Brain capital, which encompasses both brain health and brain skills, represents a critical asset in the economy of the future. However, data points towards a brain-negative economy—one that depletes brain capital due to factors such as poor mental health, stress, unhealthy food systems and climate change. Transitioning to a brain-positive economy—where brain capital is preserved, enhanced, and even regenerated—is crucial for building a sustainable, thriving global economy. At the same time, nature capital, the ecosystems and resources that sustain life and economic activity, plays a pivotal role in this transformation by supporting mental well-being and sustainable development. We are in a nature negative economy and urgently need to move to nature positivity.
This event will explore the intersection between brain capital and nature capital and how their integration can support a resilient, brain- and nature-positive economy. It will delve into strategies for reversing the depletion of brain capital while safeguarding natural ecosystems, ensuring that both brain health and the environment are prioritized in future economic models.
Key Discussion Points:
- The Role of Brain Capital in Economic Resilience: How brain health and skills drive productivity, innovation, and long-term economic sustainability.
- From Brain-Negative to Brain-Positive Economies: The urgent need to reverse brain capital depletion through sectoral and cross-sectoral activities.
- Nature Capital’s Contribution to Mental and Brain Health: How access to nature, green spaces, and sustainable ecosystems positively influences brain health and fosters a healthy, productive workforce.
- Public, Private and Philanthropic Strategies for Integration: Policies, business and financial practices that synergize brain capital and nature capital, focusing on sustainability and human-centered development through systemic activities.
Agenda:
Opening remarks by Rym Ayadi, Founder and president, EMEA – moderator of the event
Panel: (TBC)
- Shiva Dustdar, Dean of the European Investment Bank Institute*
- Harris Eyre, Lead and Senior Fellow, Neuro-Policy, Rice University Baker Institute for Public Policy, Executive Director, Brain Capital Alliance
- Upali Nanda, PhD, EVP and Global Director of Innovation HKS Inc*
- Burcin Ikiz, Lead, EcoNeuro*
- Marco Lambertini, Convenor, Nature Positive Initiative*
- Grammenos Mastrojeni, Senior Deputy Secretary General, Union for the Mediterranean*
- Kana Enomoto, Director of Brain Health, McKinsey Health Institute*
*Online speakers
Date: 21 November 2024
Time: 18:00-19:00 AZT/15:00-16:00 CET
Venue: Mediterranean Pavilion, COP 29 Conference centre, Baku, Azerbaijan, and online
Event format: Hybrid (In-person and virtual participation)