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Speakers of 2025
The Wellbeing Economy Forum brings together visionary leaders, experts, and changemakers dedicated to shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.
From inspiring keynotes to engaging panel discussions, our speakers bring diverse perspectives from policy, academia, business, and civil society. Each brings valuable insight into how we can foster wellbeing-driven economies that prioritise people and the planet.
Below, you’ll find the distinguished speakers joining us at the Forum. Click on their profiles to learn more about their work and contributions.
Halla Tómasdóttir
The President of Iceland
Halla earned her BSc in business studies, specialising in management and human resources, from Auburn University at Montgomery, USA, in 1993, and her MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in 1995. Later she pursued doctoral studies at Cranfield University, UK, where she carried out research in leadership studies.
Halla worked in human resources management and organizational development at M&M/Mars and Pepsi Cola. After ten years abroad she moved back to Iceland, where she became director of human resources at The Icelandic Broadcasting Corporation. She joined the founding team of Reykjavík University in 1999, where she founded and led the Executive & Continuing Education department and Auður í krafti kvenna, a women entrepreneurship and empowerment project. She also developed and taught courses in organizational behavior, change leadership and entrepreneurship to students of all ages.
In 2006 Halla became the first female CEO of the Iceland Chamber of Commerce. She left in 2007 to co-found a female-led investment company, Auður Capital, with the objective to introduce profit with principles in the world of finance. She was one of nine founders of Mauraþúfan (Anthill), which held the National Assembly of 2009 that addressed Iceland’s future after the financial collapse of 2008 and she organised and chaired WE2015, a global dialogue on closing the gender gap in 2015.
In 2018-24 Halla was the CEO and Chief Change Catalyst of The B Team, a global non-profit organisation, that advocates for responsible business practices and collaboration between government, the private sector and citizens in addressing major challenges such as climate change and inequality. Halla Tómasdóttir took office as president of Iceland on 1 August 2024.
Halla has received awards from the Association of Businesswomen in Iceland, and for teaching at the MBA level, as well as the equality award of her hometown of Kópavogur; and in 2009 she received, together with Kristín Pétursdóttir, the Women’s Initiative Award from Cartier, McKinsey and INSEAD. She has delivered keynotes around the world, including TED lectures (see here), and written articles and discussed responsible leadership in media such as TIME, Fortune and CNN. In 2023 Halla published the book Hugrekki til að hafa áhrif (Courage to catalyze impact). She has served on many boards, such as Veritas Capital, Ölgerðin consumer products company, the Hjalli Model for gender-equal education, Reykjavík University, the software company Calidris and the Leifur Eiríksson Foundation.
Halla earned her BSc in business studies, specialising in management and human resources, from Auburn University at Montgomery, USA, in 1993, and her MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in 1995. Later she pursued doctoral studies at Cranfield University, UK, where she carried out research in leadership studies.
Halla worked in human resources management and organizational development at M&M/Mars and Pepsi Cola. After ten years abroad she moved back to Iceland, where she became director of human resources at The Icelandic Broadcasting Corporation. She joined the founding team of Reykjavík University in 1999, where she founded and led the Executive & Continuing Education department and Auður í krafti kvenna, a women entrepreneurship and empowerment project. She also developed and taught courses in organizational behavior, change leadership and entrepreneurship to students of all ages.
In 2006 Halla became the first female CEO of the Iceland Chamber of Commerce. She left in 2007 to co-found a female-led investment company, Auður Capital, with the objective to introduce profit with principles in the world of finance. She was one of nine founders of Mauraþúfan (Anthill), which held the National Assembly of 2009 that addressed Iceland’s future after the financial collapse of 2008 and she organised and chaired WE2015, a global dialogue on closing the gender gap in 2015.
In 2018-24 Halla was the CEO and Chief Change Catalyst of The B Team, a global non-profit organisation, that advocates for responsible business practices and collaboration between government, the private sector and citizens in addressing major challenges such as climate change and inequality. Halla Tómasdóttir took office as president of Iceland on 1 August 2024.
Halla has received awards from the Association of Businesswomen in Iceland, and for teaching at the MBA level, as well as the equality award of her hometown of Kópavogur; and in 2009 she received, together with Kristín Pétursdóttir, the Women’s Initiative Award from Cartier, McKinsey and INSEAD. She has delivered keynotes around the world, including TED lectures (see here), and written articles and discussed responsible leadership in media such as TIME, Fortune and CNN. In 2023 Halla published the book Hugrekki til að hafa áhrif (Courage to catalyze impact). She has served on many boards, such as Veritas Capital, Ölgerðin consumer products company, the Hjalli Model for gender-equal education, Reykjavík University, the software company Calidris and the Leifur Eiríksson Foundation.
Dóra Guðrún Guðmundsdóttir
Chair of the Wellbeing Economy Forum & Director of Public Health, Directorate of Health Iceland
The chair of the Wellbeing Economy Forum is Dora Gudmundsdottir, the founder of the Forum. Dora Gudmundsdottir is Director of Public Health at the Directorate of Health in Iceland. She is a trained clinical and organisational psychologist and holds a PhD in public health. She is affiliated with the Wellbeing Institute at Cambridge University. Her research interests focus on the epidemiology of wellbeing and finding reliable measures to evaluate the wellbeing of a population. Dora leads a task on Wellbeing Economy in an EU founded joint action programme which funds this Forum. In Iceland, Dora and her team, leads the work on health promoting communities – wellbeing for all, which collaborates with the prime minister´s office on UN´s Sustainable Development Goals and Wellbeing Economy. She is one of the authors of the book “Creating The World We Want To Live In – How Positive Psychology Can Build a Brighter Future
The chair of the Wellbeing Economy Forum is Dora Gudmundsdottir, the founder of the Forum. Dora Gudmundsdottir is Director of Public Health at the Directorate of Health in Iceland. She is a trained clinical and organisational psychologist and holds a PhD in public health. She is affiliated with the Wellbeing Institute at Cambridge University. Her research interests focus on the epidemiology of wellbeing and finding reliable measures to evaluate the wellbeing of a population. Dora leads a task on Wellbeing Economy in an EU founded joint action programme which funds this Forum. In Iceland, Dora and her team, leads the work on health promoting communities – wellbeing for all, which collaborates with the prime minister´s office on UN´s Sustainable Development Goals and Wellbeing Economy. She is one of the authors of the book “Creating The World We Want To Live In – How Positive Psychology Can Build a Brighter Future
Kate Raworth (Virtual)
Co-founder of Doughnut Economics Action Lab
Kate Raworth is an economist focused on making economics fit for the 21st century’s social and ecological realities. She is the author of the best-selling book Doughnut Economics: seven ways to think like a 21st century economist, which has been published in over 20 languages. She is also co-founder of Doughnut Economics Action Lab, and Senior Teaching Fellow at Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute.
