We have all witnessed the importance of global cooperation and solidarity in achieving the common good in the last few years. Nursing organizations, educators, researchers, and practising nurses have become increasingly aware of the need to position themselves within the larger global context, beyond their individual communities. As one of the largest nursing organizations in the world, Sigma has a long-standing history of global impact through several initiatives and programs. Specifically, it was over a decade ago when Sigma was granted special consultative status with the United Nations’ (UN) Social and Economic Council (ECOSOC). Over the years, Sigma has amplified nursing’s presence at the UN and played a leadership role in supporting nurses in contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This continues to be strengthened through our work as Sigma UN Liaisons and Youth Representatives.
The report outlines key commitments and actions that can be accomplished through effective and inclusive multilateralism that involve key actors such as Member States, civil society organizations, academia, philanthropists, and individuals to achieve our common agenda. As suggested by the Secretary General, progress will depend on solidarity: “Solidarity is not charity; in an interconnected world, it is common sense. It is the principle of working together, recognizing that we are bound to each other and that no community or country can solve its challenges alone.” If nurses are to heed the call, we must reflect on how we are positioned to contribute to this agenda of action. Below is a list of the 12 commitments and some high-level examples of actions that nurses might take to contribute to this agenda:
- Leave no one behind – Advocate for universal healthcare and basic income.
- Protect our planet – Support, champion, and lead green initiatives within your practice setting or through environmental organizations.
- Promote peace and prevent conflicts – Seek opportunities to reshape responses to all forms of violence.
- Abide by international law and ensure justice – Advocate for the protection of internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrants.
- Place women and girls at the centre – Work to repeal gender-discriminatory policies and laws.
- Build trust – Work to improve individuals’ experiences within healthcare institutions.
- Improve digital cooperation – Promote connectivity and advocate for safe internet access amongst all citizens.
- Ensure sustainable financing – Engage in advocacy in your respective regions and propose solutions that enable a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economy.
- Listen to and work with youth – Create opportunities for younger nurses to participate at the decision-making table.
- Upgrade the United Nations – Engage with the Sigma UN team to influence the work within the UN.
- Boost partnerships ¬– Engage with your local governments, nursing organizations, civil society organizations, and others to advance shared priorities.
- Be prepared – Participate in and lead the development of emergency preparedness plans to respond to global crises.
By embedding these commitments into our work—whether in clinical practice, research, education, administration, or policy—we can help accelerate progress towards a future that centres on sustainable recovery, healthy people and a healthy planet, and trust and social protection.
Patrick Chiu, MPH, RN, CGNC, is a Policy and Practice Consultant at a provincial nursing regulator in Canada and PhD candidate at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. In addition to being President-Elect of Mu Sigma Chapter, he is also a Sigma United Nations Liaison.