The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is a federation of more than 130 national nurses' organizations founded in 1899 with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The ICN represents more than 20 million nurses worldwide. Led by nurses, ICN works to ensure quality nursing care for all, sound health policies globally, the advancement of nursing knowledge, and the presence of a worldwide respected nursing profession and competent and satisfied nursing workforce (http://www.icn.ch).
We had the privilege of attending the ICN 120th anniversary biannual meeting in Singapore from June 28 to July 1, 2019. Five thousand nurses from 140 countries attended. Educational sessions were available from early morning until early evening. There was a mix of plenary and concurrent sessions along with advocacy forums. Exhibitors shared information and samples. The Marina Bay Sands Hotel Conference Center staff and local volunteers were amazing and attentive to the needs of the attendees. Several highlights were:
1. Recognition of 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife in celebration of Florence Nightingale's 200th birthday.
2. Girl Child Education Fund. This ICN fund supports the primary and secondary schooling of girls under the age of 18 in developing countries whose nurse parent(s) have died.
3. Nursing Now-developing emerging leaders (35 years and under)-Nightingale Challenge. The Nightingale Challenge offers an opportunity to be part of a global movement to equip and empower the next generation. The timeline includes Enrollment, Launch, Delivery, and Conclusion by December 2020. (More details available at: [email protected])
4. The Future of Nursing Reports. The Future of Nursing's Dashboard highlights national progress made in implementing the National Academy's Future of Nursing report recommendations that were released in 2010. The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 is a consensus study from the National Academy of Medicine.
5. Calling for Nominating Nurses Marianne and Margaritha for the Nobel Peace Prize (Korean Nurses Association). These two nurses from Austria heard that Sorokdo Island was in need of nurses, went to the island in their 20s and spent most of their lives taking care of patients with Hansen disease for approximately 40 years. Online participation is available by visiting the One Million-Signature Petition calling for the recommendation of Nurses Marianne and Margaritha for the Nobel Peace Prize. The Korean Nurses Association is spearheading the effort. Go to: http://mm.kna.or.kr/ to learn more and sign a petition of support.
We also had the opportunity to attend a reception at the Tsao Foundation that has been providing comprehensive health and home care to elderly residents in Singapore for 26 years. Thirteen nurses who provide hospice and home care attended. Each nurse shared experiences and made suggestions for future educational programs that can be offered through the International Home Care Nurses Organization (IHCNO). Fong Yoke Hiong, vice president of IHCNO, shared information on the Tsao Foundation and Barbara Piskor, president of IHCNO, shared information on IHCNO, and encouraged attendees to visit the website and sign up for email communication (http://www.ihcno.org). Save the dates June 5-9, 2021 for the 2021 ICN meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE!