DETAILED PROGRAMME

Tuesday, 13 May

Click for detailed programme

Click for detailed programme

Click for detailed programme

07.00 – 08.30

Morning activities by choice

09.00 – 12.30

Programme

09.00 – 10.30

Invited speaker
Dame Margaret Whitehead, Emeritus Proffessor, Public Health University of Liverpool

Nordic models of health determinants: What have they ever done for public health?
For more than half a century, the Nordic countries have provided exceptionally fertile ground for the development of conceptual models of the determinants of population health which highlight the importance of wider social and economic dimensions. These include the so-called ‘Rainbow’ Models which have gained global recognition, and the ground-breaking Diderichsen Model – the only one of its kind – which seeks to elucidate the under-pinning mechanisms that generate social inequalities in health.
This presentation poses the question: what have these theory-based models done for public health in practice? The answer turns out to be “quite a lot”! Some key contributions to the promotion of public health and tackling inequalities in the real world are highlighted, before going on to discuss the serious challenges we face now and what we can do to help address them.

Invited speaker
Knut Inge Klepp, Professor of medicine, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health

JA PreventNCD
In this talk, updated data regarding the disease burden caused by non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Europe – with a special focus on the Nordic countries – will be presented. Trends over time, observed social inequalities, and policies being implemented will be highlighted.
Currently, the Nordic countries have taken a leading role in coordinating and implementing the largest EU funded joint action project in public health to date: “Joint Action on Cancer and other NCDs prevention – Action on Health Determinants”.
Objectives and concrete examples of ongoing activities will be presented along with a discussion of opportunities and challenges in primary prevention of NCD in a time of rapidly changing priorities.

10.30 – 11.00

Pause

11.00 – 12.30

Invited speaker
Micael Dahlen, Professor, Stockholm School of Economics

Health, happiness and economy: How the Nordic countries are creating a sustainable future
In this talk, researcher Michael Dahlen will explore the relationship between health, well-being, and societal conditions in the Nordic countries. Despite significant efforts in public health, large disparities still exist between population groups, and these gaps are not diminishing as expected.

Dahlen will discuss how we can shift the focus towards promoting well-being and preserving health, rather than just addressing the consequences of ill health. Drawing from research at the Center for Wellbeing, Welfare, and Happiness, he will examine what makes the Nordic countries top performers in the World Happiness Report and the social factors contributing to their success.

Finally, he will touch on the link between happiness, economic prosperity, and national well-being, offering an optimistic message about the potential for continued Nordic collaboration in improving public health.

Panel Discussion
with Directors-Generals and Representatives from the Nordic Countries:
Reflections and the Future

Sweden hands over the symbolic baton and the responsibility for the next Nordic Public Health Conference to Finland.

12.30 – 14.00

Lunch (grab-and-go)
After lunch, the last chance to mingle and explore the poster exhibitions.

Meetx is the conference bureau handling the conference secretariat for NPHC 2025.