The 4th industrial revolution is upon us and the World Economic Forum lists complex problem solving as part of the top 10 skills we all need. They call for a kind of thinking that helps address the ill-defined issues that impact on governments, businesses, civil society and individuals. Dr Maria will discuss what is meant by complex, and the key elements of problem solving and how we develop this skill. The stronger our personal skill level in this area the more we offer the collective. We do not yet know just how it will unfold, but one thing is clear: the response to it must be integrated and comprehensive, involving all stakeholders of the global polity, from the public and private sectors to academia and civil society.