Kate Raworth is an economist focused on making economics fit for the 21st century’s social and ecological realities. She is the author of the best-selling book Doughnut Economics: seven ways to think like a 21st century economist, which has been published in over 20 languages. She is also co-founder of Doughnut Economics Action Lab, and Senior Teaching Fellow at Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute.
Mariana Mazzucato (Virtual)
Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London (UCL)
Mariana Mazzucato (PhD) is Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London (UCL), where she is Founding Director of the UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose. She is winner of international prizes including the Grande Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana in 2021, Italy's highest civilian honour, the 2020 John von Neumann Award, the 2019 All European Academies Madame de Staël Prize for Cultural Values, and 2018 Leontief Prize for Advancing the Frontiers of Economic Thought. She is a member of the UK Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS) and the Italian Academy of Sciences Lincei. Most recently, Pope Francis appointed her to the Pontifical Academy for Life for bringing ‘more humanity’ to the world.
As well as The Entrepreneurial State: debunking public vs. private sector myths (2013), she is the author of The Value of Everything: Making and Taking in the Global Economy (2018), Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism (2021), and most recently The Big Con: How the Consulting Industry Weakens our Businesses, Infantilizes our Governments and Warps our Economies (2023). She advises policymakers around the world on innovation-led inclusive and sustainable growth. Her roles have included for example Chair of the World Health Organization's Council on the Economics of Health for All, Co-Chair of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, a member of the South African President’s Economic Advisory Council, Co-Chair of the Group of Experts to the G20 Task Force for the Global Mobilization against Climate Change, and Special Representative of President Ramaphosa to the G20 Taskforce 1 on Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialization, Employment, and Reduced Inequality.
Mariana Mazzucato (PhD) is Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London (UCL), where she is Founding Director of the UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose. She is winner of international prizes including the Grande Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana in 2021, Italy's highest civilian honour, the 2020 John von Neumann Award, the 2019 All European Academies Madame de Staël Prize for Cultural Values, and 2018 Leontief Prize for Advancing the Frontiers of Economic Thought. She is a member of the UK Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS) and the Italian Academy of Sciences Lincei. Most recently, Pope Francis appointed her to the Pontifical Academy for Life for bringing ‘more humanity’ to the world.
As well as The Entrepreneurial State: debunking public vs. private sector myths (2013), she is the author of The Value of Everything: Making and Taking in the Global Economy (2018), Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism (2021), and most recently The Big Con: How the Consulting Industry Weakens our Businesses, Infantilizes our Governments and Warps our Economies (2023). She advises policymakers around the world on innovation-led inclusive and sustainable growth. Her roles have included for example Chair of the World Health Organization's Council on the Economics of Health for All, Co-Chair of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, a member of the South African President’s Economic Advisory Council, Co-Chair of the Group of Experts to the G20 Task Force for the Global Mobilization against Climate Change, and Special Representative of President Ramaphosa to the G20 Taskforce 1 on Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialization, Employment, and Reduced Inequality.
María Heimisdóttir
Director of Health, Iceland
María Heimisdóttir currently serves as the Director of Health in Iceland. A physician specialized in public health, she holds an MD from the University of Iceland, a PhD in public health from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. María has extensive experience in policy formation, organization of health care and public health interventions, as well as data driven health care, health IT, quality development and financing of health care services. She has held several leading posts within Icelandic health care, including CEO of Iceland Health (the Icelandic counterpart to the NHS) and CFO of Landspítali University Hospital. She has lead and participated in large scale public health interventions, e.g. TrapHepC (public health effort to eliminate Hepatitis C in Iceland).
María Heimisdóttir currently serves as the Director of Health in Iceland. A physician specialized in public health, she holds an MD from the University of Iceland, a PhD in public health from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. María has extensive experience in policy formation, organization of health care and public health interventions, as well as data driven health care, health IT, quality development and financing of health care services. She has held several leading posts within Icelandic health care, including CEO of Iceland Health (the Icelandic counterpart to the NHS) and CFO of Landspítali University Hospital. She has lead and participated in large scale public health interventions, e.g. TrapHepC (public health effort to eliminate Hepatitis C in Iceland).
Emma Rawson-Te Patu
President, World Federation of Public Health Associations & Indigenous Consultant
From the Indigenous tribal groups of Ngāti Ranginui, Ngai te Rangi, Raukawa and Ngāti Haua, in Āotearoa / New Zealand (Māori), Mrs Emma Rawson-Te Patu is director of ManuKahu Associates, Indigenous Consultants. Emma is President of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, the first Indigenous woman to hold this role. Emma also holds the Policy and Advocacy portfolio in the Indigenous Working Group of the WFPHA.
Mrs Rawson-Te Patu is a Researcher/Trainer, experienced facilitator and proud health promoter. Emma has a Master of Philosophy with Honors (First Class) focussing on Institutional racism in Public Health. Emma has recently been a consultant to the New Zealand Human Rights Commission and other contract work globally. Emma’s passion is developing training and frameworks for dismantling institutional racism, supporting culturally responsive, human rights based public health approaches and socially/culturally conscious business strategy and organisational development. Emma is working on developing a global Indigenous public health institute in conjunction with broader Indigenous networks working in the global health space.
From the Indigenous tribal groups of Ngāti Ranginui, Ngai te Rangi, Raukawa and Ngāti Haua, in Āotearoa / New Zealand (Māori), Mrs Emma Rawson-Te Patu is director of ManuKahu Associates, Indigenous Consultants. Emma is President of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, the first Indigenous woman to hold this role. Emma also holds the Policy and Advocacy portfolio in the Indigenous Working Group of the WFPHA.
Mrs Rawson-Te Patu is a Researcher/Trainer, experienced facilitator and proud health promoter. Emma has a Master of Philosophy with Honors (First Class) focussing on Institutional racism in Public Health. Emma has recently been a consultant to the New Zealand Human Rights Commission and other contract work globally. Emma’s passion is developing training and frameworks for dismantling institutional racism, supporting culturally responsive, human rights based public health approaches and socially/culturally conscious business strategy and organisational development. Emma is working on developing a global Indigenous public health institute in conjunction with broader Indigenous networks working in the global health space.
Knut-Inge Klepp
Professor of Nutrition, University of Oslo and Scientific Coordinator of JA PreventNCD, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Prof. Knut-Inge Klepp, Ph.D., MPH, is the Scientific Coordinator of JA PreventNCD at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) and Professor, Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo. He was previously Executive Director for Division of Mental and Physical Health, NIPH and before that Director General of Public Health at the Norwegian Directorate of Health. He has served as Coordinator and WP-leader of several EU DG Research projects, and he is Past President of the International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity. Klepp has published more than 300 scientific journal articles, primarily related to adolescent health promotion, NCD prevention and evaluation of public health measures.
Prof. Knut-Inge Klepp, Ph.D., MPH, is the Scientific Coordinator of JA PreventNCD at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) and Professor, Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo. He was previously Executive Director for Division of Mental and Physical Health, NIPH and before that Director General of Public Health at the Norwegian Directorate of Health. He has served as Coordinator and WP-leader of several EU DG Research projects, and he is Past President of the International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity. Klepp has published more than 300 scientific journal articles, primarily related to adolescent health promotion, NCD prevention and evaluation of public health measures.
Theresa Tam
Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO)
Dr. Theresa Tam was named Canada's Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) in June 2017. As the federal government's lead public health professional, she provides guidance to help protect the people of Canada against health threats, advance health equity and promote healthier communities, using the best available data and evidence.
Dr. Tam is a pediatric infectious disease specialist with expertise in immunization, emergency preparedness and global health security. As Canada's national public health leader, she has played an instrumental role in helping to guide Canada's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the rollout of the largest vaccination campaign in Canadian history. She has also played a leadership role in Canada's response to other public health emergencies, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), pandemic influenza H1N1, Ebola virus disease and mpox.
Dr. Tam has held senior leadership positions at the Public Health Agency of Canada, including as Deputy CPHO and as Assistant Deputy Minister of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control.
During her over 25 years in public health, Dr. Tam has provided technical expertise and leadership to improve surveillance of communicable diseases and opioid harms, enhance immunization programs, strengthen health emergency management, and augment laboratory biosafety and biosecurity.
Dr. Theresa Tam was named Canada's Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) in June 2017. As the federal government's lead public health professional, she provides guidance to help protect the people of Canada against health threats, advance health equity and promote healthier communities, using the best available data and evidence.
Dr. Tam is a pediatric infectious disease specialist with expertise in immunization, emergency preparedness and global health security. As Canada's national public health leader, she has played an instrumental role in helping to guide Canada's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the rollout of the largest vaccination campaign in Canadian history. She has also played a leadership role in Canada's response to other public health emergencies, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), pandemic influenza H1N1, Ebola virus disease and mpox.
Dr. Tam has held senior leadership positions at the Public Health Agency of Canada, including as Deputy CPHO and as Assistant Deputy Minister of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control.
During her over 25 years in public health, Dr. Tam has provided technical expertise and leadership to improve surveillance of communicable diseases and opioid harms, enhance immunization programs, strengthen health emergency management, and augment laboratory biosafety and biosecurity.
Katarina Ivanković Knežević
Director for Social Rights and Inclusion at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion
Katarina Ivanković Knežević is the Director for Social Rights and Inclusion at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion. Since her appointment in 2018, she has been focusing on modernising social protection systems and fostering greater social and active inclusion across the EU, ensuring access to adequate support and services. Ms Ivanković Knežević plays a significant role in implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights, specifically targeting poverty and child poverty reduction and social inclusion. Additionally, she oversees the European Social Fund + (ESF+) and Social Climate Fund programming and implementation in 11 EU Member States, as well as the attainment of social and employment objectives in the context of European Semester.
Prior to joining the European Commission, Ms Ivanković Knežević served as State Secretary in Croatia’s Ministry of Labor and Pension Systems, where she managed the European Social Fund and oversaw human resource development programmes. Her career spans over two decades with a focus on human rights, gender equality, and social policy innovation, establishing her as a prominent advocate for inclusive and sustainable social systems throughout Europe.
Katarina Ivanković Knežević is the Director for Social Rights and Inclusion at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion. Since her appointment in 2018, she has been focusing on modernising social protection systems and fostering greater social and active inclusion across the EU, ensuring access to adequate support and services. Ms Ivanković Knežević plays a significant role in implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights, specifically targeting poverty and child poverty reduction and social inclusion. Additionally, she oversees the European Social Fund + (ESF+) and Social Climate Fund programming and implementation in 11 EU Member States, as well as the attainment of social and employment objectives in the context of European Semester.
Prior to joining the European Commission, Ms Ivanković Knežević served as State Secretary in Croatia’s Ministry of Labor and Pension Systems, where she managed the European Social Fund and oversaw human resource development programmes. Her career spans over two decades with a focus on human rights, gender equality, and social policy innovation, establishing her as a prominent advocate for inclusive and sustainable social systems throughout Europe.
