Welcome to the July & August 2024 ICN Monthly Update!

We are pleased to offer a summary of our endeavors, achievements, and notable events from the past month. We invite you to explore the latest developments, discoveries, and highlights within our community. Thank you for choosing to stay informed and engaged with us through our Monthly Update!

WHO AFRO Regional Committee meeting

ICN attended the 74th Session of the Regional Committee of WHO for Africa in Brazzaville on 26 -30 August. We made interventions on the following agenda items:

• Framework for the implementation of the Global Diabetes Compact in the WHO African Region (Document AFR/RC74/5)
• Framework for integrating country and regional health data in the African Region: Regional Data Hub 2024–2030  (Document AFR/RC74/7)

WHO Euro meeting on Mental Health

Howard Catton was invited by the WHO Regional Office for Europe to participate in the thematic meeting of the pan-European Mental Health Coalition: “Helping the helpers” – Current challenges and solutions to mental health of the health and care workforce”, in Helsinki, on 28–29 August. He spoke at the plenary session on Data and monitoring of mental health of the health and care workforce.  

WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel

ICN has submitted a comprehensive evidence-based report highlighting gravely concerning nurse recruitment trends, as part of the latest reporting round on implementation of the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel. Read the story here.

Health Policy Watch published an article based on ICN’s WHO Global Code report.

Mpox is declared a public health emergency

Following WHO’s declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), we disseminated a press release echoing WHO’s call for international cooperation and coordination of efforts to control the spread of mpox and urging governments to scale up their efforts to counter this PHEIC so that shortages of vaccines and PPE do not occur. Read the full story on our website.

ICN President letter to UN Secretary General

On 29 July, Dr Cipriano wrote to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres asking for firm and decisive action to be taken to prevent attacks on nurses and health care facilities. She called on the UN Secretary to do everything in his power to stop these growing attacks and protect health workers and their patients. Read her letter here

H20 Summit

Howard Catton attended the H20 Summit supporting the call to focus on SDGs and AMR, address climate impact and to systematically improve ethnicity and gender data collection to improve understanding of needs and experiences. The H20 Summit is an independent annual platform in support of the G20 Presidency agendas.  Read the H20 Call to Action here. Go to the H20 website for more information.

CDNM Symposium

Howard delivered a virtual keynote address on global health and nursing key challenges at the Symposium of the Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery for Australia and New Zealand, that took place on 17-19 July with the theme Influence, Engage and Innovate.

Humanitarian work

The latest update on the #NursesforPeace campaign highlights Dr Cipriano’s call to the UN to do more to stop the targeting of health care staff and facilities in war zones; our ICN intervention at the World Health Assembly on the WHO health and peace initiative; and news from our member associations in Israel and Palestine, it includes an update from the President of the Nursing Association of Ukraine, Tetyana Chernyshenko, and news on our support of Project Kesher, an innovative e-bike transport scheme in Ukraine. Finally, we have news from Sudan, including an update from Mowafag Hassan, President of the Sudanese Nurses Organization and a testimonial from a frontline nurse in Sudan.  Read the latest #NursesforPeace Update here.

You can support ICN’s #NursesforPeace Campaign by donating here.

ICN has entered into a new partnership with global leader in humanitarian aid distribution Direct Relief, which works in more than 80 countries around the globe fulfilling its mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies, without regard to politics, religion or ability to pay. Read the full story here. The partnership has resulted in the appointment of an ICN Humanitarian Liaison Officer, Lizzy Smeaton-Russel, who will use the global expanse of ICN’s member National Nurses Associations to rapidly access organizations on the ground. Lizzy is a senior paediatric nurse who has in parallel worked three years with MSF and other international NGOs in various conflict zones, addressing malnutrition, illnesses, natural disaster relief and the challenges of conflict environments.

ICN statement on the need for protection of health care workers against gender-based violence

Following the horrific rape and murder of a female trainee doctor in a hospital in India, ICN released a statement expressing our grave concerns about the increasing levels of gender-based violence against health care workers globally and calling for legislation to protect health care workers in the workplace and an end to all gender-based violence. Read the statement here.

South Korean Nursing Act

Upon finalizing this update, we received the news from the Korean Nurses Association that the Nursing Act which they have tirelessly lobbied for, and which we have proactively supported through a range of interventions including high level political meetings, has been passed. This is excellent news and we will publish further updates soon. Read our previous story on our support here.

This summer, the ODENNA programme reached several significant milestones. The "How to Fundraise and Pitch" course was successfully concluded, culminating in a vibrant Pitch Contest. This event saw eight ODENNA NNAs present their projects to a live audience, demonstrating their refined pitching skills. The contest was not only a success but also a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams.

