Advancing Nursing Leadership and Global Collaboration for a Sustainable Workforce
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – November 20–22, 2024. The University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC-CON) proudly represented the Philippines at the 22nd Asia Workforce Forum (AWFF), hosted by the Malaysian Nurses Association (MNA) in collaboration with the International Council of Nurses (ICN). The event, held at the Maya Hotel, convened nursing leaders from across Asia to address critical workforce challenges, share innovative solutions, and strengthen the nursing profession on a global scale.
Dr. Judith Odanee G. Magwilang, Dean of UC-CON, actively participated in this prestigious international gathering, underscoring the college’s commitment to contributing to global dialogues on workforce sustainability and the future of nursing leadership.
Forum Highlights
The three-day AWFF program featured in-depth discussions on workforce priorities, leadership development, and technological innovation in healthcare.
Day 1: November 20, 2024
- Opening Remarks: ICN CEO Howard Catton and MNA President Dr. Aisyahton Suhaimi called for collective action in addressing workforce challenges.
- Malpractice Insurance: Dr. Suhaimi led a dynamic discussion on the importance and implications of individual malpractice insurance for nurses.
- State of the World’s Nursing Report: Presented by Mr. Catton, this session provided global insights on migration, staffing, and nursing workforce resilience.
- Workforce Priorities: Nursing associations from across Asia shared workforce strategies and best practices in a “tour de table” collaboration session.
Day 2: November 21, 2024
- WHO Updates: Ms. Ai Tanimizu (Regional Advisor for Nursing, SEARO) and the newly appointed WHO WPRO Nursing Officer shared strategies to strengthen nursing networks and leadership in the region.
- Technology and Skills Integration: Ms. L. Yohgasundary emphasized balancing technology adoption with essential clinical competencies.
- Public–Private Partnerships: Ms. Abidah Yasin discussed the vital role of multi-sector collaboration in solving healthcare system challenges.
The day concluded with the adoption of a joint communiqué outlining shared commitments and a group photo with ICN and regional nursing leaders.
Day 3: November 22, 2024 – 18th AANA Meeting
The 18th Alliance of Asian Nurses’ Association (AANA) Meeting gathered leaders from 17 national nursing associations, including the Philippine Nurses Association, to discuss regional issues and future collaboration.
Highlights included:
- Telehealth and AI in Nursing: A discussion on integrating artificial intelligence in nursing care while maintaining ethical standards.
- Reframing the Nursing Profession: A session addressing misconceptions about nursing and strengthening the profession’s recognition through interprofessional collaboration and advocacy.
UC-CON’s Global Commitment
Dr. Magwilang’s active participation in the AWFF and AANA meetings reflects UC-CON’s continuing mission to engage in international partnerships, promote nursing leadership, and advocate for sustainable healthcare systems. Through participation in these global forums, UC-CON reinforces its role as a leader in nursing education and research, shaping future-ready nurses who can respond to global health challenges with competence and compassion.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment
This international engagement supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 3.C – Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training, and retention of the health workforce.
The forum focused on strengthening nursing capacity and addressing global workforce shortages to ensure sustainable health systems. - SDG 4.7 – Ensure learners acquire knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development and global citizenship.
UC-CON’s participation advanced global dialogue and learning exchange in nursing education and leadership. - SDG 8.5 – Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
Discussions on workforce conditions and professional protections support decent work and fair opportunities in healthcare. - SDG 17.17 – Encourage and promote effective public, public–private, and civil-society partnerships.
The collaboration among ICN, MNA, WHO, and UC-CON exemplifies strong partnerships driving sustainable nursing and health development.