Eyjólfur Ármannsson
Minister of Infrastructure in Iceland
Born in Vestmannaeyjar on July 23, 1969, he has been a Member of Parliament for the Northwest Constituency (Flokkur fólksins) since 2021. He holds a law degree from the University of Iceland (1998), studied European Law at the University of Leuven in Belgium, and earned an LL.M. in Law from the University of Pennsylvania in the United States. Throughout his career, he has held key legal and managerial positions in both public institutions and private firms: - Deputy Prosecutor in the Economic Crime Division - Senior Legal Counsel at leading Norwegian banks, such as DNB and Nordea - Head of Service and Financial Director at the National Planning Agency (Skipulagsstofnun) - Co-founder and Partner of the law firm VestNord Legal in Reykjavík - Legal Expert at the Ministry of Finance and the Financial Supervisory Authority His parliamentary service has encompassed membership in several committees, such as the General and Educational Affairs Committee, the Budget Committee, and the Foreign Affairs Committee. Has served as Minister of Infrastructure since 2024.
Born in Vestmannaeyjar on July 23, 1969, he has been a Member of Parliament for the Northwest Constituency (Flokkur fólksins) since 2021. He holds a law degree from the University of Iceland (1998), studied European Law at the University of Leuven in Belgium, and earned an LL.M. in Law from the University of Pennsylvania in the United States. Throughout his career, he has held key legal and managerial positions in both public institutions and private firms: - Deputy Prosecutor in the Economic Crime Division - Senior Legal Counsel at leading Norwegian banks, such as DNB and Nordea - Head of Service and Financial Director at the National Planning Agency (Skipulagsstofnun) - Co-founder and Partner of the law firm VestNord Legal in Reykjavík - Legal Expert at the Ministry of Finance and the Financial Supervisory Authority His parliamentary service has encompassed membership in several committees, such as the General and Educational Affairs Committee, the Budget Committee, and the Foreign Affairs Committee. Has served as Minister of Infrastructure since 2024.
Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir
Mayor of Reykjavík
Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir is a prominent Icelandic politician and the current Mayor of
Reykjavík. She holds a Master of Science degree in Food and Nutrition from the
University of Gothenburg, Sweden, an Executive MBA from Reykjavík University, and a
diploma in positive psychology from the University of Iceland.
Before entering politics, Heiða served as the Director of Food and Nutrition services at
the National University Hospital from 2000 to 2015. She has also held leadership roles
in various organizations, including President of the MS Society of Iceland, President of
the Nordic MS Societies, and President of the Iceland Nutrition Society. Her political
career began with the Social Democratic Alliance, where she chaired the Women´s
Movement from 2013 to 2015. She became a city councillor in Reykjavík in 2015 and
has since led key initiatives such as the Reykjavík Violence Prevention Committee and
the Reykjavík Welfare Council. In February 2017, she was elected Vice Chairman of the
Social Democratic Alliance, a role she held until 2022.
On February 21, 2025, Heiða was appointed Mayor of Reykjavík as part of a coalition
between the Social Democratic Party, the Pirate Party, the Socialist Party, the People´s
Party, and the Left-Green Party.The coalition focuses on enhancing basic services,
improving quality of life, and expanding housing development for residents of all ages.
Throughout her career, Heiða has been a strong advocate for social welfare, gender
equality, and community development, consistently working to improve the lives of
Reykjavík´s residents.
Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir is a prominent Icelandic politician and the current Mayor of
Reykjavík. She holds a Master of Science degree in Food and Nutrition from the
University of Gothenburg, Sweden, an Executive MBA from Reykjavík University, and a
diploma in positive psychology from the University of Iceland.
Before entering politics, Heiða served as the Director of Food and Nutrition services at
the National University Hospital from 2000 to 2015. She has also held leadership roles
in various organizations, including President of the MS Society of Iceland, President of
the Nordic MS Societies, and President of the Iceland Nutrition Society. Her political
career began with the Social Democratic Alliance, where she chaired the Women´s
Movement from 2013 to 2015. She became a city councillor in Reykjavík in 2015 and
has since led key initiatives such as the Reykjavík Violence Prevention Committee and
the Reykjavík Welfare Council. In February 2017, she was elected Vice Chairman of the
Social Democratic Alliance, a role she held until 2022.
On February 21, 2025, Heiða was appointed Mayor of Reykjavík as part of a coalition
between the Social Democratic Party, the Pirate Party, the Socialist Party, the People´s
Party, and the Left-Green Party.The coalition focuses on enhancing basic services,
improving quality of life, and expanding housing development for residents of all ages.
Throughout her career, Heiða has been a strong advocate for social welfare, gender
equality, and community development, consistently working to improve the lives of
Reykjavík´s residents.
Sandrine Dixson-Declève
Honourary President/Global Ambassador, the Club of Rome & Executive Chair of Earth4All
Sandrine Dixson-Declève is an environmental scientist and an international climate change, sustainable development, sustainable finance, and complex system thought leader. She is Honorary President of the Club of Rome and Executive Chair of Earth4All, dividing her time between the Club of Rome, advising on non-Executive corporate and academic Boards, lecturing, and facilitating difficult conversations. She is a TED global speaker and was recognised by Reuters in 2023 as one of 25 global female trailblazers and by GreenBiz as one of the 30 most influential women across the globe driving change in the low carbon economy and promoting green business.
Sandrine Dixson-Declève is an environmental scientist and an international climate change, sustainable development, sustainable finance, and complex system thought leader. She is Honorary President of the Club of Rome and Executive Chair of Earth4All, dividing her time between the Club of Rome, advising on non-Executive corporate and academic Boards, lecturing, and facilitating difficult conversations. She is a TED global speaker and was recognised by Reuters in 2023 as one of 25 global female trailblazers and by GreenBiz as one of the 30 most influential women across the globe driving change in the low carbon economy and promoting green business.
