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Speakers 2026
The 2026 Wellbeing Economy Forum brought together visionary leaders, experts and changemakers dedicated to shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Through inspiring keynotes, engaging panel discussions and cross-sector dialogue, speakers shared diverse perspectives from policy, academia, business and civil society. Each contributed valuable insight into how wellbeing-driven economies can better prioritise people and the planet.
Below, you’ll find the distinguished speakers who joined 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 and Founder of the Wellbeing Economy Forum; Director of Public Health, Directorate of Health in Iceland
Dr. Dóra Guðrún Guðmundsdóttir is Director of Public Health at the Directorate of Health in Iceland. She is trained clinical and organisational psychologist and holds a PhD in public health. Her research interests focus on wellbeing and finding reliable measures to evaluate population´s wellbeing. Dora´s passion lies in finding effective ways for individuals, institutions and societies to flourish. She has served as a governmental expert on mental health for the EU and on Wellbeing Economy for WHO. She leads the task on Wellbeing Economy in JA PreventNCD and is the chair of the Wellbeing Economy Forum.
Dora is co-author of the book “Creating The World We Want To Live In” and has been an invited speaker at numerous conferences around the world. She is also a Director of Graduate Diploma programme on Positive Psychology at the University of Iceland, and past president of the European Network for Positive Psychology www.drdora.org
Dr. Dóra Guðrún Guðmundsdóttir is Director of Public Health at the Directorate of Health in Iceland. She is trained clinical and organisational psychologist and holds a PhD in public health. Her research interests focus on wellbeing and finding reliable measures to evaluate population´s wellbeing. Dora´s passion lies in finding effective ways for individuals, institutions and societies to flourish. She has served as a governmental expert on mental health for the EU and on Wellbeing Economy for WHO. She leads the task on Wellbeing Economy in JA PreventNCD and is the chair of the Wellbeing Economy Forum.
Dora is co-author of the book “Creating The World We Want To Live In” and has been an invited speaker at numerous conferences around the world. She is also a Director of Graduate Diploma programme on Positive Psychology at the University of Iceland, and past president of the European Network for Positive Psychology www.drdora.org
Nicola Sturgeon
Former First Minister of Scotland
Nicola Sturgeon was Scotland's longest serving First Minister and the first woman to hold the office. She led Scotland through Brexit and the Covid pandemic, working with five UK Prime Ministers during her time in office.
Nicola studied law at the University of Glasgow, and worked as a solicitor before entering frontline politics in 1999 as one of the inaugural members of the re-established Scottish Parliament. Before being elected First Minister, Nicola was the Deputy First Minister and Scotland's Health Secretary. She also helped lead the Yes campaign in the 2014 independence referendum. As leader of the SNP she steered the party to a position of electoral dominance in Scotland, whilst also establishing herself as a dedicated representative of Scotland internationally, and a highly influential voice on issues such as climate change, wellbeing, gender equality and human rights. Her best-selling autobiography, Frankly, was published in August 2025.
Nicola Sturgeon was Scotland's longest serving First Minister and the first woman to hold the office. She led Scotland through Brexit and the Covid pandemic, working with five UK Prime Ministers during her time in office.
Nicola studied law at the University of Glasgow, and worked as a solicitor before entering frontline politics in 1999 as one of the inaugural members of the re-established Scottish Parliament. Before being elected First Minister, Nicola was the Deputy First Minister and Scotland's Health Secretary. She also helped lead the Yes campaign in the 2014 independence referendum. As leader of the SNP she steered the party to a position of electoral dominance in Scotland, whilst also establishing herself as a dedicated representative of Scotland internationally, and a highly influential voice on issues such as climate change, wellbeing, gender equality and human rights. Her best-selling autobiography, Frankly, was published in August 2025.
Knut-Inge Klepp
Professor of Nutrition, University of Oslo and Scientific Coordinator of JA PreventNCD, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Klepp 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.
Klepp 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.
Katrín Jakobsdóttir
Former Prime Minister of Iceland (2017-2024)
Katrín Jakobsdóttir served as the prime minister of Iceland (2017–2024) and led a three party government. She was a member of the Icelandic parliament from 2007 to 2024. She served as Iceland's minister of education, science, and culture, and of Nordic cooperation from 2009 to 2013. She served as the chair of the Left-Green Movement from 2013 to 2024 and as a vice-chair of that party from 2003. She ran for president of Iceland in 2024 and came in second with 25,1% of the popular vote.
Prime Minister Jakobsdóttir‘s coalition government continued Iceland’s groundbreaking approach to addressing systemic gender inequality. Prime Minister Jakobsdóttir’s government was also at the forefront of climate change policy and committed to make Iceland carbon-neutral before 2040. Her government emphasized the importance the approach of Well-being government and spearheaded a framework of 39 indicators that cover social, economic and environmental dimensions of quality of life. During her time in office, she also led the work on Iceland´s first policy on artificial intelligence that was published in 2021 and her government established a plan to make the largest language models well-usable in the Icelandic language.