Meanwhile, all 23 teams continue to make steady progress on their innovative projects. Each team is applying the knowledge and skills gained from LFC workshops and the How to Fundraise course to advance their initiatives.

In addition to project development, the NAMI mentorship initiative has officially kicked off. Our mentors and mentees have begun their collaborations, establishing strong relationships and setting clear goals for their engagements. This collaboration is already proving to be a cornerstone of both personal and project development.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that additional training courses will be launched soon. These courses are designed to further enhance the organizational development of the ODENNA NNAs.

Interested in making a direct impact? We still have some space available for mentors. If you wish to join our mentorship efforts, please reach out to Jody Temple White at [email protected].

LFC Korea

The Korean Nursing Association (KNA) successfully held Workshop 1 of the LFC programme on 8-12 July. The event, attended by KNA President Young Ran Tak, KNA representatives, and 9 participants, marked the beginning of three key projects:

• Group 1: Developing growth guidelines and educational programmes for experienced nurses with over 10 years of career experience.
• Group 2: Creating a nursing education programme focused on operating home care centres, aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial capabilities.
• Group 3: Enhancing team-building skills among midlevel nursing staff using the DISC personality assessment to promote a happier and more effective work environment.

LFC Programme Director, Dr Kristine Qureshi, joined online to congratulate the new participants.

LFC Norway

The Norwegian Nurses Organization (NNO) kicked off its third LFC programme on 26 August 2024. Kai Øivind Brenden, 1st Deputy Chairman of the NNO, officially opened the programme. This year, the programme saw a high level of interest, with 63 applications for just 30 available spots. Best of luck to the newest LFC cohort in Norway as they embark on this exciting journey!

The latest update on the #NursesforPeace campaign highlights Dr Cipriano’s call to the UN to do more to stop the targeting of health care staff and facilities in war zones, our ICN intervention at the World Health Assembly on the WHO health and peace initiative, and news from our member associations in Israel and Palestine. The update also includes the latest developments from the President of the Nursing Association of Ukraine, Tetyana Chernyshenko, and news on our support of Project Kesher, an innovative e-bike transport scheme in Ukraine. Finally, we have news from Sudan, including an update from Mowafag Hassan, President of the Sudanese Nurses Organization and a testimonial from a frontline nurse in Sudan. Read the latest #NursesforPeace Update here.

You can support ICN’s #NursesforPeace Campaign by donating here.

GNLI Alumni Annual Meeting: On 9 & 11 July,  the over 200 participants who joined the online 2024 GNLI Alumni Annual Meeting were welcomed by Howard; Dr Patsy Yates, Executive Dean at Queensland University of Technology; and Dr Jed Montayre and Ms. Angela Wignall, co-chairs of the GNLI Alumni Leadership Group. WHO CNO and GNLI Class of 2013 alumna, Dr Amelia Latu Afuhaamango Tuipulotu shared her journey into global nursing leadership. Espen Gade Rolland, President of the Norwegian Nurses Organization’s professional group in mental health and addiction, discussed his work on the ICN Guidelines on Mental Health Nursing including presenting them guidelines at a WHO global guidelines event in Shanghai, China. ICN staff, David Stewart and Gill Adynski, shared future opportunities for GNLI Alumni to get more involved at ICN. Dr Jill White, Professor Emerita at the University of Sydney, and Dr Michelle Gunn, Group Chief Nursing Officer at Burjeel Holdings, led a session on the ongoing project to advance a new definition of nursing and getting global feedback and directions on the subject. Read the full story here.

GNLI Director: GNLI Dr Diana Mason has received an Honorary Fellowship from the Australian College of Nursing during the National Nursing Forum 2024!

GNLI Europe scholars report: GNLI scholars have produced a powerful report on bilateral labour agreements & internationally educated nurses in Europe, showing an urgent need for more nursing input in policies. Read the full report here.

GNLI Module 2

Preparations for Module 2, which traditionally takes place in ICN’s Geneva headquarters, are well under way and invites will be sent out to speakers soon. We have also secured our day at WHO, which will once again end with a reception at ICN HQ and catered by CuisineLab. GNLI received funding from the Health Carousel Foundation and has been approved to receive funding from the N4P fund as well. We are also taking this time to review course materials and the requirements for the Regional Projects to ensure alignment with ICN’s strategic goals. We are working with the data officer to assess the external impact of the programme, which we hope to showcase during Congress.

The strategic reset of the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP) is progressing as planned. Under the leadership of Professor Nick Hardiker and in collaboration with the ICNP Editorial Board, ICN, and SNOMED International, we are actively engaged in integrating stakeholder feedback and refining our framework.

