ICN launches first ever ODENNA™ LatAm programme strengthening nursing associations across Latin America

Last week, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) officially launched the inaugural cohort of its Organizational Development of National Nursing Associations (ODENNA™) LatAm programme, supported by BD. The programme unites Latin American nursing leaders in a transformational journey to strengthen the leadership, governance and organizational capacity of National Nursing Associations (NNAs) across the region.

As part of ICN’s Leadership Centre, ICN’s ODENNA programme was developed to strengthen NNAs as the foundation of a strong, future-proof nursing profession and high-quality, equitable care for all. This new iteration builds on the proven success of ODENNA Africa, which has supported 23 National Nursing associations and nearly 100 nursing leaders, equipping associations to support the profession, shape policy, and improve care for populations.

ODENNA LatAm now marks the next chapter in this global commitment, with participants from Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Uruguay in this first cohort.

The ODENNA LatAm webinar welcomed the eight NNAs selected and the experienced mentor associations who will walk beside them through ICN's Nursing Associations Mentorship Initiative (NAMI). The event was hosted by the ICN Leadership Centre and featured inspiring speeches from ICN President Dr José Luis Cobos Serrano and ICN Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton as well as remarks from Rachelle Landry, Vice President of Clinical Transformation at BD, the sponsors who make the ODENNA programme possible.

In his opening address at the webinar, Dr Cobos Serrano described the launch as “a moment of pride” for ICN, the participating associations, and the Latin American region. He told the participants:

"National Nursing Associations turn the power of individual nurses into a collective force that can change entire health systems, influence policy, protect populations and improve care. To empower nurses, we must also empower the associations that represent and support them. ICN is proud to walk beside you on this ODENNA LatAm journey. We believe in the power of nursing in Latin America, we believe in the leadership of your associations, and we believe that when National Nursing Associations are strong, the whole profession moves forward."

Dr Cobos Serrano said ODENNA LatAm arrives at a critical moment for the region, where nurses continue to make extraordinary contributions to health care while facing significant challenges.

ICN CEO Howard Catton told participants the programme would be genuinely transformational, emphasizing the power of learning, leadership and international collaboration at the heart of ODENNA. He described how ODENNA was built to unleash the depth and breadth of experience that already exists within ICN's membership so that associations can grow and learn from one another, commenting:

"We learn when we lead and we lead because of what we have learned. Learning and leadership are inseparable. The challenges our world faces, no country can solve alone. They require collaboration and cooperation across and between countries – and ODENNA will help associations across LatAm build exactly those relationships. Our associations are a superpower for nursing. Right around the world, they are supporting, advising, representing, educating, advocating and providing welfare for nurses and the profession. And our belief in what is possible for the future will be critically determined by the strength of our national nursing associations."

The webinar featured introductions from the eight NNAs joining the first cohort, who shared their collective ambitions to strengthen governance, grow their organizations, elevate the voice of nursing and drive change in their health systems.

The event also introduced the NAMI mentor associations from Costa Rica, Panama, Spain and Paraguay, who will share their experience and provide guidance and practical support throughout the programme, developing peer learning and solidarity between associations working together to strengthen the profession across the region.

The cohort will be supported by the ODENNA LatAm team, including regional facilitators Dr Mirliana Ramírez and Natalia Henao Murillo and strategic mentor Nora Barahona, who will guide participants through a structured learning journey spanning strategy and governance; operations and capacity building; policy and advocacy; income and financial sustainability; and membership growth and engagement.

Rachelle Landry of BD congratulated the cohort and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to nursing leadership. She said:

"At BD, we believe empowering the nursing workforce is essential to building stronger, more resilient health systems, and the success of ODENNA demonstrates the transformative impact of investing in nurses and expanding access to care where it is needed most. As a nurse, I've seen investments like this unlock the ability of nurses to lead, innovate, and elevate care, ultimately shaping healthier communities and a building a more accessible future for patients worldwide." 

This first ODENNA LatAm cohort will now begin their year-long programme of learning, mentorship and organizational development designed to strengthen nursing leadership and impact throughout Latin America.