When the word journey springs to mind most people think of suitcases, vacations, beaches, sun, food, skiing etc; in my case the two words that come to mind first are a passport and a midwifery degree. As an internationally trained midwife, who has worked in the NHS for over a decade and now teaches in a Higher Education Institute, those two words mean my opportunity to work in the UK and practice midwifery.  Midwifery has helped me, as many others internationally trained or not, to embark on a lifelong journey. Even in my current role teaching midwifery students, I continue to observe firsthand that midwifery represents a profound journey of transition—not only for the women and families in their care, but also for the students themselves as they develop both personally and professionally. Consequently, the concept of a “journey” remains intrinsically linked to my own midwifery identity.

This year involves a special visit to Lisbon from the 13^th to the 18^th of June 2026 for the 34^th International Midwives Confederation (ICM) Triennial Congress, where midwives from all over the world will gather to celebrate the commitment to improving healthcare for the sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health (SRMNAH) needs globally. The plea is a clear mandate for one million midwives more to assist in reducing maternal or neonatal deaths, advocating for equitable access to maternity care and application of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), both globally and locally, thought supportive midwifery leadership. The RCM has been attending the ICM and working collaboratively with associations since 1922, when the ICM commenced its action. At every conference there is an opportunity to strengthen the profession for the benefits of women, newborns, their families and the midwives, who work tirelessly to offer safe and research informed care.

The RCM this year has offered me the privilege to embark on the journey of 34th ICM in Lisbon. The ICM is an opportunity for midwifery; to grow as a profession; a philosophy of care to be revisited and discussed through research and education; and a political catalyst that strives for fair and equitable societies. Midwifery is a small fragment of healthcare systems globally. However, its impact is highly valued and praised. Our profession shapes the health of the birthing people primarily, the mother and baby then and finally the whole family. Aiding families to have a healthy onset sets a pace for a healthier lifestyle. In Lisbon midwives are getting together to discuss research, practice, policy, guidelines and the future of the profession. The opportunity to have midwives together from every corner of the world can only mean one thing: a new direction for the journey of midwifery…

So this experience sounds unique to me, as every new journey. However, on this journey I am not going to be alone this time; I want to invite you, all my colleagues, the UK based midwives and RCM members, student midwives and maternity support workers t0  experience this adventure virtually. I will share videos, photos and daily thoughts to help you live through my lens the ICM experience. The aim is simply to sustain and nurture the spark of midwifery within us, enabling us to care for and inspire others, so that the journey can be continuous! I am looking forward to sharing this journey with you in a quest to unite our voices for One Million Midwives More, just because Midwives Make Change and a Difference.

See you all in Lisbon and let the journey begin…