Current activities are focused on preparing for forthcoming discussions and reviews that will drive further enhancements to the ICNP. We appreciate your ongoing support and will share more details as we advance in this important process.

Girl Child Education Fund

With the summer break behind them, the girls supported by the GCEF will return to their studies in September. We hope they enjoyed their vacation and are now ready to tackle the final academic term with renewed energy and motivation.

As we enter this new phase of the year, GCEF remains steadfast in its mission to empower orphaned daughters of nurses through education. Our commitment to supporting their educational journey continues to drive us forward, as we believe that education is the foundation for personal growth and stronger health systems. GCEF is currently funding the education of 78 girls in Eswatini, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia. With the average cost of keeping a girl in school at USD 1 500 per year, every contribution brings us closer to our goal of educational equality.

We are deeply grateful to our donors whose generosity makes this programme possible, and to the volunteer nurses and local coordinators who play a vital role in supporting these girls in their academic journey.

If you're interested in supporting this cause, donations can be made through ICN's bank account or online portal. If you have any questions about GCEF, please contact us at [email protected]. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these young girls and their communities.

Nursing Definitions Project

ICN is currently reviewing its definitions of 'nursing' and 'nurse' to ensure they reflect its legacy, align with contemporary practice, and represent the global nursing community. The new definitions, which need to be supported by ICN members, are expected to be ratified at the CNR meeting in Helsinki, 2025. Please complete the survey here or contact either Dr Michelle Gunn or Prof. Jill White for more information.

ICN Congress Helsinki

Abstract submission is open!

The abstract submission platform for our Helsinki 2025 Congress is now open! The theme of next year's Congress is "Nursing Power to Change the World!" and address the diverse challenges and opportunities facing nursing professionals today.  We encourage submissions from nursing professionals, researchers, educators, students, and practitioners to participate in our call for abstracts. This is a fantastic opportunity to share your insights and contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge and practice. Submit your abstract here by 30 September! See guidelines and submission process here.

Submit your symposium abstract!

We are pleased to announce that the platform for submitting symposium proposals for the ICN 2025 Congress is now open! ICN invites its members organizations and partners to propose hosting a one-hour symposium at the upcoming Congress. These symposia offer a unique opportunity to present your work or message to a global audience. We are seeking innovative ideas that will inspire and inform nurses worldwide. Click here to submit your abstract! Deadline is 30 September. For further information, please contact Hoi Shan Fokeladeh.

Webinar on Abstract Submission

We are excited to announce that we had almost 400 participants on our webinar which was designed to provide valuable information regarding the Abstract Submission process for the ICN Congress in Helsinki 2025. Please submit an abstract on our online submission platform here! You can view the recording of the webinar here.

Sponsor the ICN Congress!

Don’t miss the exciting opportunity to be a sponsor/exhibitor at our ICN Congress in 2025, the world’s largest international nursing congress, providing you with a platform to showcase your organization to over 6,000 delegates including 4,000+ nurses! Get more information here .

For more details, contact us at [email protected] 

ICN NP/APN Network Conference opens 9 September!

ICN’s NP/APN Network Conference will open on 9 September in Aberdeen, Scotland. Make sure to follow us on social media with the hashtag #NPAPN2024. With approximately 1,000 APNs representing more than 50 countries, this conference will be the largest international gathering of APNs and promises to be the premier event of its kind.

Register now for ICN 125th Anniversary Conference, Bucharest

Come celebrate ICN’s remarkable 125-year journey and the contributions of our members around the world at the prestigious Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, Romania on 21-22 October! Join us in learning from the past and shaping the future with deep dives into key topics of today such as technology, climate change, and the economic power of nursing! Register now at https://icn125.org/

ICN & ANA Webinar: The Challenges of Providing Care in Conflict

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) and the American Nurses Association along with the UC Irvine Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, and the Yale School of Nursing invite you to join us for a webinar to learn about the impact of conflict and crises on nurses and communities, and what we as a nursing community can do to help.

We will hear about the conditions and experiences where nurses are at risk due to conflict; learn about global relief efforts and response – including ICN”s humanitarian assistance and the #NursesForPeace campaign; and share and discuss potential actions for schools, associations, and individuals that support nurses in conflict areas globally.  Register here.

A Vision for Primary Health Care: Towards the realization of Universal Health Coverage

Look out for our new report on Primary Health Care to be launched 9 September along with our new position statement on PHC!

World Humanitarian Day

As part of the World Health Professions Alliance, ICN joined health professionals and others around the world to express unwavering condemnation of the escalating violence targeting healthcare facilities and personnel. Health professionals in 76 countries and territories around the world have signed the WHPA’s call to provide health care facilities and personnel in conflict zones with the protection required by international humanitarian law (IHL). Read the full story here.