Solemn Session at Rio de Janeiro’s Legislative Assembly honors FEPPEN and celebrates the strength of Nursing with the presence of ICN President

The Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj) held a Solemn Session in honor of the Pan American Federation of Nursing Professionals (FEPPEN) at the Palácio Tiradentes Plenary Hall. The ceremony held yesterday, organized by the office of State Representative and Nurse Lilian Behring, brought together national and international authorities and featured the presence of Dr. José Luis Cobos Serrano, President of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and one of the most influential global leaders in nursing.

The session officially marked the opening of the 17th Pan American Congress of Nursing Professionals (FEPPEN), taking place in Rio de Janeiro from November 11 to 14, under the theme “The Power of Nursing to Drive Change in Latin America and the Caribbean.” The event celebrates FEPPEN’s six-decade legacy of advocacy for nursing professionals and its commitment to promoting more humane, equitable, and sustainable health systems across the Pan-American region.

During the session, Dr. José Luis Cobos Serrano emphasized the relevance of nursing as a transformative and strategic force for health systems:

“Nursing is a global force for transformation. Investing in our profession means investing in equity, development, and well-being. It is an honor to be in Brazil, a country that has consistently demonstrated leadership and commitment to strengthening nursing throughout Latin America,” said the ICN President.

The ceremony was also attended by Dr. María Concepción Chávez, President of FEPPEN; Dr. Manoel Carlos Neri da Silva, President of the Federal Nursing Council (Cofen/Brazil); and other national and international authorities.

State Representative Lilian Behring, who proposed the session, highlighted the importance of the event as a gesture of recognition and commitment to the future of the profession:

“Nursing is the backbone of public health. To celebrate FEPPEN is to honor thousands of professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for others with courage, technical excellence, and compassion. This session is also a call for the continuous appreciation of this essential profession,” said the parliamentarian.

The ceremony was preceded by a welcome reception, gathering delegations from over 20 member countries of FEPPEN, along with leaders from the Regional and Federal Nursing Councils, parliamentarians, researchers, and representatives from universities and scientific organizations.

The 17th FEPPEN Congress, organized in partnership with FEPPEN, Cofen, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), continues until Friday (November 14), featuring conferences, seminars, and round tables on leadership, public policies, research, and innovation in nursing.