The webinar “Brain Health is Essential for Smooth Economic Transitions – Toward Socio-Economic Sustainability, Productivity, and Wellbeing” was organised by the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA), the Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and the Brain Capital Alliance, and took place on Tuesday 03 September 2024, 15:00 CET, on Zoom.
Closing the Webinar EMEA President Prof. Rym Ayadi highlighted: “Brain health is the cornerstone of economic resilience. As we navigate the complexities of modern transitions, prioritizing cognitive well-being is not just a matter of individual health, but a strategic imperative for sustainable productivity and socio-economic progress.”
Brain capital, which encompasses brain health and brain skills, is a critical economic asset for the success of economies of the future. The brain economy transition from a brain-negative (brain-unhealthy) economy, which depletes brain capital, to a brain-positive (brain-healthy) economy, which arrests and reverses the loss of brain capital, will be foundational to these major transitions. Increased brain capital is vital to educational attainment, upskilling and reskilling. The Yaounde Declaration on the Brain Economy, Brain Health, and Brain Capital was introduced in preparation for its showcasing at the 79th United Nations General Assembly Brain Days.
This event delved into the critical role of brain health in facilitating major global economic transformations. It also fostered interdisciplinary dialogue among experts from the health, education, workforce, and policy sectors, encouraging collaboration and innovation in this critical area.
Agenda
Welcome and Introduction: Prof. Rym Ayadi, Founder and President of EMEA
Initial comments on the Brain Communications paper: Harris Eyre, MD, PhD, Lead of Neuro-Policy, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, EMEA Advisor
Keynote Presentations
- The Yaounde Declaration: Alfred Njamnshi, Founder and CEO of Brain Research Africa Initiative
- Key skills for the digital transition: Cinzia Alcidi, Director of Research, Center for European Policy Studies, Member of EMEA Executive Board
- The importance of brain capital for the clean energy transition: Lawrence Jones, Senior Vice President International, Edison Electric Institute
- The importance of the Aging and the Care Economy: Allison Sekuler, President & Chief Scientist, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education and Centre For Aging & Brain Health Innovation
- The importance of construction worker brain capital: Rob Hurd, Business Development, Bechtel
Discussants
- Shiva Dustdar, Dean of the European Investment Bank Institute
- Toby Ewing, Executive Director, California Government Mental Health Oversight and Accountability Commission
- Kana Enomoto, Director of Brain Health, McKinsey Health Institute
- Marta Sanchez Bret, General Manager, WeMind Cluster
- Frederic Destrebecq, Executive Director, European Brain Council
- Paweł Świeboda, Founder NeuroCentury, EMEA Advisor
- Aimie Brennan, Dean of Education, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin
