Promoting well-being

Well-being is a positive state experienced by individuals and societies. Similar to health, it is a resource for daily life and is determined by social, economic and environmental conditions. Well-being encompasses quality of life and the ability of people and societies to contribute to the world with a sense of meaning and purpose. Focusing on well-being supports the tracking of the equitable distribution of resources, overall thriving and sustainability. A society’s well-being can be determined by the extent to which it is resilient, builds capacity for action, and is prepared to transcend challenges (Glossary of Terms 2021).  

WHO works with Member States and partners to advance well-being as it pertains to global health and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Well-being is a major underlying driver of policy coherence across sectors and encourages galvanized action. Advancing societal well-being helps create active, resilient and sustainable communities at local, national and global levels, enabling them to respond to current and emerging health threats such as COVID-19 and environmental disasters.

WHO coordinated the 10th Global Conference on Health Promotion in December 2021, where the Geneva Charter for Well-being was endorsed by participants. It outlines 5 key action areas:   

1. design an equitable economy that serves human development within planetary boundaries; 
2. create public policy for the common good; 
3. achieve universal health coverage; 
4. address the digital transformation to counteract harm and disempowerment and to strengthen the benefits; and 
5. value and preserve the planet. 

 WHO continues to work with Member States to implement actions in these areas.