Helsinki, Finland — June 9, 2025 | Fellow Nurses Africa
In a landmark moment for global nursing, José Luis Cobos Serrano has been elected as the President of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) for the 2025–2029 term. The announcement, made during the ICN Congress 2025 in Helsinki, Finland, marks a new chapter for the global nursing community. With over 6,000 nurse leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders gathered, Cobos Serrano’s election underscores his extensive expertise and commitment to advancing nursing worldwide.
A Leader with Proven Expertise
Representing the Spanish General Council of Nursing (CGE), José Luis Cobos Serrano brings a wealth of experience in nursing policy, workforce advocacy, and global health collaboration. His career highlights include:
- Policy Leadership: Spearheading initiatives to strengthen nursing regulations and professional standards in Spain and across Europe.
- Global Advocacy: Championing fair pay, safe working conditions, and mental health support for nurses, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- International Collaboration: Building partnerships to enhance nursing education and retention in underserved regions, including Africa and Latin America.
Cobos Serrano’s track record positions him as a visionary leader ready to tackle pressing challenges like nursing shortages, healthcare equity, and nurse-led innovation.
The Presidential Race: A Global Perspective
Cobos Serrano emerged victorious among three highly qualified candidates for the ICN presidency:
- José Luis Cobos Serrano (Spain): Known for his strategic leadership in nursing policy and global workforce advocacy.
- Thembeka Gwagwa (South Africa): A fierce advocate for nurses’ rights and professional development, representing the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA).
- Ying Wu (China): A trailblazer in nursing education and digital transformation, representing the Chinese Nursing Association (CNA).
The competitive race highlighted the diversity and strength of global nursing leadership.
A Vision for Unity and Progress
In his acceptance speech, Cobos Serrano emphasized unity and action:
“Nurses are the heartbeat of global health systems. My presidency will focus on amplifying our collective voice, addressing workforce challenges, and fostering innovation to ensure nurses thrive in every corner of the world.”
His agenda includes:
- Workforce Retention: Addressing global nursing shortages through better pay and working conditions.
- Education Access: Expanding training opportunities, particularly in low-resource regions like Africa.
- Mental Health Support: Prioritizing nurse well-being post-pandemic.
- Global Collaboration: Strengthening ties between ICN and national nursing associations, including African organizations like DENOSA.
What This Means for African Nurses
While Cobos Serrano hails from Spain, his commitment to global equity resonates strongly with African nurses. His prior work on nurse-led primary care solutions and education access aligns with Africa’s needs, where nursing shortages and resource constraints remain critical issues. African delegates at the Congress expressed optimism about his leadership, anticipating stronger partnerships with organizations like DENOSA to drive healthcare innovation and policy reform on the continent.
Stay Connected with ICN 2025
Fellow Nurses Africa is reporting live from Helsinki, delivering:
- Real-time updates on key Congress sessions
- Exclusive interviews with African nurse leaders
- Policy insights shaping the future of nursing in Africa
- Highlights from keynote speeches and workshops
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