Wellbeing in the Age of AI
16. apríl 2026
Photographs: Pétur Fjeldsted.
The President and Jesper Brodin discuss leadership and AI at the Wellbeing Economy Forum.
The President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir, discussed leadership, wellbeing and AI with Jesper Brodin, former CEO of IKEA and chair of the B Team, at the Wellbeing Summit 2026.
The President and Jesper discussed the role of leaders in times of rapid social change, where challenges stemming from artificial intelligence, climate change, growing inequality and a shifting international context call for a new approach to policymaking and leadership.
They discussed the rapid development of artificial intelligence and its profound and far‑reaching impact on our society, including on the creative industries, education, jobs, climate issues, and democratic discourse.
Jesper emphasized that business leaders, including those in tech companies, need to adopt new ways of working and take responsibility for the global impact of their operations. Ikea has been a leader in this area and has taken deliberate steps toward sustainability to increase the wellbeing of the planet and the people who inhabit it. “We must redefine success; it’s not about winning the profit race at everyone else’s expense. No one needs to be left with the short end of the stick. It has long been shown that profitability and positive social and environmental impact go hand in hand,” said Jesper. “We need courageous leaders who dare to be optimistic, set bold goals, and take targeted action to change the world for the better.”
The President and Jesper discussed the dangers of f artificial intelligence, while the President has called for strategy and action in this field. “This is a large and complex task that requires dialogue, unity, and a clear vision for the future. We must ensure that technology serves humanity – not the other way around.”
Young leaders from around the world took part in the dialogue, sharing their vision, experiences, and the challenges they face when it comes to artificial intelligence, health, quality of life, equality, and sustainability.
The Wellbeing Economy Forum brings together international leaders, politicians, scholars, business representatives and institutions to address the pressing issues of our time, including the growing burden of chronic diseases, climate change, social inequality and lack of trust in institutions. Emphasis is placed on practical solutions and policymaking that support wellbeing as a measure of societies’ success.
“The Wellbeing Economy Forum is intended to broaden our understanding of what success really means, of what it means to ‘do well’. When we shift our focus from wealth, influence and power to connection, balance and responsibility, we support a society in which both people and the planet can thrive. Such success is not simply sustainable, it is a precondition for our welfare,” said Dóra Guðrún Guðmundsdóttir, Chari of the Wellbeing Economy Forum and Director at the Directorate of Health.
In addition to the President and Jesper Brodin, Olivier De Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland, Sandrine Dixson-Declève, President of the Club of Rome, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, former Prime Minister, Hanna Birna Kristjánsdóttir, Chair of the Board of the Reykjavik Global Forum, and Sophie Howe, the first Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, took part in the Forum.
In connection with the Wellbeing Economy Forum, the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, visited Iceland and met with President Halla Tómasdóttir at Bessastaðir. They also spoke at a public event in Veröld – House of Vigdís, on the topic of: The Courage to Care: Leadership in a Changing World.
The President of Iceland is the Patron of the Wellbeing Economy Forum.
Halla Tómasdóttir, President of Iceland, and Jesper Brodin, chair of The B Team and former CEO of IKEA, discussed leadership and prosperity in the age of artificial intelligence.
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