The Rationale for a Well-Being Approach

This chapter presents the rationale for a well-being approach. A well-being approach—that is, establishing well-being as the goal and measure of what matters in order to create a future in which people, communities, and the planet can all thrive—provides a new compass for decision-making, resource allocation, social narrative, and even consciousness. The chapter highlights the benefits, positive outcomes, and potential for transformation via a well-being approach. Some of the key points include the ability of a well-being approach to: shift the focus to things that matter most to people and communities; create more urgency to address inequities and shift power; break down structural barriers and “silos” to encourage cross-sector collaboration; link human well-being and environmental sustainability; create a new expectation, demand, and accountability for a well-being agenda; and focus on the future through long-term agendas and inter-generational leadership. Meanwhile, key among the enabling conditions for well-being in the local context are truth telling about history and experiences, and ensuring that benefits are equitably shared.