New Research on Wellness Policy to be Revealed at the 2022 Summit

On the Agenda at the 2022 Global Wellness Summit (GWS) is a presentation on the groundbreaking new research on Wellness Policy from the non-profit Global Wellness Institute (GWI).

Despite the size and the growth of the global wellness economy, it is clear that the private sector alone cannot bring wellness to all. On the contrary, some industry segments increasingly cater to the wealthiest consumers, while the global metrics for health, happiness, and mental and social well-being are on the decline. Yes, wellness brings an important perspective to policymaking that is complementary to public health and health policy, and to the emerging field of happiness. The 2022 GWI research will examine the role of government and policy in promoting wellness in an equitable manner. The objective is to create a common language, framework, and strategies for both governments and industry leaders to collaborate and work toward a common goal. The study will:

1. Create a framework that set wellness policy apart from other policy domains;
2. Identify specific strategies and examples on national and regional/local levels; and
3. Highlight areas where governments can leverage private industry for knowledge and scale, and support wellness businesses that serve the goal of wellness for all.

Research is being led by Tonia Callender, GWI research fellow; Katherine Johnston, GWI senior research fellow; and Ophelia Yeung, GWI senior research fellow.

Reflecting on insights from the recently released “The Global Wellness Economy: Country Rankings,” the first research to measure the wellness economies of 150 nations, the research team noted the missing link of comprehensive global wellness policy research. “These new rankings reveal the countries that spend the most on wellness–important information for governments and businesses. But the size of a wellness market does not necessarily capture which countries are most ‘well’: which nations have the best health outcomes or fair access to wellness,” said Katherine Johnston, GWI senior research fellow. Johnston says the upcoming report will answer some key questions, such as “who is benefitting from the growth of the wellness economy in each country, and who is not? What’s the relationship between the wellness market and the health and well-being of a nation’s population? What can governments and policymakers do to bring more wellness to more people?” The new GWI report will be released for the first time at the GWS in Tel Aviv, Israel, this November.

About the Global Wellness Institute: The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is considered the leading global research and educational resource for the global wellness industry and is known for introducing major industry initiatives and regional events that bring together leaders to chart the future. GWI positively impacts global health and wellness by educating public institutions, businesses and individuals on how they can work to prevent disease, reduce stress and enhance the overall quality of life. Its mission is to empower wellness worldwide.