Summer School on Systems Thinking and Innovation for Preventing Noncommunicable Diseases and Promoting Healthy Ageing in the WHO European Region

Authored by Dahdaleh Graduate Student Scholar Kathirvel Soundappan

I had the opportunity to attend the Summer School on Systems Thinking and Innovation for the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and a Healthy Ageing Population in the WHO European Region, held from 21–24 July 2026 in Nice, France. The four-day programme provided a comprehensive introduction to systems thinking, beginning with the political and stakeholder dimensions of NCD action. I gained insights into engaging with complexity, driving innovation and systems change, understanding political realities, and identifying and mapping key stakeholders. Practical activities, including developing a 60-second political narrative and participating in a coalition-building simulation, helped demonstrate how stakeholder alignment, legitimacy, financing, and timing can influence policy implementation.

The second day focused on systems concepts and methods. Particularly valuable were the sessions on developing a systems-thinking mindset, understanding NCDs and healthy ageing from a systems perspective, and participatory mapping using causal loop diagrams. I also gained practical exposure to CLD using Polygon and network analysis through StakeholderNet, including its application and considerations for selecting an appropriate systems method.

The third day provided further methodological training through an introduction to Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) and practical work using NetLogo. The programme also addressed how complex interventions can be evaluated differently, including approaches to evaluating systems-informed studies and systems change. A group exercise using the Futures Wheel further developed my understanding of future-oriented systems analysis.

The final day focused on translating learning into practice through group presentations, participant reflections, and discussion on taking systems thinking into real-world policy initiatives. Overall, the summer school strengthened my knowledge of systems approaches and provided practical tools that I can apply to research, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and the evaluation of complex public health initiatives.

Overall, attending the Summer School was a highly valuable professional and academic development experience. It enhanced my understanding of complex systems, introduced me to practical analytical approaches, and provided opportunities for international networking and knowledge exchange. I intend to apply the concepts and insights gained from the programme to my future research and professional activities.

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