Gary Gillespie
Director and Scottish Government Chief Economic Adviser
Gary was appointed Director and Scottish Government Chief Economic Adviser in 2011. He joined the civil service in 2000 from the Fraser of Allander Institute (University of Strathclyde) where his research interests included Scottish economy, regional economic modelling and foreign direct investment.
He provides economic advice to the First Minister and Ministers across a range of strategic economic issues. He publishes regular assessments of the State of the Economy and analysis of key impacts (EU Exit, Covid, Supply chain disruption, inflation etc.) on changes in the Scottish and UK economies. He is a regular participant in economic discussion across Scotland, UK and internationally. He leads engagement on the Wellbeing Economy Government (WEGo) network which was instigated in 2018 and seeks to share best practise in delivering international change.
He was made an Honorary Professor at Glasgow Caledonian University in January 2011 and was appointed to the role of Visiting Professor at the University of Strathclyde in 2015. He was also appointed a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in 2017.
Gary was appointed Director and Scottish Government Chief Economic Adviser in 2011. He joined the civil service in 2000 from the Fraser of Allander Institute (University of Strathclyde) where his research interests included Scottish economy, regional economic modelling and foreign direct investment.
He provides economic advice to the First Minister and Ministers across a range of strategic economic issues. He publishes regular assessments of the State of the Economy and analysis of key impacts (EU Exit, Covid, Supply chain disruption, inflation etc.) on changes in the Scottish and UK economies. He is a regular participant in economic discussion across Scotland, UK and internationally. He leads engagement on the Wellbeing Economy Government (WEGo) network which was instigated in 2018 and seeks to share best practise in delivering international change.
He was made an Honorary Professor at Glasgow Caledonian University in January 2011 and was appointed to the role of Visiting Professor at the University of Strathclyde in 2015. He was also appointed a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in 2017.
Ilona Kickbusch
Director of the Digital Transformations for Health LAB at the University of Geneva and co-chair of the Council of the World Health Summit
Professor Ilona Kickbusch is the Director of the Digital Transformations for Health LAB at the University of Geneva and co-chair of the Council of the World Health Summit
Professor Kickbusch is a leading global health expert. She has contributed to many innovations, policies and educational initiatives during her distinguished career. She has received many prizes, honorary degrees and recognitions. She was awarded the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesverdienstkreuz) and the WHO Medal for contributions to global health. She is honorary professor at the Charité, Berlin.
She continues to advise the WHO and is a member of the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board. She served as a member of the path-breaking WHO Council on the Economic of Health for All. She was key instigator of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, WHOs Healthy Cities Network, WHO’s Health Behavior and School Children Survey, health literacy and Health in All Policies. She has always been committed to women’s health and rights and initiated the @wgh300 list of women leaders in global health.
She is the founder and Chair of the Global Health Centre at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva and was the director of the Global Health Division at Yale University School of Public Health. She has pioneered new approaches to leadership training in global health: she initiated the first executive training in Global Health Diplomacy and is program chair of the leaders in health network SCIANA at Salzburg Global. She publishes widely in distinguished journals.
She was co-chair of the Lancet FT Commission on “Governing health futures 2030: growing up in a digital world” and is now working on following through on its recommendations, especially addressing the digital determinants of health.
She chaired the international advisory board for the development of the German global health strategy, advised on the establishment of the WHO Hub on Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin and has been involved in German G7 and G20 activities relating to global health as well as the global health initiatives of the German EU presidency in 2020. She works on a continuous basis with EU presidencies on global health and was advisor to the development of a revised EU Global Health Strategy. She is vice-president of the European Health Forum Gastein.
Professor Ilona Kickbusch is the Director of the Digital Transformations for Health LAB at the University of Geneva and co-chair of the Council of the World Health Summit
Professor Kickbusch is a leading global health expert. She has contributed to many innovations, policies and educational initiatives during her distinguished career. She has received many prizes, honorary degrees and recognitions. She was awarded the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesverdienstkreuz) and the WHO Medal for contributions to global health. She is honorary professor at the Charité, Berlin.
She continues to advise the WHO and is a member of the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board. She served as a member of the path-breaking WHO Council on the Economic of Health for All. She was key instigator of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, WHOs Healthy Cities Network, WHO’s Health Behavior and School Children Survey, health literacy and Health in All Policies. She has always been committed to women’s health and rights and initiated the @wgh300 list of women leaders in global health.
She is the founder and Chair of the Global Health Centre at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva and was the director of the Global Health Division at Yale University School of Public Health. She has pioneered new approaches to leadership training in global health: she initiated the first executive training in Global Health Diplomacy and is program chair of the leaders in health network SCIANA at Salzburg Global. She publishes widely in distinguished journals.
She was co-chair of the Lancet FT Commission on “Governing health futures 2030: growing up in a digital world” and is now working on following through on its recommendations, especially addressing the digital determinants of health.
She chaired the international advisory board for the development of the German global health strategy, advised on the establishment of the WHO Hub on Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin and has been involved in German G7 and G20 activities relating to global health as well as the global health initiatives of the German EU presidency in 2020. She works on a continuous basis with EU presidencies on global health and was advisor to the development of a revised EU Global Health Strategy. She is vice-president of the European Health Forum Gastein.
Gabriela Ramos
Candidate of Mexico for UNESCO Director-General
An accomplished leader in international development and multilateral governance, Gabriela Ramos is currently the Mexican candidate for the position of UNESCO Director-General. As UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences (2020-2025), she secured unanimous adoption and implementation of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence by all 194 Member States, anchoring AI in human-rights principles. She also spearheaded global initiatives on youth empowerment, trust in science, anti-racism, gender equality, and sports. Previously, Gabriela Ramos worked as Cabinet Director and Sherpa for G20/G7APEC at the OECD, contributing to increasing the OECD's global impact and leading key initiatives such as "Inclusive Growth", "New Approaches to Economic Challenges", "Climate Change and Growth", the gender strategy and work on well-being and children. At the G20, she contributed to the international reform of tax systems; the adoption of the gender quota (to reduce the labour gap) and the establishment of the W20; and the adoption of the principles of artificial intelligence, among others. She also oversaw Global Relations and the OECD's membership enlargement process.