Before entering politics she studied Icelandic literature, worked as literary critic, teacher and in a publishing house. She co-wrote a crime novel called Reykjavík with best-selling author Ragnar Jónasson that was published in 2022 and has been published in fifteen languages. They published a sequel called Franski spítalinn in 2025.
She now works as Senior emissary and chair of the Polar Dialogue at the Arctic Circle, serves as the Chair of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health, lectures on various topics and works as an independent consultant. She is also chair of the Reykjavík Arts Festival, chair of the Center of Equal Opportunites at the Business faculty at the University of Iceland and a member on the board of University of Iceland.
She lives in Reykjavík, is married to Gunnar Sigvaldason and they have three sons.
Katrín Jakobsdóttir served as the prime minister of Iceland (2017–2024) and led a three party government. She was a member of the Icelandic parliament from 2007 to 2024. She served as Iceland's minister of education, science, and culture, and of Nordic cooperation from 2009 to 2013. She served as the chair of the Left-Green Movement from 2013 to 2024 and as a vice-chair of that party from 2003. She ran for president of Iceland in 2024 and came in second with 25,1% of the popular vote.
Prime Minister Jakobsdóttir‘s coalition government continued Iceland’s groundbreaking approach to addressing systemic gender inequality. Prime Minister Jakobsdóttir’s government was also at the forefront of climate change policy and committed to make Iceland carbon-neutral before 2040. Her government emphasized the importance the approach of Well-being government and spearheaded a framework of 39 indicators that cover social, economic and environmental dimensions of quality of life. During her time in office, she also led the work on Iceland´s first policy on artificial intelligence that was published in 2021 and her government established a plan to make the largest language models well-usable in the Icelandic language.
Before entering politics she studied Icelandic literature, worked as literary critic, teacher and in a publishing house. She co-wrote a crime novel called Reykjavík with best-selling author Ragnar Jónasson that was published in 2022 and has been published in fifteen languages. They published a sequel called Franski spítalinn in 2025.
She now works as Senior emissary and chair of the Polar Dialogue at the Arctic Circle, serves as the Chair of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health, lectures on various topics and works as an independent consultant. She is also chair of the Reykjavík Arts Festival, chair of the Center of Equal Opportunites at the Business faculty at the University of Iceland and a member on the board of University of Iceland.
She lives in Reykjavík, is married to Gunnar Sigvaldason and they have three sons.
Sandrine Dixson-Declève
Honourary President, Club of Rome; Executive Chair, Earth4All; and Commissioner, WHO Pan-European Commission on Climate & Health
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.
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.
Martine Deprez
Minister of Health and Social Security, Luxembourg
Martine Deprez was born on 26 April 1969 in Wiltz.
Education and qualifications
After completing her secondary school in 1988, Martine
Deprez went on to study at the Cours universitaires du
Luxembourg and later at the University of Liège, where she
obtained a bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences in
1992.
Governmental posts
Following the legislative elections of 8 October 2023,
Martine Deprez was appointed Minister of Health and Social
Security on 17 November 2023 in the coalition government
formed by the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) and the
Democratic Party (DP).
Other political posts
A member of the CSV since 1986, Martine Deprez has held
a number of positions, including Deputy Secretary General
and member of the National Committee. In 2012, she was
appointed State councillor, a position she had to resign for
incompatibility upon joining the government.
Professional activities
In 1992, Martine Deprez started working for the General
Inspectorate of Social Security, where she was in charge
of issues related to pension insurance, family allowances,
accident insurance and supplementary pensions. After her
3rd maternity leave, she successfully completed her training
as secondary school teacher and was appointed in 2004 as
a science teacher, specialising in mathematics, in 2004. She
taught at the Lycée Aline Mayrisch until 2011 and at the
Lycée Hubert Clément from 2011 until 16 November 2023.
At the same time, she held the position of State councillor,
where she was responsible for drafting laws and Grand Ducal
regulations relating to health and social security.
Martine Deprez was born on 26 April 1969 in Wiltz.
Education and qualifications
After completing her secondary school in 1988, Martine
Deprez went on to study at the Cours universitaires du
Luxembourg and later at the University of Liège, where she
obtained a bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences in
1992.
Governmental posts
Following the legislative elections of 8 October 2023,
Martine Deprez was appointed Minister of Health and Social
Security on 17 November 2023 in the coalition government
formed by the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) and the
Democratic Party (DP).
Other political posts
A member of the CSV since 1986, Martine Deprez has held
a number of positions, including Deputy Secretary General
and member of the National Committee. In 2012, she was
appointed State councillor, a position she had to resign for
incompatibility upon joining the government.
