European Economic
and Social Committee
CIU Unionquadri's role in advancing wellbeing and lifestyles in Italy
In a time of demographic ageing and chronic diseases, wellbeing has become central to the European social and institutional agenda. CIU Unionquadri has made it a strategic priority, linking citizens’ quality of life with productivity, social cohesion and sustainability. Its approach combines institutional engagement, cultural awareness and concrete projects that bring prevention into everyday practice.
A holistic vision of wellbeing
CIU Unionquadri promotes a broad notion of wellbeing that goes beyond occupational health and safety, integrating physical health, mental balance, social inclusion and environmental quality. Promoting healthy lifestyles – from nutrition and physical activity to prevention – helps reduce chronic diseases and pressure on public health systems, while reinforcing human capital and competitiveness in an evolving labour market.
Lifestyles, prevention and early diagnosis
Within CNEL and in line with EU priorities, CIU Unionquadri supports initiatives on health education, prevention and early diagnosis. Projects include screening programmes, vaccination strategies, cancer prevention and innovative, accessible diagnostic tools. Healthier lifestyles reduce absenteeism, lower healthcare costs and strengthen participation in professional and social life.
Sport, nutrition and daily choices
A key focus is the link between sport, nutrition and wellbeing. In collaboration with CNEL, CIU Unionquadri promotes healthy habits among young people to foster a resilient future society. Training, public events and awareness campaigns encourage balanced diets, regular exercise and responsible use of technology, showing how daily choices, backed by coherent public and workplace policies, can extend healthy life expectancy.
From health culture to rights
Wellbeing also extends to citizens’ rights and non‑discrimination. CIU Unionquadri played an active role in supporting the ‘right to be forgotten’ for cancer survivors – an initiative that has now become law, ensuring that past illness no longer restricts access to credit, employment or insurance. Integrating a culture of health into labour law and collective bargaining makes prevention and wellbeing structural pillars of social dialogue.
Alliances for the future
CIU Unionquadri promotes alliances among institutions, research, business and civil society to transform knowledge into effective policies. By investing today in healthy lifestyles, it helps shape a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable model of development aligned with European social values.
Maurizio MENSI (Italy)
Member, EESC Civil Society Organisations' Group
Member, Scientific Committee of the Italian Confederation of Academic Professionals (CIU)
© EU/EESC