Title : Power skills for the future of public health: Building competencies for resilient health systems
Abstract:
Contemporary public health faces complex and unprecedented challenges, from global pandemics to climate crises and persistent social inequities. In this dynamic scenario, simply possessing technical and scientific knowledge, while fundamental, is no longer enough to guarantee the effectiveness and sustainability of health systems. This presentation proposes an in-depth analysis of the growing importance of so-called "power skills"—non-technical competencies such as critical thinking, adaptability, interprofessional collaboration, emotional intelligence, and visionary leadership—as essential pillars for building resilient and innovative health systems. The recent COVID-19 pandemic served as a brutal catalyst, highlighting the urgency and the gap in the ability of many health professionals and managers to navigate highly uncertain scenarios, make quick decisions under pressure, collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams, and communicate clearly and empathetically with the population and various stakeholders. These events demonstrated that the resilience of a health system lies not only in its infrastructure or technology, but, crucially, in the human capacity to adapt, innovate, and react proactively. We will address how a strategic and deliberate investment in the development of these "power skills" can significantly strengthen the capacity of health systems to respond to future crises, whether health-related, social, or economic. We will promote a discussion on how a culture of resilience and innovation can be cultivated through training and continuous development programs that transcend traditional technical education and integrate active learning methodologies, realistic simulations, and mentoring and coaching practices. International case studies and methodological proposals will be presented that illustrate the successful implementation of these approaches, aiming to prepare a more agile, empathetic, and strategically aligned workforce for the challenges of the 21st century. This topic connects directly with the theme of the 5th International Public Health Congress, "Shaping the Future of Public Health: Innovation, Equity, and Global Impact," by focusing on adapting and enhancing the human capabilities that underpin the entire health infrastructure. By empowering professionals with these crucial skills, we not only innovate how healthcare is delivered, but also ensure that equity and global impact are achieved more effectively, building robust healthcare systems prepared for an ever-evolving future.
