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 joins 48 million health professionals calling for inclusion of health care in global plastics treaty
As negotiations to finalize a major global treaty to end plastic pollution begin this week, the International Council of Nurses has joined with Health Care Without Harm and major health groups to demand strong commitments to limit plastic use and protect all people from plastic-related health harms, with special considerations rather than exemptions for the health sector, in an open letter.
7 August 2025
The power of nursing can defend against global health and infectious disease crises, says ICN CEO
ICN's CEO Howard Catton opened yesterday’s 7th International Global Network of Public Health Nursing (GNPHN) Conference in Calgary, Canada with a clear message: nurses must harness their power to address the world’s biggest health challenges — and they must be enabled with investment and policy that supports a strong, sustainable health workforce.
31 July 2025
Celebrating Dr Kristine Qureshi and the impact of Leadership for Change
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) celebrates the work of Dr Kristine Qureshi, who has recently retired from her role as Lead Trainer for the ICN Leadership for Change (LFC) programme, where she contributed years of dedicated service and made a significant impact on nursing leadership worldwide.
30 July 2025
International Council of Nurses response to worsening situation in Middle East
In response to the severe humanitarian crisis and widespread starvation escalating rapidly throughout Gaza, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) urgently calls on all governments and relevant authorities to facilitate immediate and unimpeded aid and humanitarian access to the region.
25 July 2025
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ICN joins 48 million health professionals calling for inclusion of health care in global plastics treaty
As negotiations to finalize a major global treaty to end plastic pollution begin this week, the International Council of Nurses has joined with Health Care Without Harm and major health groups to demand strong commitments to limit plastic use and protect all people from plastic-related health harms, with special considerations rather than exemptions for the health sector, in an open letter.
7 August 2025
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The power of nursing can defend against global health and infectious disease crises, says ICN CEO
ICN's CEO Howard Catton opened yesterday’s 7th International Global Network of Public Health Nursing (GNPHN) Conference in Calgary, Canada with a clear message: nurses must harness their power to address the world’s biggest health challenges — and they must be enabled with investment and policy that supports a strong, sustainable health workforce.
31 July 2025
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Projects
Celebrating Dr Kristine Qureshi and the impact of Leadership for Change
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) celebrates the work of Dr Kristine Qureshi, who has recently retired from her role as Lead Trainer for the ICN Leadership for Change (LFC) programme, where she contributed years of dedicated service and made a significant impact on nursing leadership worldwide.
30 July 2025
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#NursesforPeace
International Council of Nurses response to worsening situation in Middle East
In response to the severe humanitarian crisis and widespread starvation escalating rapidly throughout Gaza, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) urgently calls on all governments and relevant authorities to facilitate immediate and unimpeded aid and humanitarian access to the region.
25 July 2025