GNLI 2020

This year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ICN is running its Global Nursing Leadership Institute (GNLI) virtually. Apart from the online mode of delivery, the leadership programme, which usually includes a residential week in Geneva, will continue as normal.

GNLI, which was launched in 2009, is a three-module strategic leadership programme that prepares top nurses from around the world to drive policy that improves the health of people, healthcare services and the nursing profession. It is led by renowned nurse leaders and co-directors of the programme Professor Jane Salvage and Dr Diana J. Mason.

On September 22, 23 scholars from 20 different countries beamed into the virtual launch of the programme. This year they will be supported by one of ten regional GNLI facilitators, who completed an intensive three-day training programme in August to prepare them for their new roles.

ICN Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton, who took part in the launch event, spoke to the scholars about the unprecedented challenges the world is facing and their potential to make an important contribution to the world’s health.

“Every day I hear about the fabulous work that nurses are doing to care for people and lead the health systems they work in during these incredibly challenging times. It is a source of huge optimism for us that, amid the despair that we may feel at times, nurses are in a place we can design the future that we want.

‘Nurses have a platform now because of the coronavirus, although not one that we would have sought, that is an opportunity to lead and take our profession to a different place.

‘And that is where you come in: the nursing profession has some fabulous leaders, but we need more and we need to make sure that they are equipped with the skills, networks and support they need to enable them to lead the profession where they work, but also within their countries, regions and globally.

‘That is why ICN is privileged and makes it a real priority to not just talk about policy leadership, but to play our part in the supply of future leaders. And you are part of that, and we are delighted to have you with us.”

ICN is indebted to the Burdett Trust for Nursing for its ongoing support of the GNLI programme.

Download the communication here