Professional activities
In 1992, Martine Deprez started working for the General
Inspectorate of Social Security, where she was in charge
of issues related to pension insurance, family allowances,
accident insurance and supplementary pensions. After her
3rd maternity leave, she successfully completed her training
as secondary school teacher and was appointed in 2004 as
a science teacher, specialising in mathematics, in 2004. She
taught at the Lycée Aline Mayrisch until 2011 and at the
Lycée Hubert Clément from 2011 until 16 November 2023.
At the same time, she held the position of State councillor,
where she was responsible for drafting laws and Grand Ducal
regulations relating to health and social security.
Marianne Takki
Head of Unit on Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in the European Commission
Dr. Marianne Takki is a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Public Health. She leads the Unit on Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in the European Commission. Her unit is responsible for designing and implementing EU policies on prevention, cardiovascular health and mental health. She has extensive experience in leading actions on European level policies and legislation on pharmaceuticals, health technology assessment, health security and crisis preparedness.
Dr. Marianne Takki is a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Public Health. She leads the Unit on Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in the European Commission. Her unit is responsible for designing and implementing EU policies on prevention, cardiovascular health and mental health. She has extensive experience in leading actions on European level policies and legislation on pharmaceuticals, health technology assessment, health security and crisis preparedness.
Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir
Mayor of Reykjavik
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.
Dagur B. Eggertsson
Member of the Icelandic Parliament and the former Mayor of Reykjavík City
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.
Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir
Member of the Icelandic Parliament and former Minister in Iceland
Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir (Thordis Gylfadottir)
Thordis has been a member of the Icelandic parliament since 2016. She was a Minister in Iceland for eight years from 2017 to 2024.
Thordis is the Special Envoy of the Council of Europe Secretary General on the situation of children of Ukraine, since February 2025.
Most recently, she served as Minister for Foreign Affairs until December 2024. Before this, she was Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs for a short time, Minister of Tourism,
Industry and Innovation (2017–2021) and Minister of Justice (2019).
She was the Vice Chairman of the Independence Party from 2018-2025.
Thordis is a lawyer, with a focus on Constitutional and Administrative Law and has tought at the Faculty of Law at Reykjavik University.
Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir (Thordis Gylfadottir)
Thordis has been a member of the Icelandic parliament since 2016. She was a Minister in Iceland for eight years from 2017 to 2024.
Thordis is the Special Envoy of the Council of Europe Secretary General on the situation of children of Ukraine, since February 2025.
Most recently, she served as Minister for Foreign Affairs until December 2024. Before this, she was Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs for a short time, Minister of Tourism,
Industry and Innovation (2017–2021) and Minister of Justice (2019).
She was the Vice Chairman of the Independence Party from 2018-2025.
Thordis is a lawyer, with a focus on Constitutional and Administrative Law and has tought at the Faculty of Law at Reykjavik University.
Sandra Gallina
Director-General for Health and Food Safety
of the European Commission
Sandra Gallina joined the European Commission in 1988. She is today Director-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE).
Before joining DG SANTE, between 2018 and 2020, she was Deputy Director-General for TRADE.
Between 2014 and 2018, she was Director for DG TRADE Directorate D “Sustainable Development; Economic Partnership Agreements - African, Caribbean and Pacific; Agri-food and Fisheries”. Sandra Gallina was also the EU chief negotiator for the EU-MERCOSUR Free Trade Agreement.
Between 2001 and 2009, she was the EU Lead Negotiator for Non-Agricultural Market Access in the WTO Doha Round and in that capacity, she defined and presented EU policy for the Doha Development Agenda on non-agricultural market access negotiations.
Before joining DG TRADE, she worked in the Directorate General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD) at the end of the 1990s.
of the European Commission
Sandra Gallina joined the European Commission in 1988. She is today Director-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE).
Before joining DG SANTE, between 2018 and 2020, she was Deputy Director-General for TRADE.
Between 2014 and 2018, she was Director for DG TRADE Directorate D “Sustainable Development; Economic Partnership Agreements - African, Caribbean and Pacific; Agri-food and Fisheries”. Sandra Gallina was also the EU chief negotiator for the EU-MERCOSUR Free Trade Agreement.
Between 2001 and 2009, she was the EU Lead Negotiator for Non-Agricultural Market Access in the WTO Doha Round and in that capacity, she defined and presented EU policy for the Doha Development Agenda on non-agricultural market access negotiations.
Before joining DG TRADE, she worked in the Directorate General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD) at the end of the 1990s.
