Health Promotion for Well-being, Equity and Sustainable Development

Summary

This script reflects on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how the crisis exposed the flaws in our materialistic, economy-driven priorities. It calls for a shift in how societies measure success, advocating for well-being and environmental health as central metrics. Examples from countries like Bhutan, New Zealand, and Finland show innovative approaches to measuring prosperity, focusing on happiness, community vitality, and health. The script emphasizes the need for collective action to transform societies, using the pandemic as an opportunity to create a more sustainable, health-focused future for all.

Takeaways

• 😀 The pandemic revealed how materialism and personal empires have negatively impacted our well-being and society.
• 😀 We were previously disconnected from real-life issues, and the pandemic forced us to stop and reflect on our way of life.
• 😀 COVID-19 highlighted the need for better preparation and more sustainable practices for individuals and society.
• 😀 The pandemic caused suffering, especially for the most vulnerable, and made us question the real cost of economic 'success'.
• 😀 There is a growing realization that the success of countries should be measured by the well-being of their people and the environment, not just profits.
• 😀 Countries must move away from self-destructive priorities and create conditions for healthier, more meaningful lives for all.
• 😀 Health should be integrated into all policies, both locally and globally, to ensure a healthy environment for all aspects of life.
• 😀 Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Index focuses on living standards, community vitality, and psychological well-being for a sustainable lifestyle.
• 😀 New Zealand's well-being budget uses human health, safety, and flourishing to guide policy success.
• 😀 The UAE's happiness agenda ensures government policies prioritize the happiness of their citizens.
• 😀 Countries like Finland have adopted a 'health in all policies' approach to improve the overall well-being of their citizens.
• 😀 While some countries are making progress toward better well-being measures, more global cooperation is needed to transform societies post-pandemic.

Q & A

What has the COVID-19 pandemic revealed about our world?

The pandemic has revealed how sick our world has become, particularly in our devotion to materialism and the building of personal and national empires. It forced us to stop and reflect on our priorities, questioning the cost of our way of life on ourselves, others, and the planet.

How has the pandemic affected people's lives?

The pandemic has caused widespread loss—jobs, health, and loved ones. It also disrupted education, with many children either learning differently or ceasing to learn altogether. The most vulnerable populations have suffered even more.

What question did society have to confront due to the pandemic?

The pandemic forced society to ask if we could have done things differently, and whether we could have been better prepared for a crisis like COVID-19.

Why is measuring a country's success by economic indicators insufficient?

Measuring success only by economic indicators, such as trade deals or profits from harmful products, is insufficient because it overlooks the well-being of people and the environmental cost. The true success of a nation should be measured by the health and happiness of its citizens and the sustainability of its environment.

What are the key priorities that need to be changed to improve lives globally?

We need to stop pursuing self-destructive priorities like unchecked economic growth at the cost of the environment. Instead, we should focus on creating conditions that allow people to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

How should health be integrated into national policies?

Health should be considered in every policy, both globally and locally. Nations must prioritize the health of their people and the environment in all decision-making processes, ensuring that everyone has access to healthy places to live, learn, work, and play.

Which countries are already successfully integrating well-being into their policies?

Bhutan uses a Gross National Happiness Index, New Zealand has a well-being budget, the UAE has a happiness agenda, and Finland and other Nordic countries have adopted a 'health in all policies' approach, all prioritizing well-being in governance.

What is Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Index?

Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Index is a measurement of success that focuses on living standards, community vitality, and psychological well-being, emphasizing a more meaningful and sustainable approach to national progress.

What is New Zealand's well-being budget, and how does it measure success?

New Zealand's well-being budget uses human health, safety, and flourishing as key indicators to assess the success of policies. This approach ensures that national progress is not just about economic growth but also about improving the quality of life for citizens.

What opportunity does COVID-19 present for the future?

Although COVID-19 has caused significant harm, it also offers an opportunity to change the path we are on. We now have a chance to create a future that prioritizes well-being, sustainability, and health for all people and the planet.