World Health Organization
As one of the first seven non-governmental organisations to be accepted into official relations with the World Health Organization in 1948, ICN has worked collaboratively on many projects of mutual interest over the years.
As a non-State actor, every year ICN actively participates in the WHO Executive Board meetings and the World Health Assembly to represent the voice of nurses and nursing to advance global health and promote public health.
Collaborative work with WHO on the nursing profession and health includes:
- Global strategic directions for nursing and midwifery 2021-2025
- Advanced nursing practice
- Patient safety
- Non-communicable diseases and mental health
- Primary health care
- Infection prevention and control
- Climate change and health
In this section
ICN responses to WHO
News
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).
9 October 2026
Following WHO Global Cancer Report, international nursing and palliative care leaders call for urgent workforce investment for rising cancer needs
Based on the evidence in WHO’s recent Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, the International Council of Nurses (ICN), International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC) and International Children's Palliative Care Network (ICPCN) urge leaders to invest in and protect the nursing and health workforce to urgently strengthen health systems and improve cancer outcomes across the full continuum of care.
24 July 2026
ICN at WHA79: Nursing powers essential to global health — but urgent action needed to protect them
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) brought a strong nursing voice to the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79), which closed on Saturday 23 May, demonstrating that empowered nursing workforces advance the full global health agenda.
29 May 2026
ICN brings nursing powers to World Health Assembly amidst global health crises
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is making the voice of nursing heard at the heart of international health decision-making at the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79), which opened yesterday.
19 May 2026
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WHO
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).
9 October 2026
-
WHO
Following WHO Global Cancer Report, international nursing and palliative care leaders call for urgent workforce investment for rising cancer needs
Based on the evidence in WHO’s recent Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, the International Council of Nurses (ICN), International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC) and International Children's Palliative Care Network (ICPCN) urge leaders to invest in and protect the nursing and health workforce to urgently strengthen health systems and improve cancer outcomes across the full continuum of care.
24 July 2026
-
WHO
ICN at WHA79: Nursing powers essential to global health — but urgent action needed to protect them
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) brought a strong nursing voice to the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79), which closed on Saturday 23 May, demonstrating that empowered nursing workforces advance the full global health agenda.
29 May 2026
-
WHO
ICN brings nursing powers to World Health Assembly amidst global health crises
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is making the voice of nursing heard at the heart of international health decision-making at the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79), which opened yesterday.
19 May 2026