Jesper Brodin
Senior Advisor, IKEA Foundation;
Former CEO IKEA | Ingka Group;
B Team, UN Global Compact, The Earth Shot Prize
"Together we have a decade to prevent irreversible damage from climate change to the home we all share, the planet. I joined The B Team to spark real change–we need to take a positive, proactive and collaborative approach to turn the climate challenge into scalable solutions–together. It’s good business to be a good business and the time for talk is over. We will act, now."
Jesper is the Chair of The B Team and a Management Board Member of Ingka Group | IKEA. Previously, he served as CEO of Ingka Group I IKEA from 2017 to 2025. With decades of experience embedding sustainability and equality into business practices, Jesper’s leadership is central to The B Team’s efforts to catalyze business action to address the biggest challenges facing people and the planet. Additionally, he is vice-chair of the UN Global Compact Board and serves on the global board of directors of the World Resources Institute (WRI).
Former CEO IKEA | Ingka Group;
B Team, UN Global Compact, The Earth Shot Prize
"Together we have a decade to prevent irreversible damage from climate change to the home we all share, the planet. I joined The B Team to spark real change–we need to take a positive, proactive and collaborative approach to turn the climate challenge into scalable solutions–together. It’s good business to be a good business and the time for talk is over. We will act, now."
Jesper is the Chair of The B Team and a Management Board Member of Ingka Group | IKEA. Previously, he served as CEO of Ingka Group I IKEA from 2017 to 2025. With decades of experience embedding sustainability and equality into business practices, Jesper’s leadership is central to The B Team’s efforts to catalyze business action to address the biggest challenges facing people and the planet. Additionally, he is vice-chair of the UN Global Compact Board and serves on the global board of directors of the World Resources Institute (WRI).
Anna Gilmore
Professor of Public Health, University of Bath and Co-Director, Centre for 21st Century Public Health
A clinician by background, Anna Gilmore is Professor of Public Health, Co-Director of the Centre for 21st Century Public Health and founding Director of the award winning Tobacco Control Research Group (TCRG) at the University of Bath which established the ground-breaking knowledge exchange platform www.TobaccoTactics.org under her leadership. She currently leads the Local Health Global Profits consortium, one of just four under UK Research and Innovation’s Population Health Improvement UK initiative.
Anna’s work focuses on the commercial determinants of health including corporate influence on policy and science, and evaluates the impacts of public policies on health. It has led to substantial policy impacts from local to global level recognised through numerous awards including the WHO World No Tobacco Day Medal (2008), Public Health Advocacy Institute Award (2009), the inaugural European Health Leadership Award (2019) for ‘pioneering change makers’ and a Special Recognition Award from the WHO Director General (2021). Anna has over 350 publications, is a member of various international expert groups including the WHO’s international expert group on the Commercial Determinants of Health.
A clinician by background, Anna Gilmore is Professor of Public Health, Co-Director of the Centre for 21st Century Public Health and founding Director of the award winning Tobacco Control Research Group (TCRG) at the University of Bath which established the ground-breaking knowledge exchange platform www.TobaccoTactics.org under her leadership. She currently leads the Local Health Global Profits consortium, one of just four under UK Research and Innovation’s Population Health Improvement UK initiative.
Anna’s work focuses on the commercial determinants of health including corporate influence on policy and science, and evaluates the impacts of public policies on health. It has led to substantial policy impacts from local to global level recognised through numerous awards including the WHO World No Tobacco Day Medal (2008), Public Health Advocacy Institute Award (2009), the inaugural European Health Leadership Award (2019) for ‘pioneering change makers’ and a Special Recognition Award from the WHO Director General (2021). Anna has over 350 publications, is a member of various international expert groups including the WHO’s international expert group on the Commercial Determinants of Health.
Tony Holohan
Director, WHO Collaborating Centre for One Health
Dr Tony Holohan is a physician and senior public health and health system leader based in Dublin with more than three decades’ experience at the interface of Government, the health service, academia and international partners. He served as Chief Medical Officer for Ireland from 2008 to 2022, acting as principal medical adviser to Government on medical and public health matters. During the COVID 19 pandemic he led Ireland’s public health response, chairing the National Public Health Emergency Team and becoming a household name nationally through sustained public communication and decision support. He is Director of the UCD One Health Centre and Adjunct Full Professor of Public Health at University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin. The UCD One Health Centre was established in 2023 and designated a WHO Collaborating Centre on One Health in 2024. He provides strategic and operational leadership for this cross university platform focused on integrated human, animal, plant and environmental health, linking academic capability to real world implementation needs through partnerships with government, agencies, local authorities, professional bodies and civil society. His work is driven by a belief that the condition of human, animal, plant and environmental health is shaped by the way societies govern, regulate and invest and by how everyday systems such as food, housing, work, transport and local environments are designed and run, including whether these systems operate within environmental limits. His approach is grounded in fairness and equity and aligns with the principles of the well being economy, where progress is judged by wellbeing and sustainability rather than economic output alone. Alongside his academic leadership, he has undertaken a range of consultancy and advisory assignments with WHO, supporting One Health related education, preparedness and health system capability building. He serves on the boards of An Taisce, Ireland’s National Trust, and the Irish Hospice Foundation and he chairs FutureNeuro, the Research Ireland Centre for Translational Brain Science.
