School of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
Abstract
In his recent editorial, Professor Labonté1 surveyed international initiatives calling for a well-being global economy. Most of these initiatives offer glowing visions but implausible theories of change. The 1974 UN call for a New International Economic Order provides a case study of an earlier instance of well-being economics (although not labelled as such). The NIEO included specific institutional and regulatory initiatives directed to achieving a fairer and more liveable world. However, it was defeated through the rise of neoliberalism from the 1980s as well as internal contradictions within the movement for a NIEO. The history of the NIEO provides useful lessons regarding the political dynamics of global transformation. Any policy initiatives, directed towards reforming the global economy for the well-being of people and planet, need to be based on a robust theory of change.
Legge, D. (2025). Navigating Towards a Well-Being Economy: Need for a Robust Theory of Change; Comment on “Can a Well-Being Economy Save Us?”. International Journal of Health Policy and Management, (), -.
MLA
Legge, D. . "Navigating Towards a Well-Being Economy: Need for a Robust Theory of Change; Comment on “Can a Well-Being Economy Save Us?”", International Journal of Health Policy and Management, , , 2025, -.
HARVARD
Legge, D. (2025). 'Navigating Towards a Well-Being Economy: Need for a Robust Theory of Change; Comment on “Can a Well-Being Economy Save Us?”', International Journal of Health Policy and Management, (), pp. -.
CHICAGO
D. Legge, "Navigating Towards a Well-Being Economy: Need for a Robust Theory of Change; Comment on “Can a Well-Being Economy Save Us?”," International Journal of Health Policy and Management, (2025): -,
VANCOUVER
Legge, D. Navigating Towards a Well-Being Economy: Need for a Robust Theory of Change; Comment on “Can a Well-Being Economy Save Us?”. International Journal of Health Policy and Management, 2025; (): -.
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