Global Nurses Unite for Peace: ICN Calls for Worldwide #NursesforPeace Action

ICN has already received a strong and inspiring response, with many nurses and organizations from around the world sharing photos in solidarity. ICN warmly thanks all those who have taken part so far. This growing wave of support is making a difference, and now ICN is calling for even more nurses to join in to amplify the message and create a truly global impact.

As conflicts continue to affect communities across the Middle East, Ukraine and many other regions, nurses remain on the frontlines, providing care under extraordinary pressure, supporting displaced populations, and sustaining fragile health systems. Their experiences are a powerful reminder that peace is not abstract. It is essential to health.

Today, ICN is calling on nurses everywhere to make their voices visible.

Through a global photo action, nurses, teams, and organizations are invited to download the #NursesforPeace banner, take a photo, and share it with ICN. These images will form a growing, worldwide expression of solidarity, sent directly to nurses working in the most challenging and dangerous environments to remind them they are not alone.

Dr Myrna Abi Abdallah Doumit, ICN Board Member for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, emphasized the urgency and unity behind the call:

“Across regions affected by conflict, nurses are not only responding to suffering, they are witnessing firsthand the human cost of violence. From the Middle East to Ukraine and beyond, nurses are raising their voices together to say that health requires peace. This global action is a powerful message that nurses everywhere stand united, not only in care, but in calling for an end to conflict.”

ICN Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton highlighted the unique role of nurses as both caregivers and advocates:

“Nurses are there at the most difficult moments, treating the injured, supporting families, and holding health systems together when everything else is breaking down. They see the consequences of conflict every day. That is why nurses around the world are standing up and speaking out for peace. Through #NursesforPeace, we are turning solidarity into a visible, global movement and sending a clear message that protecting health means choosing peace.”

ICN stands in solidarity with all nurses delivering care in humanitarian emergencies, whether caused by conflict, disaster, or displacement. The #NursesforPeace campaign reflects both pride in their courage and a collective commitment to support them through advocacy, visibility, and practical action.