Reflections from the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation Conference, New Delhi
Attending the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation (CNMF) Conference in New Delhi in September was both a privilege and an enriching professional experience. As Director of the RCN Foundation, I have the opportunity to engage with nursing leaders from across the UK, but this conference offered a unique global perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our professions across the Commonwealth. It brought home to me the reality of nursing and midwifery as a global workforce.
From the moment I arrived in New Delhi, I was struck by the energy, diversity and shared commitment of delegates. Bringing together nurses, midwives, educators, researchers and health leaders from across the Commonwealth created a powerful environment for learning, collaboration and collective action. Despite the differences in our healthcare systems, resources and contexts, there was a clear sense of common purpose: improving health outcomes, strengthening the nursing and midwifery workforce, and advancing health equity for the communities we serve.
Together with Dr Sharin Baldwin and Rihit Sagoo, I was delighted to be able to co-present some of the findings from the RISE (Research on International educated nurses and midwives Support Experiences in the UK) study, funded by the RCN Foundation. The study focuses on understanding the experiences and career trajectories of internationally educated nurses and midwives.
It was important to share our key message that ethical recruitment should be matched by ethical retention, recognition and leadership development. We need to move from asking “how do we recruit and register?” to “how do colleagues belong, develop, progress and lead?” if we are to address some of the inequities faced by internationally educated nurses and midwives. This narrative resonated widely with colleagues from different countries.
A global profession with shared challenges
One of the most striking themes throughout the conference was the universality of many of the challenges facing our professions. Workforce shortages, retention, wellbeing, access to education, leadership development and health inequalities were recurring topics across presentations and discussions.
Listening to colleagues from countries with vastly different healthcare infrastructures highlighted both the resilience and innovation that exist across the nursing and midwifery workforce. It was inspiring to hear examples of nurses and midwives leading service transformation, developing community-based solutions and advocating for populations that are often underserved.
The conference reinforced my belief that while healthcare challenges may be global, some of the most effective solutions are developed locally by nurses and midwives who understand the needs of their communities.
The importance of leadership and investment
A key message that resonated throughout the conference was the need for continued investment in nursing and midwifery leadership. Across many sessions, there was recognition that achieving sustainable improvements in healthcare requires nurses and midwives to be represented at decision-making tables.
Leadership is not only about influencing policy but also about creating environments where colleagues can thrive, innovate and deliver the highest standards of care. The conference showcased countless examples of leadership at every level, from senior health executives shaping national strategies to frontline clinicians driving change within their own services.
As someone whose work focuses on supporting nurses through education, research and professional development, I was encouraged by the extent to which leadership development is increasingly being highlighted as essential to strengthening healthcare systems worldwide.
A particular highlight for me was meeting some of the nursing leaders of the future, a group of nursing students who had recently graduated from a local military nursing school. Each and every one had passed their nursing degree with a distinction. Their enthusiasm and commitment to their profession shone through and was inspiring to observe.
Addressing health inequalities
Another particularly important area of discussion was health inequalities. Delegates shared compelling examples of how nurses and midwives are addressing disparities in access to healthcare, supporting marginalised populations and improving outcomes for vulnerable communities. These conversations strongly aligned with many of the priorities we focus on within the RCN Foundation. Whether the inequalities stem from geography, poverty, disability, gender or social exclusion, nurses and midwives often serve as the bridge, and sometimes the only bridge, between healthcare systems and the people who need the most support.
The conference provided a valuable reminder that tackling health inequalities requires partnership, evidence-informed practice and a commitment to understanding the lived experiences of patients and communities.
Learning from international colleagues
One of the greatest benefits of attending international conferences is the opportunity to learn from colleagues working in different settings. The exchange of ideas throughout the conference was both practical and inspiring.
I was particularly interested in conversations around nursing research, digital innovation and approaches to community health. Many delegates described creative ways of delivering care in resource-constrained environments, often achieving remarkable outcomes through collaboration and innovation. These discussions highlighted that learning is never a one-way process. We all have experiences, insights and solutions that can benefit others, and forums such as the CNMF conference play a vital role in facilitating that knowledge exchange.
Celebrating the nursing and midwifery community
Beyond the formal presentations, one of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the Commonwealth. Building professional relationships, sharing experiences and discussing common challenges reminded me of the strength, solidarity and kindness that exists within our professions.
The passion, commitment and expertise demonstrated by delegates throughout the conference were truly inspiring. It was a celebration not only of professional achievement but also of the values that unite nurses and midwives worldwide: compassion, advocacy, evidence-based practice and a commitment to improving lives.
Looking ahead
As I reflect on my time in New Delhi, I have returned with a renewed sense of optimism and purpose. The conference reinforced the critical contribution that nurses and midwives make to healthcare systems around the world and the importance of supporting them to realise their full potential.
The challenges facing health and care services are significant, but the conference demonstrated that there is also tremendous expertise, innovation and determination across the global nursing and midwifery community. By working together, sharing knowledge and investing in our workforce, we can continue to strengthen our professions and improve health outcomes for future generations.
I am grateful to the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation for bringing together such an inspiring group of professionals and for creating a platform that fosters collaboration, learning and leadership. I left New Delhi with new ideas, new connections and a deeper appreciation of the remarkable contribution nurses and midwives make every day, across the Commonwealth and beyond.