New ICN report highlights nurses’ impact on global policy and turns WHA commitments into action
Nurses play a pivotal role in shaping policies to advance global health goals, according to a report published on October 9th, 2026 by the International Council of Nurses (ICN).
From WHA to Action: A Nursing Policy Guide for Global Health Advocacy & Decision-Making is ICN’s official report on the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79), held in Geneva from 18–23 May. ICN convened an in-person and virtual delegation of 150 nursing leaders.
With none of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals on track for 2030, the report connects global decision-making with nursing action. It explains the decisions that matter most for nurses and health systems at WHO’s supreme decision-making body, where 194 Member States debate and adopt global health policies.
“Nurses belong at the policy table as well as the bedside table,” said ICN President José Luis Cobos Serrano, who led the delegation. “Whether it’s on health emergencies, primary health care, or universal health coverage (UHC), nurses can spot where policy falls short—and shape a better approach. Empowered nurses save lives, strengthen health systems, and drive progress toward every global health target.”
During WHA79, ICN delivered statements on nine agenda items, hosted side events and held more than 50 bilateral meetings with Member States and WHO leadership. This brought the voice of around 30 million nurses to discussions shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, conflict, severe funding cuts and WHO restructuring.
A year-long advocacy resource, the report highlights priorities including the economic power of health for all and ethical recruitment of health personnel. It offers practical guidance for engaging governments, Chief Nursing Officers, regulators and other decision-makers; informing national nursing and workforce plans; strengthening leadership and education; identifying research priorities; and monitoring implementation and accountability.
ICN First Vice President Sineva Ribeiro, who joined the delegation, said:
“Nurses do not only implement health policy; they shape it, at national, regional, and global levels. We must now ensure that the landmark commitments made at WHA79 are matched by the urgency they demand. The world cannot achieve universal health coverage or keep populations safe without sufficient, supported, and empowered nurses.”
The report also emphasizes continued multilateral cooperation and nursing participation. Erica Burton, ICN Senior Policy Advisor and a core WHA79 delegate, said:
"The meaningful participation of nursing leaders in forums like the WHA is essential to ensuring effective and inclusive policy development. We know from years of experience that the input of nurses resonates both within and beyond the assembly, and it is already making a tangible impact on the global health agenda in the critical years ahead."