Dr Tony Holohan is a physician and senior public health and health system leader based in Dublin with more than three decades’ experience at the interface of Government, the health service, academia and international partners. He served as Chief Medical Officer for Ireland from 2008 to 2022, acting as principal medical adviser to Government on medical and public health matters. During the COVID 19 pandemic he led Ireland’s public health response, chairing the National Public Health Emergency Team and becoming a household name nationally through sustained public communication and decision support. He is Director of the UCD One Health Centre and Adjunct Full Professor of Public Health at University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin. The UCD One Health Centre was established in 2023 and designated a WHO Collaborating Centre on One Health in 2024. He provides strategic and operational leadership for this cross university platform focused on integrated human, animal, plant and environmental health, linking academic capability to real world implementation needs through partnerships with government, agencies, local authorities, professional bodies and civil society. His work is driven by a belief that the condition of human, animal, plant and environmental health is shaped by the way societies govern, regulate and invest and by how everyday systems such as food, housing, work, transport and local environments are designed and run, including whether these systems operate within environmental limits. His approach is grounded in fairness and equity and aligns with the principles of the well being economy, where progress is judged by wellbeing and sustainability rather than economic output alone. Alongside his academic leadership, he has undertaken a range of consultancy and advisory assignments with WHO, supporting One Health related education, preparedness and health system capability building. He serves on the boards of An Taisce, Ireland’s National Trust, and the Irish Hospice Foundation and he chairs FutureNeuro, the Research Ireland Centre for Translational Brain Science.
Michele Cecchini
Head of Public Health, OECD
Michele Cecchini leads public health work at the OECD, focusing on the interface between health and economics. His team supports countries in designing and assessing policies to improve population health and wellbeing, with work covering risk factors for chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. Their analyses inform national and international policymaking, including at the G7, G20, and United Nations. Michele’s research has been published in leading journals such as The Lancet and the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. He is Adjunct Professor of Applied Health Economics at the University of Siena and has held a visiting position at Duke NUS in Singapore. A medical doctor specialised in public health, Michele holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and a PhD from Imperial College London.
Michele Cecchini leads public health work at the OECD, focusing on the interface between health and economics. His team supports countries in designing and assessing policies to improve population health and wellbeing, with work covering risk factors for chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. Their analyses inform national and international policymaking, including at the G7, G20, and United Nations. Michele’s research has been published in leading journals such as The Lancet and the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. He is Adjunct Professor of Applied Health Economics at the University of Siena and has held a visiting position at Duke NUS in Singapore. A medical doctor specialised in public health, Michele holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and a PhD from Imperial College London.
Olivier De Schutter
UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights
Olivier De Schutter was appointed as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2020. An academic specialised in economic and social rights, he is also currently a member of the Council of Europe’s European Committee of Social Rights and co-chair of the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food).
In his role as UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Olivier presented a groundbreaking report to the UN Human Rights Council in 2024 on Eradicating Poverty Beyond Growth; challenging conventional poverty reduction strategies and arguing for a new, post-growth approach to tackling poverty. In his presentation of the report, De Schutter announced his intention to convene a broad coalition of actors to co-create a Roadmap for Eradicating Poverty Beyond Growth – a catalogue of practical policy options for tackling poverty than prioritise human wellbeing over GDP growth. The Roadmap will be presented to the UN in summer 2026.
Olivier previously served as the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food from 2008 to 2014, and as a member of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights between 2015 and 2020. Prior to those appointments, he was Secretary-General of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH).
Olivier De Schutter was appointed as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2020. An academic specialised in economic and social rights, he is also currently a member of the Council of Europe’s European Committee of Social Rights and co-chair of the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food).
In his role as UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Olivier presented a groundbreaking report to the UN Human Rights Council in 2024 on Eradicating Poverty Beyond Growth; challenging conventional poverty reduction strategies and arguing for a new, post-growth approach to tackling poverty. In his presentation of the report, De Schutter announced his intention to convene a broad coalition of actors to co-create a Roadmap for Eradicating Poverty Beyond Growth – a catalogue of practical policy options for tackling poverty than prioritise human wellbeing over GDP growth. The Roadmap will be presented to the UN in summer 2026.
Olivier previously served as the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food from 2008 to 2014, and as a member of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights between 2015 and 2020. Prior to those appointments, he was Secretary-General of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH).
