Virtual event
A Beginner's Guide to Systems Thinking
Exclusively for public servants and policymakers
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Time is displayed in your local time zone
Speakers
What to do next
- Catch up on the 7-minute highlights above, or dive into the full recording
- Join the Systems Thinking in Government Community
- Check out our upcoming event How to Use AI to Speed Up Your Work in Government
Resources
- Event Transcript
- Andrea & Annmarie's Slides
- Tackling Complexity: A Systemic Approach for Decision Makers by Andrea Bassi and Gilbert J. B. Probst
- Unlocking Sustainable Solutions through Systems Thinking: Cases from Southern Africa report by Annmarie Giselle Isler, Leigh Hildyard, Manuela Zierau and Andrea Bassi
- Vensim System modelling and visualisation tool recommended by Andrea
Join the Systems Thinking in Government Community
The Systems Thinking in Government Community is a community of practice that gives you access to conversations, insights, ideas and resources on the application of systems thinking in government from your peers across the global public service.
Event Description
Ever tried to solve a problem, only to watch it spiral into something bigger? Even simple issues can take unexpected turns when we overlook the interconnected systems around them.
This session dives into the essentials of systems thinking and its vital role in public service and policymaking. We’ll discover how this approach can not only help tackle wicked problems in government, but also how a system mindset enhances key skills like leadership and strategic decision-making.
Join to learn from experienced systems-thinkers as they share insights and practical tools to apply this vital approach in your work.
Interested in how Apolitical can support you and your organisation? Learn about collaborating with us.
Image Credit: Pexels
Speakers
Annmarie Giselle Isler
Senior Programme and Policy Advisor World Food Programme
South Africa
Dr. Andrea M. Bassi
Senior Associate, International Institute for Sustainable Development
Switzerland
Annmarie Giselle Isler, is a dynamic and forward-thinking leader with over 20 years of experience in international development, strategic partnerships, and program design. A Swiss-Canadian who spent her formative years in Montreal, she has worked across more than 30 countries with governments, multilateral organizations, foundations, and the private sector. Her expertise spans environmental governance, public health, disaster risk reduction, and capacity strengthening. Passionate about fostering talent, Annmarie has actively contributed to workplace mentorship initiatives and is currently expanding her knowledge in innovation and coaching. She holds an executive education from Columbia Business School, a master’s degree in Environmental Studies, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Development from McGill University. Currently based in South Africa, Annmarie remains committed to driving impactful change. Whether developing strategies for international organizations or shaping policies, she believes in continuous innovation and adaptability. Outside of work, she finds inspiration in nature, often hiking or creatively repurposing materials. And if you look closely, you might just find her in the company of a family of meerkats—always observing, always anticipating what comes next.
Dr. Andrea M. Bassi, is Senior Associate the International Institute for Sustainable Development and Founder and CEO of KnowlEdge, a consulting company exploring socio-economic and environmental complexity to inform decision making for sustainability. Andrea has 20 years of experience working with more than 50 governments and international organizations on the development of customized models for the assessment of outcomes of policy and investment across social, economic and environmental indicators. Andrea holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil. in System Dynamics from the University of Bergen, Norway, a M.Sc. in Economics from LIUC, Italy and a post-graduate diploma on Modeling the Environment from the University of Catalunia, Spain.
