The movement to redesign Wales’ economy is gaining momentum as Wellbeing Economy Cymru (WE Cymru) prepares to host the second Festival of Ideas at Swansea Arena on Wednesday 12 November 2025.
Supported by 4theRegion and a network of Welsh partners, this year’s event will focus on a bold question: what would it take to build an economy that works for people and the planet, not just profit?
Free to attend and open to everyone, the festival aims to bring together community leaders, business owners, public-sector professionals, students and anyone who cares about Wales’ future.
According to WE Cymru, the current economic system is stuck in a cycle of extraction and endless growth, creating deep inequality, environmental damage and fractured communities.
They believe Wales already has the tools to take a different path, from the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 to a thriving social enterprise sector and growing demand for change.
The Festival of Ideas will bring together the people and projects already leading the way towards a wellbeing economy and ask how this work can be scaled up across Wales.
What’s happening on the day
The event promises a full line-up of speakers, including Future Generations Commissioner Derek Walker, alongside leading figures from business, public services and grassroots organisations.
Highlights include a keynote panel exploring new ways of measuring progress, exhibitions showcasing real-world examples of alternative economic models, and an “Open Space” session where attendees will set the agenda and collaborate on key issues.
Date: Wednesday 12 November 2025
Venue: Swansea Arena
Admission: Free, but registration is required via wellbeingeconomy.cymru
Contact: [email protected]
Building a wellbeing economy
The one-day event will bring together policymakers, academics, businesses and community organisations to explore practical ideas such as community wealth-building, the circular economy and social enterprise.
These approaches, organisers say, could strengthen local jobs, public services and climate goals while keeping more wealth within Welsh communities.
The festival comes at a time when rising costs and increasing pressure on public services are forcing many to question what economic success really means.
“A call for systems change”
Organisers say this is not just another conference with lengthy speeches and disconnected panels, but a rallying point for real action.
“This event could not be more timely,” said Dawn Lyle, co-founder of 4theRegion and director of the Festival. “There is a growing demand for affordability and economic justice, as more and more people are struggling with daily living costs, whilst billionaires get tax breaks. Whether we are talking about inequality or the climate and nature crisis, we can’t tackle the symptoms without recognising the economic systems that are creating these problems.”
Sian Jones, chair of Wellbeing Economy Cymru, added: “Wales is a member of the global Wellbeing Economy Alliance, and our government is part of the Wellbeing Economy Governments Organisation (WEGO). There is an opportunity for Wales to lead on sustainable economic development that genuinely cares about the people in our communities and delivers for them.”
Mary Sherwood from the Poverty Insight Lab, who will be speaking at the event, said: “Economic inequality needs to be challenged if we’re serious about wellbeing. It will be great to discuss this more and connect with others who care. The voices of those whose wellbeing is challenged by low income are often unheard. We’re glad to be bringing them to this event and talking about how to improve services and outcomes.”
David Kershaw, managing director of Posterity Global, said he was inspired by last year’s event: “I attended the inaugural Wellbeing Economy Cymru Festival of Ideas in 2024 and it was brilliant. I loved it. This year I am bringing public procurement with me, because frankly, it’s time we moved the mindset from ‘spending’ to ‘investing’ public funds, not just today but for the future. I can’t think of a better forum for this topic.”
Emma Musgrave from Purple Shoots, a charity that uses enterprise to tackle poverty, said: “We’re excited to join this event to showcase Purple Shoots’ work on concrete actions we can take for change right now.”
A shared challenge
With growing pressure on communities, businesses and public services, organisers say the festival is a chance for Wales to step up and lead the global shift towards a fairer, more sustainable economy.
They are inviting anyone who cares about Wales’ future to join in, share their ideas and help shape what prosperity could really mean for the country.