An accomplished leader in international development and multilateral governance, Gabriela Ramos is currently the Mexican candidate for the position of UNESCO Director-General. As UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences (2020-2025), she secured unanimous adoption and implementation of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence by all 194 Member States, anchoring AI in human-rights principles. She also spearheaded global initiatives on youth empowerment, trust in science, anti-racism, gender equality, and sports. Previously, Gabriela Ramos worked as Cabinet Director and Sherpa for G20/G7APEC at the OECD, contributing to increasing the OECD's global impact and leading key initiatives such as "Inclusive Growth", "New Approaches to Economic Challenges", "Climate Change and Growth", the gender strategy and work on well-being and children. At the G20, she contributed to the international reform of tax systems; the adoption of the gender quota (to reduce the labour gap) and the establishment of the W20; and the adoption of the principles of artificial intelligence, among others. She also oversaw Global Relations and the OECD's membership enlargement process.
Baroness Patricia Scotland
Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
Baroness Patricia Scotland KC is the Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
A prominent barrister and global advocate for justice, peace, and sustainable development. During her tenure as Secretary-General, she championed well-being, youth empowerment, and systemic transformation rooted in compassion and dignity.
Baroness Patricia Scotland KC is the Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
A prominent barrister and global advocate for justice, peace, and sustainable development. During her tenure as Secretary-General, she championed well-being, youth empowerment, and systemic transformation rooted in compassion and dignity.
Romina Boarini
Director of the OECD WISE (Well-Being, Inclusion, Sustainability and Equal Opportunity) Centre
Dr. Romina Boarini is the Director of the OECD WISE (Well-Being, Inclusion, Sustainability and Equal Opportunity) Centre, where she promotes the OECD’s position as a leading international institution in the area of well-being, inclusion, sustainability and equal opportunity, and contributes to strengthening OECD research and advice on the Beyond GDP Agenda; policies for well-being; inclusive growth and SDGs.
She was previously a Senior Advisor to the OECD Secretary-General and the Head of the Inclusive Growth Initiative, where she developed the OECD Framework for Action on Inclusive Growth and launched Business for Inclusive Growth, a coalition of 40 multinationals committed to fight inequalities.
Before joining the Office of the Secretary-General, Romina worked as Deputy Head of the Well-Being Division of the Statistics Directorate and the Head of the Well-Being and Progress Section, where she was responsible for OECD Better Life Initiative.
Before joining the OECD in 2005, Ms. Boarini was a post-doctoral fellow in Sustainable Development (Chaire EDF-Ecole Polytechnique) and worked as a consultant to the French Ministry of Social Affairs. Ms. Boarini, an Italian national, holds a PhD in Economics from the Ecole Polytechnique (Paris) and her Research Interests include: Well-being, Poverty, Education and Behavioural Economics.
Dr. Romina Boarini is the Director of the OECD WISE (Well-Being, Inclusion, Sustainability and Equal Opportunity) Centre, where she promotes the OECD’s position as a leading international institution in the area of well-being, inclusion, sustainability and equal opportunity, and contributes to strengthening OECD research and advice on the Beyond GDP Agenda; policies for well-being; inclusive growth and SDGs.
She was previously a Senior Advisor to the OECD Secretary-General and the Head of the Inclusive Growth Initiative, where she developed the OECD Framework for Action on Inclusive Growth and launched Business for Inclusive Growth, a coalition of 40 multinationals committed to fight inequalities.
Before joining the Office of the Secretary-General, Romina worked as Deputy Head of the Well-Being Division of the Statistics Directorate and the Head of the Well-Being and Progress Section, where she was responsible for OECD Better Life Initiative.
Before joining the OECD in 2005, Ms. Boarini was a post-doctoral fellow in Sustainable Development (Chaire EDF-Ecole Polytechnique) and worked as a consultant to the French Ministry of Social Affairs. Ms. Boarini, an Italian national, holds a PhD in Economics from the Ecole Polytechnique (Paris) and her Research Interests include: Well-being, Poverty, Education and Behavioural Economics.
Caroline Costongs
Director of EuroHealthNet
Caroline Costongs is Director of EuroHealthNet, the European Partnership for improving health, social equity and wellbeing, based in Brussels. Caroline leads the Partnership’s cooperation of 80+ organisations, many of which are national public health institutes. She manages its multi-disciplinary team working on European Union and (sub)national policy, research and capacity building addressing health inequalities and the social, environmental and commercial determinants of health. She takes forward EuroHealthNet’s MoU with WHO Europe, is active in various EU policy advocacy and WHO fora and advisory boards. Caroline is an advisory member for the European Health Forum Gastein, a member of the ICC - International Council for the European Public Health Conference and supports the Interest Group on health inequalities, risk factors and prevention in the European Parliament. In 2003, Caroline had a leading role in setting up EuroHealthNet as a not-for-profit association. She has a strong international background in public health and health promotion and has a MSc in Public Health from the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands.
Caroline Costongs is Director of EuroHealthNet, the European Partnership for improving health, social equity and wellbeing, based in Brussels. Caroline leads the Partnership’s cooperation of 80+ organisations, many of which are national public health institutes. She manages its multi-disciplinary team working on European Union and (sub)national policy, research and capacity building addressing health inequalities and the social, environmental and commercial determinants of health. She takes forward EuroHealthNet’s MoU with WHO Europe, is active in various EU policy advocacy and WHO fora and advisory boards. Caroline is an advisory member for the European Health Forum Gastein, a member of the ICC - International Council for the European Public Health Conference and supports the Interest Group on health inequalities, risk factors and prevention in the European Parliament. In 2003, Caroline had a leading role in setting up EuroHealthNet as a not-for-profit association. She has a strong international background in public health and health promotion and has a MSc in Public Health from the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands.
Stewart Wallis
Executive Lead, Wellbeing Economy Alliance - WEAll
Stewart is a Co-Founder of WEAll, the Wellbeing Economy Alliance, and came out of retirement to voluntarily help run it. Previously he was Executive Director of NEF -the New Economics Foundation for 12 years and International Director of Oxfam GB (responsible for Oxfam’s emergency, development and policy work worldwide) for 10 years. Prior to this, he spent 7 years with the World Bank, in Washington DC, working on industrial and financial development in East Asia, and 13 years working in business, including leading a successful turnaround of a 1000 employee business.
Stewart has Master’s degrees from Cambridge and London, an Honorary Doctorate from Lancaster University, and was awarded the OBE. for services to Oxfam. He is also Chair of the Conservation Farming Trust and co-author of the recently published ‘A Finer Future’.
Stewart is a Co-Founder of WEAll, the Wellbeing Economy Alliance, and came out of retirement to voluntarily help run it. Previously he was Executive Director of NEF -the New Economics Foundation for 12 years and International Director of Oxfam GB (responsible for Oxfam’s emergency, development and policy work worldwide) for 10 years. Prior to this, he spent 7 years with the World Bank, in Washington DC, working on industrial and financial development in East Asia, and 13 years working in business, including leading a successful turnaround of a 1000 employee business.
Stewart has Master’s degrees from Cambridge and London, an Honorary Doctorate from Lancaster University, and was awarded the OBE. for services to Oxfam. He is also Chair of the Conservation Farming Trust and co-author of the recently published ‘A Finer Future’.
Kira Fortune
Regional Advisor Healthy Cities, Health Promotion and Well-being, World Health Organization European Region
Kira Fortune is responsible for Healthy Cities, Health Promotion and Well-being in the Regional WHO Office of Europe. Kira has spent the last 25 years specializing in public health, equity, community engagement and the social determinants of health in various international organizations across the globe. Prior to taking up the position in Copenhagen, she managed the Social Determinants of Health and Violence and Injury Prevention Unit at the Regional WHO Office of the Western Pacific, in Manila. She also spent ten years at the Pan American Health Organization/Regional Office of the World Health Organization in Washington D.C., coordinating the work on the social determinants of health, healthy cities, health-in-all policies and the sustainable development goals within the Americas. Kira has extensive experience working across the international stage from global NGOs, academia as well as with inter-governmental organizations. Before joining the World Health Organization, Kira managed The International Health Research Network in Denmark and spent four years working in the Department of Global Advocacy at The International Planned Parenthood Federation in London. Kira also worked for three years with UNICEF in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where she was responsible for the Programme on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV. Kira holds a Doctorate in Sociology from City University London; a Master’s Degree in Anthropology, Gender and Development, and a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from the University of London. She also has a Master’s Degree in International Health from University of Copenhagen.
Kira Fortune is responsible for Healthy Cities, Health Promotion and Well-being in the Regional WHO Office of Europe. Kira has spent the last 25 years specializing in public health, equity, community engagement and the social determinants of health in various international organizations across the globe. Prior to taking up the position in Copenhagen, she managed the Social Determinants of Health and Violence and Injury Prevention Unit at the Regional WHO Office of the Western Pacific, in Manila. She also spent ten years at the Pan American Health Organization/Regional Office of the World Health Organization in Washington D.C., coordinating the work on the social determinants of health, healthy cities, health-in-all policies and the sustainable development goals within the Americas. Kira has extensive experience working across the international stage from global NGOs, academia as well as with inter-governmental organizations. Before joining the World Health Organization, Kira managed The International Health Research Network in Denmark and spent four years working in the Department of Global Advocacy at The International Planned Parenthood Federation in London. Kira also worked for three years with UNICEF in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where she was responsible for the Programme on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV. Kira holds a Doctorate in Sociology from City University London; a Master’s Degree in Anthropology, Gender and Development, and a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from the University of London. She also has a Master’s Degree in International Health from University of Copenhagen.
Gustavo Merino
Director for Social Policies at UNESCO
Gustavo Merino is the Director of Social Polices at UNESCO since January 2024. Previously he was Leader of the Public Policy Unit at the Institute for Obesity Research and as Research Professor and Leader of the Public Policy Health Initiative at the School of Government and Public Transformation of Tecnológico de Monterrey, where he was also Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Government for Mexico City Region. Prior to that, he was Director of the Investment Center Division at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). He has held senior positions in the Government of Mexico including Deputy Minister of Social and Human Development, Deputy Minister for Prospective, Planning and Evaluation and Head of the Planning and International Affairs Unit at the Ministry of Social Development. He was also CEO of Mexico’s national development bank for agriculture and rural areas, Financiera Rural. Dr. Merino has also been a Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for Public Policy Research at Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de Mexico (ITAM) in Mexico City and a consultant in the field of social development, public finance and competition policy. He has a master’s and PhD in Public Policy from Harvard University and a BA in Economics from ITAM.
Gustavo Merino is the Director of Social Polices at UNESCO since January 2024. Previously he was Leader of the Public Policy Unit at the Institute for Obesity Research and as Research Professor and Leader of the Public Policy Health Initiative at the School of Government and Public Transformation of Tecnológico de Monterrey, where he was also Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Government for Mexico City Region. Prior to that, he was Director of the Investment Center Division at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). He has held senior positions in the Government of Mexico including Deputy Minister of Social and Human Development, Deputy Minister for Prospective, Planning and Evaluation and Head of the Planning and International Affairs Unit at the Ministry of Social Development. He was also CEO of Mexico’s national development bank for agriculture and rural areas, Financiera Rural. Dr. Merino has also been a Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for Public Policy Research at Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de Mexico (ITAM) in Mexico City and a consultant in the field of social development, public finance and competition policy. He has a master’s and PhD in Public Policy from Harvard University and a BA in Economics from ITAM.
