10.C. Scientific session: Shifting the focus of health and economic policies: Investing in sustainable health and well-being

Abstract The main theme of the 18th European Public Health Conference, to be held in Helsinki in 2025, is ‘Investing for sustainable health and well-being.’ The theme emphasizes the concept that improving population health and well-being is an investment rather than an expenditure, benefiting society as a whole and contributing to a more sustainable economy. This workshop will introduce the thematic areas of the 2025 European Public Health Conference through three presentations. First, we will highlight the approach of public health policy drawing on the economy of well-being and its application in wider societal policymaking. Second, we will explore how EU policies can contribute towards a Wellbeing Economy and how to ensure health and wellbeing remain on policy-making agendas. Third, we will present an economic case for investing in health and health systems and highlight the co-benefits it brings to other policy areas and sustainable development goals. Finally, we will discuss the future expectations for European public health policy. The workshop will conclude with a general discussion, providing the audience with an opportunity to propose topics for inclusion in the programme of the European Public Health Conference in 2025. Key messages • Improving population health and well-being is an investment rather than an expenditure. • Investing in the population’s health and well-being brings co-benefits to other public policy areas.