On International Nurses Day, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) puts the spotlight on this year’s theme: Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives. In a powerful statement, ICN President José Luis Cobos Serrano calls for recognition, investment, and structural support to unleash the full potential of nursing worldwide. Read the full statement below.

The power of the nursing profession to save and transform lives is clear. But power without recognition, without investment, becomes invisible.

When we don’t name our power, we give it away.

When leaders don’t provide the structural support that enables nursing power, they leave billions of dollars and millions of lives on the table.

It is time for nurses to own our power to save and improve lives everywhere, with the support, recognition and empowerment the profession deserves.

— José Luis Cobos Serrano, ICN President

Sources:

• ICN Mission, Vision, Constitution and Strategic Plan
• ICN Constitution 2023 (PDF)
• ICN Strategic Plan 2024–2028 (PDF)