Elva Rakel Jónsdóttir
CEO for Festa - Center for Sustainability
Elva Rakel Jónsdóttir is the CEO for Festa Center for Sustainability, an organisation of 200 of the largest companies in Iceland focusing solely on promoting the path to sustainability. Festa puts an emphasis on helping to future proof companies and organisations, building bridges and knowledge sharing, facilitating change and ESG capacity building among its members.
Elva Rakel Jónsdóttir was previously the Director of the Department of Climate and Circular Economy at the Environment Agency of Iceland. For thirteen years she was also of CEO for the Icelandic division of the Nordic Ecolabel; The Swan. Elva Rakel has a BA in anthropology and an MSc from Lumes, Lund University in international environmental and sustainability science. Elva Rakel is also a board member of Green Scouts Iceland and The Association of Environmental Scientists of Iceland.
Elva Rakel Jónsdóttir is the CEO for Festa Center for Sustainability, an organisation of 200 of the largest companies in Iceland focusing solely on promoting the path to sustainability. Festa puts an emphasis on helping to future proof companies and organisations, building bridges and knowledge sharing, facilitating change and ESG capacity building among its members.
Elva Rakel Jónsdóttir was previously the Director of the Department of Climate and Circular Economy at the Environment Agency of Iceland. For thirteen years she was also of CEO for the Icelandic division of the Nordic Ecolabel; The Swan. Elva Rakel has a BA in anthropology and an MSc from Lumes, Lund University in international environmental and sustainability science. Elva Rakel is also a board member of Green Scouts Iceland and The Association of Environmental Scientists of Iceland.
Michael Weatherhead
Co-founder of WEAll, Wellbeing Economy Alliance
Michael Weatherhead co-founded the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) seven years ago. In his role as Development Lead for WEAll, he leads the relationships with new and existing supporters of WEAll, supports the organisation’s focus on redefining the role of business as well as developing and overseeing new programmes of work in the design of international economic architecture. An economist by training, Michael first worked in agricultural trade economics in both the Caribbean and in Oxford, before becoming managing, and then international director for the consulting arm of the New Economics Foundation (NEF) for over a decade. During that time, he took the concept of wellbeing into organisations as diverse as the United Kingdom’s national health service (NHS), retailer John Lewis Partnership and the apparel industry via Timberland. Previously based in London, South Africa and Spain, he is now based in Scotland. Michael holds post-graduate qualifications in economics and organisational development and uses that knowledge to blend rigorous analysis with innovative learning spaces to advance wellbeing economy solutions.
Michael Weatherhead co-founded the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) seven years ago. In his role as Development Lead for WEAll, he leads the relationships with new and existing supporters of WEAll, supports the organisation’s focus on redefining the role of business as well as developing and overseeing new programmes of work in the design of international economic architecture. An economist by training, Michael first worked in agricultural trade economics in both the Caribbean and in Oxford, before becoming managing, and then international director for the consulting arm of the New Economics Foundation (NEF) for over a decade. During that time, he took the concept of wellbeing into organisations as diverse as the United Kingdom’s national health service (NHS), retailer John Lewis Partnership and the apparel industry via Timberland. Previously based in London, South Africa and Spain, he is now based in Scotland. Michael holds post-graduate qualifications in economics and organisational development and uses that knowledge to blend rigorous analysis with innovative learning spaces to advance wellbeing economy solutions.
Dagur B. Eggertsson
Member of Parliament and former Mayor of Reykjavik
Dagur B. Eggertsson (born 19 June 1972) M.D. is a member of the Icelandic parliament and the former Mayor of Reykjavík City. Dagur studied, trained and worked as a physician and holds a master's degree in Human Rights and International Law from the University of Lund in Sweden. Dagur was first elected to the Reykjavík City Council in 2002 and served as mayor from 2007 to 2008 and from 2014-2024. Dagur had a strong focus on publis health in various strategies of Reykjavik City and has been a keynote speaker at various international conferences and forums. Dagur grew up in Reykjavík and is married to Arna Dögg Einarsdóttir, MD and specialist and head of palliative care at Landspitalinn - The National University Hospital of Iceland. They have four children.
Dagur B. Eggertsson (born 19 June 1972) M.D. is a member of the Icelandic parliament and the former Mayor of Reykjavík City. Dagur studied, trained and worked as a physician and holds a master's degree in Human Rights and International Law from the University of Lund in Sweden. Dagur was first elected to the Reykjavík City Council in 2002 and served as mayor from 2007 to 2008 and from 2014-2024. Dagur had a strong focus on publis health in various strategies of Reykjavik City and has been a keynote speaker at various international conferences and forums. Dagur grew up in Reykjavík and is married to Arna Dögg Einarsdóttir, MD and specialist and head of palliative care at Landspitalinn - The National University Hospital of Iceland. They have four children.
Mads Falkenfleth
Director and Founder at WELA - Wellbeing Economy Lab
Mads Falkenfleth is the founder and director at WELA. Mads has worked with new economic thinking for more than a decade and has been the co-founder and leader of several organizations within the global Rethinking Economics (RE) network, which he has also contributed to since its beginning. He remains active as a trustee of the global RE network, and also serves as board member to the Danish WEAll hub. Mads is a trained economist and has worked with the green transition and policy-making at large in several think tanks and as a public servant in the Danish central administration.
Mads Falkenfleth is the founder and director at WELA. Mads has worked with new economic thinking for more than a decade and has been the co-founder and leader of several organizations within the global Rethinking Economics (RE) network, which he has also contributed to since its beginning. He remains active as a trustee of the global RE network, and also serves as board member to the Danish WEAll hub. Mads is a trained economist and has worked with the green transition and policy-making at large in several think tanks and as a public servant in the Danish central administration.
The Wellbeing Economy Forum is an event that forms part of JA PreventNCD. JA PreventNCD is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor HADEA can be held responsible for them.
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