that values quality of life, sustainability and equality alongside economic development.
During their time in office, both leaders championed policies that placed wellbeing, public health and social equity at the centre of government decision-making. Katrín Jakobsdóttir led the introduction of wellbeing indicators in Icelandic governance, while Nicola Sturgeon played a leading role in developing Scotland’s wellbeing economy approach through the WEGo partnership.
Receiving the award, Katrín Jakobsdóttir spoke about the importance of looking beyond traditional economic measures such as GDP, while Nicola Sturgeon emphasised that successful economies should improve people’s health, happiness and security.
The Wellbeing Awards celebrate leaders who have shown courage in shaping policies that put people and the future of societies first.
You can watch the full conversation and award presentation here:
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Prevention as an Investment in Wellbeing
A major policy highlight at the Wellbeing Economy Forum 2026 was the launch of a new OECD-EU policy brief, The benefits of addressing non-communicable diseases in the EU (EN),
exploring the economic and social benefits of preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The discussion brought together leaders from the OECD, European Commission, Icelandic government and JA PreventNCD to examine how stronger prevention policies can improve health, strengthen societies and support long-term economic resilience. The report highlighted the enormous impact of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory illnesses, not only on public health, but also on economies, productivity and quality of life across Europe. One of the key messages from the session was clear: prevention is not only a health priority, but an investment in healthier societies and sustainable futures.
Speakers emphasised the importance of creating environments that make healthy choices easier, while strengthening prevention, early intervention and long-term wellbeing through policymaking across sectors.
The conversation strongly reflected the core values of the Wellbeing Economy Forum: placing wellbeing, prevention and quality of life at the centre of decision-making.
Watch the Launch of OECD-EU Policy Brief at the Wellbeing Economy Forum here: Launch of OECD - EU Policy Brief: Healthier Lives, Stronger Societies.
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Building Healthier Societies Through Care and Equity
Another key theme explored at the Wellbeing Economy Forum 2026 was how stronger public health, social equity and wellbeing are deeply connected.
Across several sessions, speakers highlighted the importance of investing in the foundations that allow people and communities to thrive, including housing, care, education, environmental sustainability and social participation.
In the session “Care Economy, Care as the Bedrock of Participation in Democratic Societies,” Christine Robinson emphasised that care is not simply a social service, but essential infrastructure that shapes health, wellbeing and inclusion in society. The discussion “Ending Poverty Through a Wellbeing Economy?” also focused on the links between poverty, housing, inequality and environmental sustainability, stressing that economic growth alone cannot measure societal success.
Together, the conversations reflected one of the central ideas of the Wellbeing Economy Forum: healthier and more resilient societies are built through long-term investment in people, equity and wellbeing.
Watch the discussions here: Care Economy - Care as the Bedrock of Participation in Democratic Societies
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Stay Informed
For the latest updates we encourage you to visit the official Forum website and follow us on social media.
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