Adopting a wellbeing economy will be at the heart of Scotland’s
future prosperity, needs, and aspirations of future generations,
Wellbeing Economy Secretary will tell an international
audience today.
Mr Gray is addressing the first Wellbeing Economy Forum in
Reykjavik as part of a visit that also includes a bilateral
meeting with the Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdóttir.
He will discuss Scotland's partnership with other countries
transforming to a wellbeing economy, emphasising the important
role of business and the proven economic benefits. Wellbeing
economies focus on entrepreneurism, innovation and high quality
jobs paying a fair wage, investing tax revenues in public
services and tackling poverty and social inequalities.
Mr Gray said:
“The wellbeing economy agenda recognises that our economy doesn’t
exist separately to our social aims and our environmental
objectives – they are all interdependent.
“Research shows that businesses which prioritise collective
wellbeing of people and the environment – now and in the future -
are more successful and more resilient in times of crisis, and
benefit from increases in innovation, long-term profitability,
productivity and growth.
“The challenge for all of us is to broaden awareness of the
wellbeing economy, using our businesses and communities and
highlighting the benefits of putting wellbeing at the forefront
of our thinking and orchestrating the change that we want to
see.
“It is through gatherings like the Wellbeing Economy Forum in
Iceland that we can share our experiences, exchange ideas, and
forge partnerships that will drive our shared vision forward.
“In Scotland, we are deepening our links with business through
the establishment of the New Deal for Business Group. One key aim
of that Group is to develop a shared understanding of the
transition to a wellbeing economy – recognising the importance of
fair work and pay, secure employment, supporting participation
and inclusion, and working in partnership with communities to
drive change.”
Background
Wellbeing Economy Governments
(WEGo) - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Wellbeing
Economy Forum
