Implementation of a wellbeing economy

Description of the action and objectives

Green Deal action

A wellbeing economy measures success through more than just economic growth and gross domestic product. It also tracks residents' health, quality of life and happiness, equality and equity, environmental conditions, and the overall health of all three pillars of sustainability in the community.

We will focus on defining indicators and participating in pilot projects through the World Health Organization (WHO Healthy Cities).

 

Implementation period

Planned completion in the second half of 2030

Status: In progress

Status report on July 1, 2025

Through our partnership with the World Health Organization and Reykjavík City's membership in Healthy Cities, we're participating in a pioneering project to adapt wellbeing economy principles at the municipal level. This includes taking part in workshops and creating materials that other cities can use as they work toward implementing wellbeing economies. The outcome will be a checklist for cities considering wellbeing economy implementation.

Older status reports

Below you can find older status reports with information on the progress of the action since its inception (if you're using your phone, it's better to turn it sideways).
  Timeline Progress description
  July 2025

Through our partnership with the World Health Organization and Reykjavík City's membership in Healthy Cities, we're participating in a pioneering project to adapt wellbeing economy principles at the municipal level. This includes taking part in workshops and creating materials that other cities can use as they work toward implementing wellbeing economies. The outcome will be a checklist for cities considering wellbeing economy implementation.

 

Connection of action to Reykjavík City's policies:

 

Reykjavík City departments:

 

Action

The table below contains actions related to this initiative, and you can access more information by clicking on the "action title" in the table (if you're using your phone, it's better to turn it sideways).
Action name Status Completion Updated Departments
Public health indicators In progress 2025 July 2025 Office of the Mayor & Chief Executive Officer
Updated Public Health Policy Action Plan 2024-2026 In progress 2025 July 2025 Office of the Mayor & Chief Executive Officer
Implementation of a wellbeing economy In progress 2030 July 2025 Office of the Mayor & Chief Executive Officer
Public Health Fund for Health-Promoting Neighborhoods In progress 2025 July 2025 Office of the Mayor & Chief Executive Officer
Age-friendly city In progress 2025 July 2025 Department of Welfare
Office of the Mayor & Chief Executive Officer
Prevention plan for children and youth 2024-2026 In progress 2026 July 2025 Office of the Mayor & Chief Executive Officer
Nutrition education for senior citizens Completed 2023 January 2024 Department of Welfare
Signs for a health-promoting society Completed 2023 January 2024 Office of the Mayor & Chief Executive Officer
Research on Reykjavík's social landscape Completed 2023 January 2024 Office of the Mayor & Chief Executive Officer
Consideration of LGBT+ matters in all public health surveys Completed 2022 January 2024 Human Rights and Democracy Office
Office of the Mayor & Chief Executive Officer
Public health assessment on the first phase of CityLine Completed 2022 January 2024 Office of the Mayor & Chief Executive Officer