Enrico Giovannini
Full professor of Economic statistics and of Sustainable development at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” and professor at the National School of Administration (SNA)
ENRICO GIOVANNINI is full professor of Economic statistics and of Sustainable development at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” and professor at the National School of Administration (SNA). He was Minister of Sustainable Infrastructures and Mobility in the Draghi government (2021–2022) and Minister of Labour and Social Policies in the Letta government (April 2013-February 2014). He is co-founder and Scientific Director of the Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development (ASviS), a coalition of more than 300 organisations established to implement in Italy the UN 2030 Agenda. He was Director of Statistics and Chief Statistician of the OECD (2001-2009), President of the Italian Statistical Institute (2009-2013) and visiting fellow at the European Political Strategy Centre of the European Commission (2014-2015). During his career he was chair or member of important national, European and international committees and bodies, In October 2014, the President of the Italian Republic made him “Cavaliere di Gran Croce al Merito della Repubblica”, the highest ranking honour of the Italian Republic. In January 2023 he received a honorary PhD in “Sustainable development and climate change”. He is the author of more than 130 articles published on national and international journals and eight books on statistical and economic topics.
ENRICO GIOVANNINI is full professor of Economic statistics and of Sustainable development at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” and professor at the National School of Administration (SNA). He was Minister of Sustainable Infrastructures and Mobility in the Draghi government (2021–2022) and Minister of Labour and Social Policies in the Letta government (April 2013-February 2014). He is co-founder and Scientific Director of the Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development (ASviS), a coalition of more than 300 organisations established to implement in Italy the UN 2030 Agenda. He was Director of Statistics and Chief Statistician of the OECD (2001-2009), President of the Italian Statistical Institute (2009-2013) and visiting fellow at the European Political Strategy Centre of the European Commission (2014-2015). During his career he was chair or member of important national, European and international committees and bodies, In October 2014, the President of the Italian Republic made him “Cavaliere di Gran Croce al Merito della Repubblica”, the highest ranking honour of the Italian Republic. In January 2023 he received a honorary PhD in “Sustainable development and climate change”. He is the author of more than 130 articles published on national and international journals and eight books on statistical and economic topics.
Sophie Howe
The first Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Described by The Guardian as ‘the World’s First Minister for the Unborn’ and by The New Statesman as leading a Welsh plot to save the world, between 2016 and 2023 Sophie Howe was the first Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, the only role of its kind in the world. She held the Government to account on how their decisions affect future generations, influencing major policy reforms across Wales and has been a significant voice in other countries following suit including the United Nations who passed the world’s first Declaration on Future Generations in Sept 2024. She now advises other countries and corporates on implementing long term governance, is a Future Governance Adviser at the School of International Futures, a Global Ambassador for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance and holds a number of Board and Academic advisory roles on human and planetary wellbeing. Named as one of the UK’s Top 100 Changemakers and at number 5 in the BBC Women’s Power List, she is not afraid to call out the madness of short term decision making and is known for being a straight talking and inspirational advocate for those yet to be born.
Described by The Guardian as ‘the World’s First Minister for the Unborn’ and by The New Statesman as leading a Welsh plot to save the world, between 2016 and 2023 Sophie Howe was the first Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, the only role of its kind in the world. She held the Government to account on how their decisions affect future generations, influencing major policy reforms across Wales and has been a significant voice in other countries following suit including the United Nations who passed the world’s first Declaration on Future Generations in Sept 2024. She now advises other countries and corporates on implementing long term governance, is a Future Governance Adviser at the School of International Futures, a Global Ambassador for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance and holds a number of Board and Academic advisory roles on human and planetary wellbeing. Named as one of the UK’s Top 100 Changemakers and at number 5 in the BBC Women’s Power List, she is not afraid to call out the madness of short term decision making and is known for being a straight talking and inspirational advocate for those yet to be born.
Hanna Birna Kristjánsdóttir
Co-founder & Chair of the Reykjavík Global Forum, Iceland
Senior Adviser on Women’s Leadership, UN Women, HQ New York
Former Chair of WPL Women Political Leaders
Former Mayor of Reykjavik and Minister of Interior in the Government of Iceland
Hanna is the Co-founder and Chair of the Reykjavik Global Forum, which takes place in Iceland every year and gathers 500 women leaders from around 100 countries to discuss and share ideas and solutions on how to advance society further, increase equality between women and men, and promote and positively develop the number of women in leadership positions. She is also the Senior Adviser on Women’s leadership at UN Women in New York, where she, for example, leads the first permanent UN Women Leaders Network chaired by the Executive Director of UN Women.
Hanna Birna was active in Icelandic politics for over 20 years, previously serving in the national Parliament and the City Council of Reykjavík. She is the former President of the City Council, the former Mayor of Reykjavik, the former Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Parliament of Iceland when serving as a member of Althingi, and the former Minister of the Interior in the Government of Iceland. She is also the former Vice Chair of the Independence Party in Iceland, the former Deputy Secretary General of the Independence Party, and the former Secretary General of its Parliamentary Group.
