Hundreds of leaders from politics, policy, academia, and civil society across Ireland have converged for the Rethinking Growth Conference, a pivotal event aimed at redefining the role and nature of economic growth in Ireland's future. Held at Trinity College Dublin, the conference seeks to shift the focus from mere economic expansion to fostering a wellbeing economy that prioritizes the needs of people and the planet.

Central to the discussions is the exploration of how Ireland can emulate other nations in building an economy that serves societal and environmental welfare, rather than exploiting them. This approach contrasts with traditional models that prioritize economic growth as an end in itself.

Key sessions include a plenary on the role of universities in advancing climate justice and promoting a just transition, underscoring academia's crucial role in shaping economic policy. Notable figures like Paschal Donohoe, Ireland's Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, will lead conversations on charting a path towards a more sustainable economic future.

Trinity speakers, Prof. Jane Stout, Vice Provost for Biodiversity & Climate Action; Prof. Anna Davies, School of Natural Sciences; and Prof. Clare Daly, School of Psychology, and the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, ahead of the conference.

Dr. Linda Doyle, Trinity's Provost, emphasised the university's commitment to integrating ecological sustainability with social progress, highlighting the role of educational institutions in fostering these dialogues.

Minister Donohoe acknowledged Ireland's strides in integrating wellbeing frameworks into budgetary processes, signaling a commitment to further embedding these principles into public policy.

Dr. Peter Doran, a conference organizer and senior lecturer at Queen's University Belfast, stressed the urgency of rethinking economic systems to address the climate crisis and broader socio-ecological challenges. His remarks underscored the Wellbeing Economy Alliance's initiative to explore alternative models that prioritize collective flourishing over profit.

Dr. Clare Kelly, an associate professor at Trinity, highlighted the failures of growth-centric economics in addressing global crises such as climate change and social inequality. She advocated for a shift towards a wellbeing economy to ensure sustainable prosperity for future generations.

Organized by the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Ireland Hub, the conference builds on the momentum of previous initiatives like the Beyond Growth Conference, emphasizing cross-party collaboration and international insights.

For more details on the conference agenda and participants, visit the official website at: Rethinking Growth Conference Programme