Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is famously outspoken about the issues closest to her heart.
But while many are aware of her views on Brexit and Scottish Independence, they may be a little less clued up on her perspective on a whole host of other subjects.
Now the 49-year-old has shed a light on just this, after giving her first TED talk.
The leader of the Scottish National Party was recently invited to speak at Ted Global, held at the Edinburgh International Convention Centre, and her Ted Talk is now available on the TED website.
In it, she outlines that government’s can no longer rely on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a sole measure of whether a national is successful or not, and that wellbeing markers needed to added to create a more complete picture of how a country is faring.
She said, “When we focus on wellbeing, we start a conversation that provokes profound and fundamental questions – what really matters to us in our lives.
“What do we value in the communities that we live in, what kind of country, what kind of society do we really want to be – and when we engage people in those questions and finding the answers to those questions, then I believe that we have a much better chance of addressing the alienation and disaffection from politics that is so prevalent in so many countries across the developed world today.”
She also went on to cite the work of the Scottish economist Adam Smith, who wrote in The Theory of Moral Sentiments that the value of any government is “judged in proportion to the extent that it makes its people happy”.
She added: I think that is a good founding principle for any group of countries focused on promoting well-being. None of us have all of the answers, not even Scotland, the birthplace of Adam Smith.
“But in the world we live in today, with growing divides and inequalities, with disaffection and alienation, it is more important than ever that we ask and find the answers to those questions and promote a vision of society that has well-being, not just wealth, at its very heart.”
The video of her Ted Talk – entitled Why government’s should prioritise wellbeing – has already clocked up more than 600,00 views.
Will you be taking time to watch it?
-
The EXACT Mood lighting you need to maximize your chances of getting laidHow you can easily increase your likelihood of having sex, according to a study...
By Selina Maycock •
-
Walking vs running - which is better for you?
Walking vs running may seem like a hard choice, but doing either one regularly will keep you fit and healthy
By Ali Horsfall •
-
Over-80s breaking lockdown rules after first vaccine, revealing a high level of confidence in the jab
Four in 10 over-80s are supposedly breaking lockdown rules
By Emma Shacklock •
-
Fantasist, shy or controlling: Sex coach reveals what your favorite position says about you...
By Selina Maycock •
-
What is tinnitus and how can it affect your health?
Plus, treatments to alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
By Amy Hunt •
-
Fitness for women – 5 ways to boost motivation and enjoy exercise
Our health guru, Annie Deadman, makes fitness for women achievable, fun and simple...
By Lucy Gornall •
-
An expert guide to cancerous moles and the skin cancer signs that should raise your suspicions
Itchy, raised or bleeding moles? Spotting the signs that could save your life…
By Faye M Smith •
-
Yoga for weight loss - why it works, when to practice and the three moves you need to know about
Want to stretch and slim? Then it's time to try yoga for weight loss...
By Rose Goodman •
