Introducing Gary Gillespie to the Wellbeing Economy Forum’s Advisory Board
We are pleased to welcome Gary Gillespie, Chief Economist for the Scottish Government, as a member of the Wellbeing Economy Forum’s Advisory Board. The third annual Wellbeing Economy Forum will take place in Reykjavík, Iceland, on May 8-9, 2025.
Gary is also a member of the Wellbeing Economy Expert Advisory Group, where he provides strategic recommendations and advice to Scottish Ministers, supporting initiatives that advance Scotland’s Wellbeing Economy agenda.
About WEGo – The Wellbeing Economy Governments Partnership
Iceland is a founding member of WEGo, the Wellbeing Economy Governments partnership, which fosters collaboration between national and regional governments committed to building wellbeing economies. Since its launch in 2018, WEGo has grown to include Scotland, Iceland, New Zealand, Wales, and Finland, with Canada actively participating. The partnership focuses on sharing expertise and policy practices that prioritise wellbeing over purely economic growth.
What is a Wellbeing Economy?
A Wellbeing Economy shifts away from traditional economic models that focus primarily on financial metrics like GDP. Instead, it integrates social, environmental, and economic factors to define prosperity and quality of life.
In a Wellbeing Economy, governments establish clear goals for public wellbeing and quality of life, shaping policies and decision-making processes accordingly. Economic indicators are complemented by broader wellbeing metrics, ensuring that fiscal policies actively support long-term public prosperity. Additionally, governments use these metrics throughout the budgeting process to assess the long-term impact of policy decisions.
By embedding wellbeing at the heart of economic policy, Wellbeing Economies aim to create resilient, fair, and sustainable societies.
📅 Join us in Reykjavík on May 8-9, 2025, to be part of this important conversation!
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