ICN President seasonal message - “Thank you for all your efforts in 2019, prepare to seize the once in a life-time opportunity of the Year of the Nurse”

International Council of Nurses President, Annette Kennedy, warmly thanked all of the ICN family for their major contribution to nursing over the last 12 months, and urged them to prepare to seize the once in a life-time opportunity presented by the 2020 International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

In her video message, Ms. Kennedy reflected on the successes of 2019 and highlighted how the whole of the ICN membership came together at the ICN Congress in Singapore, and renewed its commitment to ensuring nursing has a seat at the top table of decision-making for healthcare, and its members are respected. The ICN President also spoke of the urgency of addressing the multitude of challenges our profession faces, including the estimated nine million shortage of nurses by 2030, and the necessity to develop more nursing leadership initiatives on the road to universal health coverage.

Ms. Kennedy said, “The Year of the Nurse and the Midwife is a unique opportunity, a once in a life-time opportunity for nurses to showcase your work. Nursing is the backbone of the health service, let’s show everyone!”

Wishing members and staff a happy festive period, the ICN President urged everyone to be ready to share their stories and events in the New Year and make the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife and its legacy a great success.

Watch video message here