International Council of Nurses welcomes Kazakhstan as newest member, strengthening the global voice of nursing

11 March 2026
PARYZ ICN logo

The International Council of Nurses (ICN), a federation of more than 140 national nursing associations worldwide, is pleased to announce that the Republican Public Association of Nursing Specialists of Kazakhstan - PARYZ - has joined ICN as its newest member.

PARYZ brings together nursing professionals across Kazakhstan and is dedicated to advancing the status, competencies and leadership of the nursing workforce. The association represents the interests of nurses before governmental bodies, contributes to national health legislation and regulation, and provides support in cases of professional conflict or legal disputes.

It also plays a key role in the professional development of Kazakhstan’s nursing community by organizing seminars, training programmes, conferences and knowledge-exchange initiatives. Through its work, PARYZ promotes nursing science, clinical excellence and leadership to strengthen the profession nationwide.

ICN President José Luis Cobos Serrano welcomed the association to the global nursing community.

“I warmly welcome our colleagues from Kazakhstan to the International Council of Nurses family. The continued growth of ICN strengthens the collective voice of nurses worldwide and advances our shared commitment to empowering nurses. Empowerment means ensuring nurses have the education, leadership opportunities and recognition they need to influence health systems and improve care for all. PARYZ’s membership is an important step forward for nursing in Kazakhstan and for the global nursing community.”

Gaukhar Kassimova, President of PARYZ, said:

“Membership in the International Council of Nurses opens new opportunities for collaboration and professional growth. We believe that through cooperation with colleagues around the world, Kazakhstani nursing professionals can make an important contribution to strengthening global health systems. This milestone not only advances nursing in Kazakhstan but also strengthens protections for nurses’ rights, enhances the prestige of our profession and supports long-term improvements in health systems and policies.”

A milestone for Kazakhstan and global nursing

Joining ICN marks an important step in the development of nursing in Kazakhstan. It will enable stronger international collaboration, shared learning and participation in global policy discussions shaping the future of health care.

Consult PARYZ's member page on our website here