ICN Congress 2009 review

ICN (International Council of Nurses) Congress 2009 provided the RCN and its members with a unique opportunity to meet international peers, learn more about and influence nursing around the world.

Taking place in two parts, a conference open to all and a business meeting for the Council of National Representatives, the event played host to more than 5,600 nurses from across the globe. Around 70 RCN members also made their own way from the UK to this year's venue in Durban, South Africa.

High-quality speakers prompted some lively debate and the RCN led sessions on nurse led care, nurses and industrial action and expanding roles for nurses. Well received by delegates, the College's stand was swamped by visitors seeking follow-up information and copies of the presentations. Many more delegates descended on the stand to find out about the RCN and Open University alliance and more general information.

The Council of National Representatives business meeting saw the RCN taking a key role in securing a commitment to widening the membership of the ICN to include a larger group of nursing associations. Following a great deal of opposition to the initial proposal the RCN teamed up with other key national associaitons and the ICN to work on a compromise that included a revised membership fee structure. Each country also has to show how it is entering into dialogue with other nursing organisations with the potential to become members of the ICN.

The RCN also sought a commitment to value for money, agreeing to the inflation in ICN dues but with a shorter review time than initially proposed.

It was election time too, and the RCN's preferred candidate Rosemary Bryant of Australia was elected as the new ICN president. RCN member Sylvia Denton was also elected to the board. Read the full election results on the ICN website.

Finally the ICN saw the first formal meeting of its International Student Network with a half day student assembly as part of the Council of Representatives meeting.