The International Council of Nurses (ICN) supports the extension of the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery 2021-2025 (GSDNM) but calls for its update based on the forthcoming State of the World’s Nursing Report 2 (SOWN2) in 2025. SOWN2 will provide essential data on workforce shortages, unequal distribution, and unethical migration, informing future policy decisions.

ICN is concerned about the slow implementation of GSDNM, with insufficient resources and clear deliverables to improve retention, expand the workforce, create decent jobs, strengthen education, optimize roles for advanced practice, empower nurse leaders, and enhance regulation. Without concrete action, Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals will remain out of reach.

ICN urges WHO and Member States to prioritize actionable commitments, ensuring that these strategies are supported with the necessary resources and policies to strengthen the nursing workforce and meet global health demands.