Organizational Development of National Nursing Associations (ODENNA) - LatAm

ODENNA LatAm builds on the momentum and lessons of ODENNA Africa, expanding the ODENNA programme to Spanish-speaking National Nursing Associations across Latin America. 

Delivered under the ODENNA programme of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and as a flagship initiative of the ICN Leadership Centre, ODENNA LatAm is designed to strengthen nursing associations as organizations while supporting the leaders who guide them. 

Through a structured and applied approach, participating associations work on real organizational priorities, strengthening leadership capability, advocacy, and long-term organizational sustainability in ways that reflect their national context. 

Who ODENNA LatAm is for

ODENNA LatAm is designed for National Nursing Associations (NNAs) that are:

• Members of ICN  

• Based in Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America 

Participation is organizational and team-based. Each participating association engages through a core team of leaders and staff who work directly within the NNA and hold operational or decision-making roles. These teams collaborate throughout the programme to strengthen leadership, systems, and long-term sustainability. 

ODENNA LatAm is not an individual leadership fellowship and does not accept individual nurse applications. 

Why Latin America 

Strengthening foundations for greater organizational impact 

Across Latin America, National Nursing Associations have a long history of representing the nursing profession and contributing to health systems, education, and policy dialogue. Many associations are deeply committed and experienced, yet face evolving expectations, increasingly complex health priorities, and growing demands on leadership and organizational capacity. 

ODENNA LatAm is designed to support associations at this stage of development by strengthening foundational systems while enabling leaders to sharpen strategic focus, strengthen governance, and expand professional influence. 

By investing in both organizational development and leadership growth, ODENNA LatAm supports associations to increase their impact and better serve nurses, midwives, and the communities they support. 

Building on ODENNA Africa 

ODENNA LatAm is informed by the experience of ODENNA Africa, the inaugural ODENNA regional project, which brought together 23 National Nursing Associations and 92 leaders. 

The Africa experience demonstrated the value of:

• Team-based leadership development 

• Applied organizational projects 

• Peer exchange and mentorship 

• Regional delivery aligned with global standards 

ODENNA LatAm builds on this foundation while adapting delivery to reflect the linguistic and professional realities of Latin America. 

ODENNA LatAm at a glance

Applications for ODENNA LatAm will open on 16 February 2026 for eligible National Nursing Associations in the region. 

Learn more

A shared framework for leadership and organizational growth

ODENNA LatAm follows a shared ODENNA framework that supports associations to move from insight to action in a structured and practical way. 

Through this approach, participating associations:

• IDENTIFY organizational and leadership priorities that matter most in their context 

• EQUIP leadership teams with relevant skills, resources, knowledge, and peer support 

• GROW by applying learning through real organizational projects, supported by mentors and subject matter experts 

This framework ensures consistency across ODENNA regions while allowing flexibility for regional and national adaptation. 

What participating associations can expect

How the programme will be delivered

ODENNA LatAm will be delivered through a hybrid model, combining:

• Guided online learning and structured reflection 

• Facilitated live sessions and peer exchange 

• Opportunities for networking and connection among participating associations 

• Applied organizational projects led by NNA teams 

• Specialty learning experiences relevant to leadership and organizational development 

Delivery is designed to be practical, engaging, and responsive to the realities of association leadership, while allowing flexibility in how teams connect, collaborate, and learn throughout the programme. 

Mentorship and regional support

ODENNA LatAm will integrate organizational-level mentorship through ICN’s Nursing Association Mentorship Initiative (NAMI). 

ICN is actively seeking experienced nursing associations interested in serving as mentor organizations, supporting both ODENNA LatAm and Africa participants through peer-based guidance and shared learning. 

Learn more about NAMI and how to apply as a mentor organization

A flagship initiative of the ICN Leadership Centre

ODENNA LatAm sits within the ICN Leadership Centre, ICN’s global platform for advancing nursing leadership and strengthening professional organizations. 

Through the Leadership Centre, ICN connects global expertise, regional insight, and strength in nursing to support organizations and the leaders who guide them at every stage of their leadership journey.

Learn more about the ICN Leadership Centre

Regional Sponsorship: Supporting ODENNA LatAm Delivery 

ODENNA LatAm is supported through continued global sponsorship from the BD Foundation, reflecting their ongoing commitment to strengthening nursing leadership and professional organizations. 

ICN is exploring regional sponsorship opportunities for ODENNA LatAm. Regional sponsorship is intended for organizations interested in supporting the delivery of ODENNA LatAm specifically, through financial or in-kind contributions that help extend the programme’s reach and impact across the region. 

Regional sponsorship supports:

• Programme delivery and coordination 

• Leadership events and learning activities 

• Mentorship, expertise, and regional engagement 

Individual sponsorships for nurses or participants are not offered through this programme.

Inquire about regional sponsorship opportunities for ODENNA LatAm