The GNLI is a year-long programme that builds on the International Council of Nurses’ (ICN) legacy of working with senior nurses from around the world to increase their leadership understanding and expertise.
The GNLI 2025 programme focuses on:
Nurses from around the world will be selected as GNLI 2025 scholars through a competitive process. Successful applicants will be expected to find their own source of funding to attend, while bursaries may be available for those from low- and lower-middle-income countries (as per the World Bank classification).
During the programme, scholars will enjoy opportunities to network with ICN, the WHO and other global and regional health institutions and leaders, while developing policy-based projects based on the WHO priorities for their regions.
* The GNLI programme is fully taught in English. Participants are expected to have a good level of English in writing, comprehension and speaking. Applicants are also expected to submit a letter of support from their employer, national nursing association or other professional organisation.
Module | Date | Description |
Module 1 | Jun-Sep 2025 | This online module follows a cohort-based structure, starting with an all-scholar kick off session on 24 June 2025. This is followed by three subsequent regional sessions within each WHO region. Each session is two hours long. |
Module 2 | 4 Oct-11 Oct 2025 | Residential module in Geneva, Switzerland. Scholars and GNLI faculty members meet to discuss important nursing topics, visit the WHO HQ, meet and engage with nurse leaders. Scholars are expected to be fully present for the entire week. |
Module 3 | Oct-Jun 2026 | This online module is when scholars meet with their regions to develop regional projects, in collaboration with the WHO Regional Offices. |
> 3
World Bank Country Group | NNA Member of ICN | Non-NNA Member of ICN |
High income | 6,000 CHF (~ 6,800 USD) | 6,500 CHF (~ 7,367 USD) |
Upper-middle income | 6,000 CHF (~ 6,800 USD) | 6,500 CHF (~ 7,367 USD) |
Lower-middle income | 4,000 CHF (~ 4,524 USD) | 4,500 CHF (~ 5,090 USD) |
Low income | 3,500 CHF (~ 3,958 USD) | 4,000 CHF (~ 4,524 USD) |
* Consult the classification of your country of residence according to the World Bank here
* Consult ICN National Nurses Association members' list here
The fees cover all tuition; programme learning materials; use of and access to the online educational platform; full accommodation and meals for the residential Module in Geneva (4 October 2025 - 11 October 2025); transfers from/to Geneva airport on arrival and departure; two receptions and a site visit to the WHO headquarters.
Bursaries may be offered to applicants working, living and participating from a low- or lower-middle-income country as per the World Bank classification.
By completing the programme, you will be able to:
The GNLI encourages you to focus on your personal and professional development as a necessary foundation to becoming a more effective leader. You will set your own programme goals during Module 1, using templates and support documents; review and develop your competencies during Module 2; and create an individual development plan to work on during and beyond the programme.
The aims of this module are:
By the end of Module 1, you will select a focus for a Regional Project that aligns with the WHO regional office’s priorities and the WHO Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (GSDNM). You will be required to complete 12 assignments, with some to be submitted by specific deadlines. These assignments include preparatory reading, reviewing health and nursing data in your country, and identifying a project relevant to your work that you will continue to develop throughout the programme.
This module provides the intensive interactive learning experiences that constitute the core of GNLI. Scholars are expected to arrive in Geneva on or before 3 October to begin the in-person programme on the morning of 4 October. Scholars are expected to be fully present for the entire week. Meals are shared with other scholars, faculty and guests. The days begin at 08:00 CET and end after dinner around 21:00.
This module includes discussions on:
It also includes a site visit to WHO headquarters and meetings with global leaders.
The module includes assignments on continuing work with in-country mentors, continuing to refine and implement your individual development plan, presentations of Regional Project plans and implementation.
Note that scholars are required to participate in 80% of the scheduled online sessions in Modules 1 and 3 and be fully present during the Module 2 on-site week in Geneva to successfully complete the programme, receive a certificate of completion, and participate in the GNLI Alumni Network.
Diana J. Mason, PhD, RN, FAAN, (New York, USA) is the Programme Director for GNLI and Facilitator for the PAHO/AMRO region
See morePatsy Yates, PhD, RN, FAAN, FACN, AM, (Australia) is the GNLI Deputy Programme Director
See moreMaria do Céu Barbieri-Figueiredo, RN, MSc, PhD (Portugal) is GNLI 2025 EURO Region Facilitator
See moreProf. Chandrakal Sharma, MSN, MPA, (Nepal) is GNLI 2025 Facilitator for the SEARO Region Facilitator.
See moreEdna C. Tallam–Kimaiyo, RN, MPH, PhD, CGNC (Nairobi-Kenya, East Africa Region) is GNLI 2025 Faculty and Facilitator for the AFRO and EMRO regions.
See moreCatherine Schofield, RN, MN, GCNC (Tasmania, Australia) is GNLI 2025 Faculty and Facilitator for the WPRO region.
See moreEva Said is GNLI 2025 Faculty and Facilitator for the EMRO
See more