Hanna Birna obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Iceland in 1991 and later a Master of Science in International and European Politics from the University of Edinburgh (1993).
Senior Adviser on Women’s Leadership, UN Women, HQ New York
Former Chair of WPL Women Political Leaders
Former Mayor of Reykjavik and Minister of Interior in the Government of Iceland
Hanna is the Co-founder and Chair of the Reykjavik Global Forum, which takes place in Iceland every year and gathers 500 women leaders from around 100 countries to discuss and share ideas and solutions on how to advance society further, increase equality between women and men, and promote and positively develop the number of women in leadership positions. She is also the Senior Adviser on Women’s leadership at UN Women in New York, where she, for example, leads the first permanent UN Women Leaders Network chaired by the Executive Director of UN Women.
Hanna Birna was active in Icelandic politics for over 20 years, previously serving in the national Parliament and the City Council of Reykjavík. She is the former President of the City Council, the former Mayor of Reykjavik, the former Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Parliament of Iceland when serving as a member of Althingi, and the former Minister of the Interior in the Government of Iceland. She is also the former Vice Chair of the Independence Party in Iceland, the former Deputy Secretary General of the Independence Party, and the former Secretary General of its Parliamentary Group.
Hanna Birna obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Iceland in 1991 and later a Master of Science in International and European Politics from the University of Edinburgh (1993).
Betina Bergmann Madsen
Team lead of the Strategic Procurement and Food, Children and Youth Department, Municipality of Copenhagen
Betina Bergmann Madsen is the team leader of the food procurement office for the municipality of Copenhagen, Denmark. Ms. Madsen is a seasoned expert in the procurement of sustainable and organic food for Copenhagen public institutional food service. Since 2001 Copenhagen has had a goal of reaching 90% organic for public meals and has an innovative and ambitious food strategy including sustainable public procurement. This strategy is part of Copenhagen’s commitment to achieving the SDGs. Her commitment to systemic thinking and implementation of sustainable food procurement extends beyond the municipal level.
Ms. Madsen works closely with Denmark’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and Ministry of Environment to implement requirements for green tenders (bids) and is the coordinator of a national public food procurement network. The work of the network includes incorporation of the SDGs into the tender documents and follow up documentation and evaluation of results. At the regional European Union (EU) level she participates in several projects including building a regional network of public food purchasers. In 2021 she was selected as a UN Food System Champion in the context of the UN Food Systems Summit and helped form a School Meals Coalition that came out of the summit. She works closely with WHO Europe on guidance for public procurement officers as an author of “How together we can make the world’s most healthy and sustainable public food procurement”, has a FAO Consultancy Roster (Affiliate Workforce) as a Technical Specialist - Sustainable Public Food Procurement until 2028 and was a member of an EU Expert Group developing a legislative framework for the EU Farm to Fork Strategy.
Betina Bergmann Madsen is the team leader of the food procurement office for the municipality of Copenhagen, Denmark. Ms. Madsen is a seasoned expert in the procurement of sustainable and organic food for Copenhagen public institutional food service. Since 2001 Copenhagen has had a goal of reaching 90% organic for public meals and has an innovative and ambitious food strategy including sustainable public procurement. This strategy is part of Copenhagen’s commitment to achieving the SDGs. Her commitment to systemic thinking and implementation of sustainable food procurement extends beyond the municipal level.
Ms. Madsen works closely with Denmark’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and Ministry of Environment to implement requirements for green tenders (bids) and is the coordinator of a national public food procurement network. The work of the network includes incorporation of the SDGs into the tender documents and follow up documentation and evaluation of results. At the regional European Union (EU) level she participates in several projects including building a regional network of public food purchasers. In 2021 she was selected as a UN Food System Champion in the context of the UN Food Systems Summit and helped form a School Meals Coalition that came out of the summit. She works closely with WHO Europe on guidance for public procurement officers as an author of “How together we can make the world’s most healthy and sustainable public food procurement”, has a FAO Consultancy Roster (Affiliate Workforce) as a Technical Specialist - Sustainable Public Food Procurement until 2028 and was a member of an EU Expert Group developing a legislative framework for the EU Farm to Fork Strategy.
