An Innovative Proposal on the Horizon
Mónica García, the Minister of Health, has launched a visionary proposal at the forum ‘Reimagining an economy for resilient and healthier societies’, held in Venice.
At this meeting, which brought together leaders from around the world under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO), García raised the need to find a unified indicator of well-being that goes beyond the traditional approach to economic growth.
Its proposal seeks to evaluate the impact of public policies considering vital aspects such as care work, environmental protection and other activities that contribute to general well-being.
The Crude Reality: Multiply Crises
García highlighted the urgency of this measure in the face of the various crises facing the countries of the European Union, from the aging of the population to the ecological crisis and mental health.
These crises, according to the minister, are the result of having surpassed the limits both at the individual and planetary level, driven by the search for endless economic growth.
A Global Call to Action
Given the need for a coordinated response, García called for global action to address not only pandemics, such as the recent Covid-19 crisis, but also planetary health.
He highlighted the importance of taking a holistic approach that considers both the health of people and the planet, supporting the international commitment to move away from fossil fuels.
Comprehensive Assessment for a Sustainable Future
For García, it is essential to evaluate all public policies from a comprehensive perspective, considering their impact on general well-being and their relationship with the environment.
He proposed the implementation of legislative frameworks that require each initiative to be evaluated based on its contribution to well-being, thus establishing an approach known as ‘wellbeing in all policies’.
A Commitment to the Future
The day concluded with a meeting between Mónica García and Hans Kluge, WHO director for Europe, where key areas to promote global well-being were discussed, from primary care to gender equality in health systems.
This proposal, with its bold vision and holistic approach, marks a crucial step towards an economy that prioritizes the well-being of people and the planet.
