International Council of Nurses
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is a federation of more than 140 national nurses associations (NNAs), representing the more than 30 million nurses worldwide. Founded in 1899, ICN is the world’s first and widest reaching international organisation for health professionals. Operated by nurses and leading nurses internationally, ICN works to ensure quality nursing care for all, sound health policies globally, the advancement of nursing knowledge, and the presence worldwide of a respected nursing profession and a competent and satisfied nursing workforce.
News
ICN urges action for healthy ageing at UN General Assembly
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has called for healthy ageing to receive greater attention in global health discussions, following a side event co-hosted with NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing during the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
24 September 2026
New research raises concerns over ‘substitution by stealth’ as global nursing shortfall grows
Major new research published in the September 2026 edition of The Lancet Public Health has put a number on the global Community Health Worker workforce for the first time, estimating it at 7.6 million. While recognizing the essential contribution of Community Health Workers, the findings raise concerns that they may increasingly be used as a substitute for more highly educated and skilled registered nurses.
21 September 2026
Nashville conference closes with ‘undeniable global truth’: advanced practice nursing must be a health system priority
The ICN NP/APN Network Conference closed last night with a powerful message: advanced practice nursing is an urgent priority for all countries to expand access, strengthen primary health care and respond to rising health needs.
18 September 2026
Advanced practice nursing has solutions to urgent health challenges: we cannot let it stall
In yesterday’s NP/APN Network conference keynote address, ICN CEO Howard Catton laid out the compelling evidence for advanced practice nursing and warned that letting it stall now would be one of global health’s greatest missed opportunities.
17 September 2026
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United Nations
ICN urges action for healthy ageing at UN General Assembly
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has called for healthy ageing to receive greater attention in global health discussions, following a side event co-hosted with NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing during the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
24 September 2026
-
New research raises concerns over ‘substitution by stealth’ as global nursing shortfall grows
Major new research published in the September 2026 edition of The Lancet Public Health has put a number on the global Community Health Worker workforce for the first time, estimating it at 7.6 million. While recognizing the essential contribution of Community Health Workers, the findings raise concerns that they may increasingly be used as a substitute for more highly educated and skilled registered nurses.
21 September 2026
-
Nashville conference closes with ‘undeniable global truth’: advanced practice nursing must be a health system priority
The ICN NP/APN Network Conference closed last night with a powerful message: advanced practice nursing is an urgent priority for all countries to expand access, strengthen primary health care and respond to rising health needs.
18 September 2026
-
Advanced practice nursing has solutions to urgent health challenges: we cannot let it stall
In yesterday’s NP/APN Network conference keynote address, ICN CEO Howard Catton laid out the compelling evidence for advanced practice nursing and warned that letting it stall now would be one of global health’s greatest missed opportunities.
17 September 2026