Eluned Morgan MS, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social
Care: I am pleased to update members about my attendance at
a recent event in Venice to mark the 20th anniversary
of the World Health Organisation's (WHO) European Office for
Investment for Health and Development.
The event, Reimagining an economy for resilient and healthier
societies that leave no one behind, was an opportunity to
discuss the wellbeing economy with ministers and colleagues from
across Europe.
It brought together governments, experts, youth alliances, heads
of economic development organisations, non-governmental
organisations and public health agencies to focus on some of the
big challenges facing countries, including ageing societies,
youth mental health and social inclusion, gender equality,
resilient public systems, and urban–rural divides.
The event harnessed knowledge, innovation and best practice to
inform and support affordable, doable and inclusive solutions for
national resilience, sustainable development, and accelerating
the transition to well-being economies.
Wales is one of six governments which form the Wellbeing Economy
Government Network. Our work with the WHO enables us to consider
the health and care system's role in delivering an economy
designed to serve people and the planet. I am pleased Wales will
host the first health-focused wellbeing economy policy dialogue
later this year.
The WHO will be publishing a deep dive on the well-being economy
in Wales, as part of a series of deep dives capturing countries'
experiences in shifting to well-being economies in the WHO
European Region.
I published a written statement in
February about the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Welsh Government and the WHO Regional Office for
Europe. This covers areas of health equity and rights; investment
for health and wellbeing and the essential underlying conditions
of health; and sustainable development and prosperity for
all.
The Memorandum of Understanding, together with our work on the
well-being economy, will help us to strengthen our international
connections and provides a strong lever to support us in
achieving the goals of a healthier and more prosperous
Wales.
