Is the loneliness epidemic a policy failure?In this episode of the Beyond GDP Podcast, Michael Green speaks with Kim Samuel, founder of the Belonging Forum, about the growing crisis of social isolation, and why belonging may be the missing metric in public policy.While GDP measures economic output, it tells us little about whether people feel included, represented, or connected. New data from the Belonging Barometer shows:• 21% of people don’t feel they belong• 41% of people with disabilities report frequent loneliness• Young women report the highest levels of isolationWe explore:• The difference between loneliness and belonging• Why social isolation is rising globally• Climate anxiety, geopolitics, and generational uncertainty• Whether technology strengthens or weakens belonging• Why belonging may become a policy priority within five yearsPlease follow and rate our show! Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more. Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now! Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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