Kerman University of Medical Sciences International Journal of Health Policy and Management 2322-5939 14 1 2025 12 01 Navigating Towards a Well-Being Economy: Need for a Robust Theory of Change; Comment on “Can a Well-Being Economy Save Us?” 1 3 4694 10.34172/ijhpm.8873 EN David G. Legge School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia Journal Article 2024 10 28 <span class="fontstyle0">In his recent editorial, Professor Labonté</span><span class="fontstyle0" style="font-size: 5pt;">1 </span><span class="fontstyle0">surveyed international initiatives calling for a well-being global economy. Most of these initiatives offer glowing visions but implausible theories of change. The 1974 United Nations call for a New International Economic Order (NIEO) provides a case study of an earlier instance of well-being economics (although not labelled as such). The NIEO included specific institutional and regulatory initiatives directed to achieving a fairer and more liveable world. However, it was defeated through the rise of neoliberalism from the 1980s as well as internal contradictions within the movement for a NIEO. The history of the NIEO provides useful lessons regarding the political dynamics of global transformation. Any policy initiatives, directed towards reforming the global economy for the well-being of people and planet, need to be based on a robust theory of change.</span> https://www.ijhpm.com/article_4694_77bfe09cf944aaf2a18ed528f7636851.pdf