Theme: “Shaping the Future: Nurses and Midwives Navigating New Frontiers”
Venue: Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi
Dates: 24-25 September 2026

Organised jointly by the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation (CNMF)
and the Trained Nurses’ Association of India (TNAI), the conference will provide a
significant platform for professional dialogue, knowledge exchange, innovation and
collaboration to shape the future of nursing and midwifery.

The Conference will bring together more than 700 delegates, including over 600
nursing and midwifery professionals from India and near about 150 international
delegates representing more than 20 Commonwealth countries.

Who is the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation?

The Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation (CNMF) is a professional
organisation representing and supporting nurses and midwives across Commonwealth
countries. Established in 1973, CNMF works to strengthen nursing and midwifery
leadership, education, professional development, research and workforce capacity
across the Commonwealth.

Who is organising the Conference?

The 7th Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Conference 2026 is jointly organised
by the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation (CNMF) and the Trained
Nurses’ Association of India (TNAD).

What is the overall objective of the Conference?

The conference aims to strengthen Commonwealth collaboration and professional
partnerships, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and evidence, and promote
collective action towards building a resilient, equitable and future-ready nursing
and midwifery workforce.

It will also provide an important forum to showcase innovative practices, share
research and strengthen the contribution of nurses and midwives to transforming health
systems and improving health outcomes.

What are the key events preceding the Conference?

The conference will be preceded by key Commonwealth nursing engagements:

* 22 September 2026: CNMF Board Member Meeting
* 23 September 2026: CNMF Biennial Meeting
* 24-25 September Conference 2026: 7th Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Conference 2026

These engagements will bring together Commonwealth nursing and midwifery leaders
to deliberate on professional priorities, strengthen collaboration and advance the future
direction of the professions.

What can be expected at the Opening Ceremony?

The Opening Ceremony on 24 September 2026 will bring together distinguished
national and international nursing and midwifery leaders.

Key ceremonial highlights will include a Country Parade featuring representatives
from 20 member countries, an Invocation Song by nurses and midwives, and the
ceremonial Lighting of the Lamp.

The ceremony will feature distinguished leaders, including Professor Kathleen
McCourt, President, CNMF; Dr Deepika Cecil Khakha, Nursing Advisor to the
Government of India; Dr (Mrs) Annie Kumar, National President, TNAI; Mrs
Yinglen Butt, Liaison Officer, CNMF; and Mrs Evelyn P. Kannan, Secretary
General, TNAI and CNMF Board Member, Asia Region.


Conference at a Glance

150+ Scientific Presentations
The scientific programme will feature more than 150 presentations, highlighting
emerging evidence, innovations, research findings and best practices in nursing and
midwifery.

100+ Poster Presentations

More than 100 poster presentations will provide a platform for researchers and
professionals to showcase their work, innovations and practice-based evidence.

WHO India Workshoр

A specialised workshop organised by WHO India will be held on 24 September on:

“Advancing Timely, High-Quality and Respectful Maternity Care through
Essential Childbirth and Respectful Care Training.”

The workshop will introduce WHO’s newer learning methodology for capacity
building in maternal healthcare and midwifery, with emphasis on timely, highquality and respectful maternity care.

Panel Discussion

A high-level global panel discussion on “Future-Ready Nursing and Midwifery:
Innovation, Leadership and Workforce Transformation” will bring together
distinguished international panellists to share diverse perspectives, experiences and
best practices from across the world.
The discussion will examine global trends, emerging challenges and opportunities
shaping nursing and midwifery, with a focus on innovation, leadership, workforce
transformation and strategies to build resilient, future-ready professions.

Cultural Evening

A vibrant Cultural Evening hosted by India, showcasing the country’s rich cultural
diversity and heritage.

A Global Platform for the Future of Nursing and Midwifery

With participation from nursing and midwifery professionals and leaders across the
Commonwealth, the 7th Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Conference 2026 is
poised to serve as an important platform for advancing professional excellence,
strengthening international collaboration and shaping a more innovative, resilient and
future-ready nursing and midwifery workforce.