Annette Kennedy, who served as Third Vice President of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) from 2013-2017 and President of the European Federation of Nurses (EFN) from 2005-2007, has been elected as the 28th President of the International Council of Nurses (ICN). 

 

The election took place in the context of ICN’s governing body meeting,the Council of National Nursing Association Representatives (CNR), during the ICN International Congress in Barcelona, Spain. 

 

Close to 8,108 nurses from 135 countries gathered at the Congress to share knowledge  and discuss global health care priorities.

 

“It is a great pleasure to congratulate Annette Kennedy and the new Board members on their appointment, said Dr Frances Hughes, ICN’s Chief Executive Officer, “and I look forward to working closely with them as we continue to move ICN forward to advance nursing, nurses and health around the world.”

 

Ms Kennedy, an Irish nurse, who was Director of Professional Development at the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation from 1994-2012,has extensive experience in dealing with policy issues at high levels and has long been involved with ICN through her vice-presidency and through her work as the President of the European Federation of Nurses (EFN) and as director of professional development for 19 years in the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

 

“I believe ICN has the potential to influence the delivery of global nursing care and health policy, said Ms Kennedy. “ Over the next four years I aim to ensure that this worldwide organisation is fit or purpose in the changing economic and healthcare environment, meeting the needs of our members and allowing them, in turn, to meet the needs of their patients/clients.”

 

Her career is marked by her contributions to the advancement of nursing notably through the Professional Development Centre in Dublin, an education and research hub for nursing which she helped establish.

 

The Council of National Nursing Association Representatives was also a strategic time for ICN as it was the occasion to elect new members to the ICN Executive Board. Divided in seven areas. Nominations resulted in the appointment of thirteen new candidates, including;

. Thembeka Gwagwa from South Africa representing Area 1

. Fatima Al Rifai from the Emirates representing Area 2

. Ioannis Leontiou from Cyprus representing Area 2

. Karen Bjoro from Norway representing Area 3

. Brigita Skela-Savic from Slovenia representing Area 3

. Roswitha Koch from Switzerland representing Area 4

. Maria Eulalia from Juvé Spain representing Area 4

. Pamela Cipriano from the United States representing Area 5

. Lisa Little from Canada representing Area 5

. Erika Caballero from Chile representing Area 6

. Lian-Hua Huang from Taiwan representing Area 7

. Sung Rae Shin from Korea representing Area 7

. Wu Ying from China representing Area 7

ICN welcomes new Board of Directors

Note for Editors

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is a federation of more than 130 national nurses associations representing the millions of nurses worldwide. Operated by nurses and leading nursing internationally, ICN works to ensure quality care for all and sound health policies globally.

 

For further information contact Lindsey Williamson at: [email protected]

Tel: +41 22 908 0100

Fax: +41 22 908 0101

www.icn.ch

www.icncongress.com