Is the ICM Congress a Midwifery compass for maternity leaders, researchers, educators and clinical practitioners?
It has almost been a month since we all returned to our countries following the 34th ICM congress in Lisbon, 12 -18 of June 2026. More than 3000 midwives from all over the world gathered to discuss, develop and advance the midwifery profession. Of course, there was strong representation form the United Kingdom, with more […]
Looking back with gratitude and moving forward with hope
Before travelling to Lisbon for the ICM 34th Triennial Congress, I wrote that I hoped to leave with the same passion for midwifery and a greater understanding of maternity care around the world. I can now say with certainty that I left with far more than I ever imagined. Like many student midwives, the end […]
ICM Opening ceremony a student perspective
Putting the experience into words feels almost impossible. The opening ceremony of the ICM Congress 2026 was powerful, emotional, and deeply unifying. From the outset, global leaders in maternity care from the UK, Bangladesh, Portugal, Switzerland, and beyond took to the stage with honesty and courage. No issue was avoided. They spoke openly about conflict, […]
The opening ceremony: Dancing with the flags
The opening ceremony was nothing short of extraordinary, bringing together an inspiring community of 3,000 midwives from every corner of the globe. It was a moment that beautifully captured the unity, pride, and shared purpose that defines the midwifery profession. One of the most moving highlights of the ceremony was the flag procession. Midwifery leaders […]
Standing together: a march for one million more midwives
Day one of the 34th International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Congress in Lisbon was unforgettable. It didn’t begin in a lecture hall, but in the streets, with a powerful, collective march calling for One Million More Midwives. More than 1,000 midwives have come together—parteras, matronas, μαίες, and so many more—each voice adding to a shared […]
A day of unity, passion, and purpose in Lisbon
I want to start this blog with a heartfelt thank you to the RCM staff who made me feel so incredibly welcome at the march. From the very first moment, there was a genuine sense of warmth and belonging that set the tone for what turned out to be a truly inspiring experience. It was […]
Why the ICM Congress is important to me as a student midwife
I am delighted to have won the RCM student midwife competition to attend the 34th International Confederation of Midwives Triennial Conference 14-18th June 2026. This is a prime opportunity for a student midwife such as myself to learn about midwifery from all corners of the globe. The theme ‘one million more midwives’ feels apt with […]
A journey with midwifery!
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 […]