Harry Rutter
Co-director of the University of Bath Centre for 21st Century Public Health
Harry is co-director of the University of Bath Centre for 21st Century Public Health; chair of the JANCD External Expert Advisory Board, and of the Welsh Government Healthy Weight Healthy Wales Strategic Overview Group. He co-chaired (with Prof Dame Theresa Marteau) the Lancet Commission on population health post-COVID-19, which addresses the interactions between non-communicable disease, infectious disease pandemics, and environmental degradation; and is a Commissioner on the EASL Lancet Commission on liver disease in Europe. He was the founder director of the National Obesity Observatory for England, led the establishment of the National Child Measurement Programme in England, and is a member of the steering group for the WHO Europe Child Obesity Surveillance Initiative. He has performed a range of advisory roles to the Scottish, Welsh and UK health systems, and to the World Health Organization at both European and global levels. He was co-chair of the UK Government SAGE Environmental and Modelling subgroup and attended main SAGE during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harry is co-director of the University of Bath Centre for 21st Century Public Health; chair of the JANCD External Expert Advisory Board, and of the Welsh Government Healthy Weight Healthy Wales Strategic Overview Group. He co-chaired (with Prof Dame Theresa Marteau) the Lancet Commission on population health post-COVID-19, which addresses the interactions between non-communicable disease, infectious disease pandemics, and environmental degradation; and is a Commissioner on the EASL Lancet Commission on liver disease in Europe. He was the founder director of the National Obesity Observatory for England, led the establishment of the National Child Measurement Programme in England, and is a member of the steering group for the WHO Europe Child Obesity Surveillance Initiative. He has performed a range of advisory roles to the Scottish, Welsh and UK health systems, and to the World Health Organization at both European and global levels. He was co-chair of the UK Government SAGE Environmental and Modelling subgroup and attended main SAGE during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rutger Hoekstra
Associate Professor, Institute of Environmental Sciences of Leiden University
Rutger Hoekstra is an associate professor at the Institute of Environmental Sciences of Leiden University. He leads the WISE Horizons project which is a 4-year European project to develop metrics, accounting and models for Wellbeing, Inclusion and Sustainability (WISE). He is also the author of “Replacing GDP by 2030” which was published by Cambridge University Press.
Rutger Hoekstra is an associate professor at the Institute of Environmental Sciences of Leiden University. He leads the WISE Horizons project which is a 4-year European project to develop metrics, accounting and models for Wellbeing, Inclusion and Sustainability (WISE). He is also the author of “Replacing GDP by 2030” which was published by Cambridge University Press.
Ásta Valdimarsdóttir
State Secretary – Ministry of Health, Iceland
Ásta Valdimarsdóttir, Master of Laws (LL.M.), is State Secretary at the Ministry of Health in Iceland, with nearly 30 years of experience in government and the United Nations system. She has extensive expertise in healthcare governance, institutional reform, international cooperation, and intellectual property law, combined with strong strategic leadership and public sector management experience.
Since 2019, she has overseen national healthcare and public health policy implementation in Iceland, including system reforms, digital health development, and crisis leadership as a member of the national COVID-19 response team. She is also actively engaged in international health cooperation and serves on the steering committee for the new Landspítali University Hospital.
Previously, she served as Director at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva (2010–2019), where she led a division of over 100 staff, managed significant financial resources, and drove organisational reform and digital transformation. Prior to that, she was Director General of the Icelandic Patent Office (2001–2010), responsible for strategy, operations, and international relations, including Iceland’s accession to the European Patent Organisation.
She has represented Iceland in numerous international fora, including WHO, OECD, WTO, EU, EFTA, and WIPO. She is currently a member of the Standing Committee of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (SCRC), serving as Vice-Chair in 2025 and Chair from October 2026.
She holds a Master of Laws from the University of Iceland and has completed further executive studies in public administration, finance, and leadership. Her work is guided by a strong commitment to equitable access to healthcare, good governance, sustainability, and innovation in public services.
Ásta Valdimarsdóttir, Master of Laws (LL.M.), is State Secretary at the Ministry of Health in Iceland, with nearly 30 years of experience in government and the United Nations system. She has extensive expertise in healthcare governance, institutional reform, international cooperation, and intellectual property law, combined with strong strategic leadership and public sector management experience.
Since 2019, she has overseen national healthcare and public health policy implementation in Iceland, including system reforms, digital health development, and crisis leadership as a member of the national COVID-19 response team. She is also actively engaged in international health cooperation and serves on the steering committee for the new Landspítali University Hospital.
Previously, she served as Director at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva (2010–2019), where she led a division of over 100 staff, managed significant financial resources, and drove organisational reform and digital transformation. Prior to that, she was Director General of the Icelandic Patent Office (2001–2010), responsible for strategy, operations, and international relations, including Iceland’s accession to the European Patent Organisation.
She has represented Iceland in numerous international fora, including WHO, OECD, WTO, EU, EFTA, and WIPO. She is currently a member of the Standing Committee of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (SCRC), serving as Vice-Chair in 2025 and Chair from October 2026.
She holds a Master of Laws from the University of Iceland and has completed further executive studies in public administration, finance, and leadership. Her work is guided by a strong commitment to equitable access to healthcare, good governance, sustainability, and innovation in public services.
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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