Leaders from the International Council of Nurses (ICN) have met to reaffirm their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SGD), particularly in regards to universal health coverage and the control of disease.

At a meeting of the 130-plus member council, which represent over 20 million nurses, nursing leaders discussed the role of nurses in achieving the Goals, which were adopted by the United Nations in 2015.

The SGD represent 17 points of common agreement between member states, which range from the eradication of poverty and climate change, to the achievement of universal health coverage and economic growth.

The ICN’s discussions occurred in light of the upcoming International Year of the Nurse and Midwife in 2020, which will shine a spotlight on the issues within nursing and midwifery.

In speaking to the Council’s members, ICN President, Annette Kennedy, reiterated the importance of involving nurses in the delivery of universal health care and the overall Sustainable Development Goals.

“The nursing workforce represents 50% of the health workforce, yet delivers 90% of the hands-on care,” Kennedy said. “Nurses can make a huge difference to the health of people all around the globe”.