Welcome to the November 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!

G20 Health Ministers Declaration

In June, the ICN president wrote to the G20 leaders to address international health worker migration crisis.  We were delighted that our calls were reflected in the recent G20 Health Ministers’ Declaration, directly addresses inequitable international nurse recruitment patterns. Read our full press release here.

UN Conference on Climate Change, COP29

COP29 was held 11-22 November in Baku, Azerbaijan. As well as releasing our new position statement on climate change, expressing disappointment with insufficient climate finance commitments which fail to support the developing nations most affected, ICN also co-signed calls for COP29 to end fossil fuel expansion and secure adequate climate finance.

AMR Webinar

The World Health Professions Alliance held a webinar on 18 November on “Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in a Changing World" featuring Enrique Castro-Sánchez, a nurse leader and ICN representative. Read the full press release here and see ICN’s position statement on AMR here. 

WFPHA Policy engagement forum

On 4 November, Howard participated in the Policy Engagement Forum organized by the World Federation of Public Health Associations. This event brought together medical and public health professionals to establish best practices for advocacy, accelerate progress, and develop effective immunization strategies.

Global Power of Oncology Nursing conference

Howard also delivered an address on the “Economic Power of Care” at the virtual Global Power of Oncology Nursing (GPON) conference, held on 12 November with the theme “Oncology Nursing now: Where do we stand globally”. GPON’s mission is to recognize oncology nursing globally, address disparities in cancer care, and share oncology nurses' experiences and successes.

This month, the ODENNA teams have shared exciting updates on their NAMI mentorship and project activities. With support from their mentors, teams are advancing strategic plans, completing data collection, and implementing impactful changes like infection prevention and control (IPC) training and standardized nursing leadership practices. Collaborative exchanges with mentors and peer NNAs have sparked innovative solutions, while government and institutional backing continues to drive success. Notably, trained nurses are stepping into leadership roles, showcasing the lasting impact of these initiatives.

We’re also meeting with teams to share updates on the upcoming webinar series, Congress activities, and new networking opportunities. Stay tuned for more!

The Norwegian Nurses Organization hosted the world’s first alumni day for former ICN LFC participants! The purpose of the alumni day was to share experiences, stimulate networking, further nursing leadership development, and gain new inspiration and professional replenishment.

In November, ICN continued advancing its humanitarian initiatives, working closely with National Nurses Associations in humanitarian contexts. The resilience and commitment of NNAs continue to inspire us as they support nurses on the front lines. As part of these efforts, we also had the opportunity to speak with the Order of Nurses in Lebanon, further deepening our understanding of the challenges they face and the support needed.

To strengthen our efforts, we launched an additional survey focused on essential equipment, complementing the medication availability survey for these NNAs initiated in October. The data we are now receiving from the surveys, along with insights gathered from the context analysis and meetings with the NNAs, will guide ICN and Direct Relief in identifying actionable goals for collaborative humanitarian efforts. These activities have been carried out through our Humanitarian Liaison Officer, as part of our strategic partnership with Direct Relief.

We remain committed to amplifying nurses' voices and addressing their needs. By analyzing collected data and feedback, ICN is laying a strong foundation for initiatives to tackle pressing healthcare challenges in these regions.

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

The Global Nursing Leadership Institute (GNLI) is now accepting applications for its 2025 cohort! This prestigious programme equips senior nurse leaders with the skills, networks, and tools to drive impactful change in global health policy. GNLI focuses on building leadership capacity to address critical issues such as health equity, disaster preparedness, and universal healthcare. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a global network of nursing changemakers. Applications close 31 January 2025. Learn more and apply here.

For any questions about the GNLI programme or the application process, please contact [email protected].

This month, the focus of the ICNP initiative is on planning and ideation for the upcoming Congress. ICN and SNOMED are exploring ways to engage stakeholders, share updates, and gather insights to inform the ongoing development of this important framework.

The strategic refresh of the ICNP continues in due course, ensuring its alignment with the evolving needs of nursing practice and global health systems.

Girl Child Education Fund 

In November, ICN continued its commitment to supporting vulnerable girls through the Girl Child Education Fund (GCEF), marking both the International Day of the Child and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This month’s focus highlighted how GCEF is not only providing access to education for the orphaned daughters of nurses in Eswatini, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia, but also empowering them to overcome challenges like poverty and violence.

Since 2005, GCEF has empowered over 420 girls, with 78 currently benefiting from this support, helping them to succeed and thrive.  

Read more about our work and impact in the GCEF Activity Report 2023, available on our website. 

ICN Congress 2025

Take advantage of the Early Bird Registration fees for the ICN  2025 Congress, 9-13 June 2025 at the Messukeskus Expo & Convention Center in Helsinki, Finland. To see more information on the Congress Key Topics, click here!

Please check here to see if you need a visa. You can book your accommodation through our platform.  

We have received a record number of abstract submissions – over 10’000 from 9’600 individual authors, including 784 student submissions! This is the first time that students have been able to send in abstracts and we are delighted by the numbers who have submitted. The abstracts were reviewed this month with 8'449 being accepted.

Board meeting Cuba 

The ICN Board met in Havana, Cuba, from 26-28 November to discuss strategic nursing goals. This was followed by the 20th Congress of the Cuban Society of Nursing, an international conference that brought together hundreds of nurses from across the Latin American region, including many ICN National Nurses Associations. The Board hosted a lunch with our Associations from South America, fostering meaningful discussions and strengthening connections. This important event underscored ICN's commitment to listening to and collaborating with our LATAM Associations.

LINKS Magazine

We are delighted to announce the newest edition of LINKS Magazine, a publication of the Global Network of WHO Collaborating  Centres for Nursing and Midwifery, highlights the work of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) within the Global Network of WHO Collaborating Centres for Nursing and Midwifery. This edition is a culmination of collaborative efforts, offering a wealth of valuable insights and inspiration for all our valued Collaborating Centres and Partners.

This edition also shares tools and crucial insights for working in fragile, conflict-affected, and vulnerable (FCV) settings, and includes highlights into innovative educational advancements, practices and initiatives striving towards equitable healthcare for vulnerable populations. The content explores strategies and practices to support health workers and strengthen systems in these settings.

Read the magazine online here

The Lancet - Mobilising the health community to protect health care from attack

A recent commentary in The Lancet, co-authored by Dr Pamela Cipriano and members of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's steering committee, spotlights the escalating violence faced by health care workers globally. This piece underscores the dire need for systemic reforms to protect health care professionals, emphasizing that safeguarding them is critical for the resilience of health systems. Learn more about this initiative and the ongoing advocacy here.

International Nursing Review – ICN Congress 2025 editorial

In a collaborative editorial for the International Nursing Review, Hoi Shan Fokeladeh, Jed Montayre, and David Stewart explored the themes and opportunities of the upcoming ICN Congress in Helsinki, Finland. Set to convene under the theme "Nursing Power to Change the World," the Congress aims to showcase the transformative influence of nursing on global health policies and practices. Read the full editorial about the Congress here.

World Children’s Day

World Children’s Day, 20 November, is UNICEF’s global day of action for children, by children, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. ICN called for donations to the Girl Child Education Fund to support the orphaned daughters of nurses in sub-Saharan Africa.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Girls with low or no education are more likely to be caught in a vicious cycle of violence. On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 25 November, ICN called for support for the GCEF to help break the cycle of violence through education.