Be part of the national movement for economic systems change.
We know that today’s economic model, based on extraction, overconsumption and profit-driven growth, is driving the very crises we face: climate breakdown, inequality, social fragmentation and poor health. The Festival of Ideas is about unhooking from this outdated paradigm and reimagining a system that serves people and planet.
At every level – local, national and global – we urgently need to redesign economic systems to meet human needs, within ecological limits, and in service of future generations. That’s what the Wellbeing Economy means: not a soft add-on, but a profound shift in how we organise our society, our businesses and our public services.
This event brings together the thinkers, doers, communities and institutions who are already pointing the way: practical examples of systems change that challenge the old story, and point towards a new one.
Event Partners
This event would not be possible without the sponsorship provided by these key Welsh organisations, partners in policy and advocacy for wellbeing economics. We are sincerely grateful for their support. The event is organised by volunteers at Wellbeing Economy Cymru with event support provided by 4theRegion.
Participating Organisations
Speakers and Panellists
The Festival of Ideas 2025 brings together activists, policymakers and practitioners, to share their insights on what Wellbeing Economics looks like in practice, and what needs to happen to transition Wales towards economic systems that serve our collective wellbeing.
Derek Walker
Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Huw Thomas
Finance Director
Hywel Dda UHB
Sarah Rees
Head of
Oxfam Cymru
Rhydian Davies
Head of Future Economy
Welsh Government
Dawn Lyle
Co-Director
Wellbeing Economy Cymru
Mary Sherwood
Fairer Future
and the Poverty Insight Lab
Mymuna Soleman
Founder
Privilege Cafe
Hade Turkmen
Policy & Advocacy Advisor
Oxfam Cymru
Bethan Webber
Chief Executive
Cwmpas
Ardiana Gjini
Director of Public Health
Hywel Dda UHB
Ceri Cunnington
Community Facilitator
Cwmni Bro Ffestiniog
Yvonne Murphy
Artistic Director
Omidaze Productions
Participating Organisations
At the heart of the Festival of Ideas are the organisations driving real change, from grassroots community enterprises to forward-thinking public bodies and mission-driven businesses, all leading the transition towards a wellbeing economy in Wales. Meet them, learn from them, and be inspired to join the movement.
Larks and Ravens
A visual artist and an experimental psychologist collaborate to create life size cardboard ‘gods’...
Living Wage Wales
Living Wage Wales is hosted within Cynnal Cymru. We support employers to become accredited Living...
Women in Sustainability Network
If you care deeply about our planet, its people and places. If you’re looking for a courageous...
Cwmni Bro Ffestiniog
Cwmni Bro Ffestiniog is a community company bringing together the many vibrant social enterprises...
Public Map Platform
Public Map is a participatory mapping project dedicated to showing that an open, transparent, and...
Hapus – Public Health Wales
A national conversation, Hapus wants to bring people together around a common cause, to improve...
Rewilding Britain
We are Rewilding Britain. We’re helping to create a wilder Britain for nature, climate and people....
Wellbeing Economy Cymru
WE Cymru is an alliance of people and organisations – a network of networks – striving for a new...
CEIC Wales Swansea University
Helping organisations across Wales lead the shift to a smarter, circular economyFrom practical...
Lara Cusack (USW)
My research explores how low-income households experience renewable energy policies in Wales. It...
WAHWN
Wales Arts Health & Wellbeing Network - National sector support organisation for arts, health...
The Woodland Trust
Founded in 1972 the Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity and a leading...
Benthyg Cymru
Wales’ Library of Things Network. We support a growing network of community-run Libraries of...
4theRegion
4theRegion is a regional alliance for a happier, healthier South West Wales, enabling cross-sector...
Urban HQ
Urban HQ is a thriving café and creative hub in the heart of Swansea City Centre, offering...
Business Wales
The Business Wales services provides specialist advice and guidance which is fully funded to...
Plan for the Day
This is not an ordinary conference. Yes, there will be inspiring voices and case studies on the stage, but there will also be opportunities for real connection and collaboration.
10:00 – Doors Open (Exhibition & Networking)
Partners, projects and organisations from across Wales will be showcasing their work in the exhibition space.
11:15 – Opening Session
Welcome addresses from Wellbeing Economy Cymru and Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales.
12:00 – Keynote Panel
Why do we need to redesign our economic system, and what does that actually look like in practice here in Wales? with Dawn Lyle, Derek Walker, Mary Sherwood, Huw Thomas, Ardiana Gjini and Rhydian Davies.
13:00 – Lunch (Exhibition & Networking)
Lunch options will be able to purchase within the venue, or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch.
13:45 – PROVOCATIONS
Short, powerful talks designed to spark discussion.
15:00 – OPEN SPACE
Small group conversations on a wide range of issues – a chance for YOU to co-create the agenda and explore a question that matters to you.
16:30 – Closing Circle
A collective reflection to end the day.
Event ends at 17:15
Join us in the foyer bar, venue closes at 6pm.
Register to Attend
If you experience any issues registering for the event, please email dawn@wellbeingeconomy.cymru with your details, subject line REGISTER, and we will ensure you are booked on.
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