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
Ten Years of UN Security Council Resolution 2286: WHPA Calls for Protection of Health Personnel and Accountability for Attacks on Healthcare
Ten years after the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2286, the World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA) is calling on all states and parties involved in armed conflict to fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law and take urgent action to protect health personnel, patients and healthcare facilities.
4 May 2026
Nurses at the Heart of Safe Care: ICN President Speaks at Vatican WASH Event
On 23 April, ICN President Dr José Luis Cobos Serrano brought the voice of the world’s nurses to the Vatican, addressing a high-level NGO event focused on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in health care facilities.
24 April 2026
ICN webinar highlights role of new Nursing Definitions in strengthening global regulation
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) convened global leaders in regulation, education and policy on 21 April 2026 to explore how its updated Definitions of Nursing and of a Nurse can be embedded into modern regulatory systems.
22 April 2026
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.
16 April 2026
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WHPA
Ten Years of UN Security Council Resolution 2286: WHPA Calls for Protection of Health Personnel and Accountability for Attacks on Healthcare
Ten years after the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2286, the World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA) is calling on all states and parties involved in armed conflict to fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law and take urgent action to protect health personnel, patients and healthcare facilities.
4 May 2026
-
WHO
Nurses at the Heart of Safe Care: ICN President Speaks at Vatican WASH Event
On 23 April, ICN President Dr José Luis Cobos Serrano brought the voice of the world’s nurses to the Vatican, addressing a high-level NGO event focused on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in health care facilities.
24 April 2026
-
ICN webinar highlights role of new Nursing Definitions in strengthening global regulation
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) convened global leaders in regulation, education and policy on 21 April 2026 to explore how its updated Definitions of Nursing and of a Nurse can be embedded into modern regulatory systems.
22 April 2026
-
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.
16 April 2026