ICN warmly welcomes Cofen back to the global nursing family

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is pleased to welcome the Federal Nursing Council of Brazil (Cofen) back into membership, marking a positive moment of renewed collaboration for nursing in Brazil and across the world.

Cofen’s return brings one of the largest nursing communities globally back into the ICN family, strengthening the collective voice of nurses at a critical time for health systems everywhere. It also reinforces the growing influence of nursing leadership across Latin America and enhances ICN’s global reach and engagement.

Over the past year, ICN President Dr José Luis Cobos Serrano has maintained close dialogue with Cofen leadership and visited Brazil, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening relationships and fostering cooperation.

Welcoming Cofen’s reaffiliation, Dr Cobos Serrano said:

“We are delighted to welcome Cofen back to the ICN family. Brazilian nurses represent one of the largest and most influential nursing communities in the world, and Cofen plays a central role in representing and advancing the profession across the country.

As the national authority responsible for regulating and supporting nursing, Cofen is a key driver of professional leadership, development and standards in Brazil. Its work is essential not only for Brazilian nursing, but also for strengthening the voice and impact of our profession globally.

Cofen’s return is important not only for Brazil, but also for the continued strength and unity of nursing across Latin America and globally. By working together, we can further amplify the voice of nursing, support the development of the profession, and ensure that nurses’ expertise informs health policy at all levels. We look forward to a strong and constructive partnership in the years ahead.”

The Federal Nursing Council (Cofen) is the public entity responsible for regulating and overseeing the practice of nursing in Brazil, working in conjunction with the Regional Nursing Councils. Through this system, it provides professional oversight and guidance, promotes continuing education and workforce development, and advances policies on workplace safety and quality of care. Cofen plays a vital role in strengthening the profession and safeguarding the health of the population.

President of Cofen, Manoel Carlos Neri da Silva, said:

“The reaffiliation of the Brazilian Federal Nursing Council (Cofen/Brazil) to the International Council of Nurses represents a historic milestone for Brazilian nursing and a strategic step towards strengthening our role on the global stage.

In Brazil, nursing constitutes the largest health workforce, playing a central role in the organization of care systems, health promotion, and ensuring access to services for the population. Returning to the ICN means recognising this relevance and projecting the contribution of Brazilian nursing internationally.

Cofen returns to the ICN reaffirming its commitment to valuing the profession, the ongoing professional development of its staff, and the construction of more equitable, safe, and effective health systems.

We are convinced that international cooperation is essential to address contemporary health challenges, and integration into the ICN expands our capacity for dialogue, influence, and contribution to global nursing agendas.

This is a moment of reconnection with the international community and reaffirmation of the role of Brazilian nursing as a protagonist in knowledge production, care innovation, and the defence of health as a universal right.”

Cofen’s reaffiliation reflects a shared commitment to collaboration and to strengthening nursing’s contribution to global health. Together, ICN and Cofen will continue working to ensure that nurses are supported and empowered to lead in shaping the future of health care.