What to Expect from the ICM 2026 Congress Plenary Sessions
The plenary sessions at the ICM 2026 Congress will bring together some of the world’s leading voices in midwifery, global health, policy, research and innovation to explore the issues shaping the future of sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health (SRMNAH).
Across four days, delegates will hear from frontline midwives, health systems experts, advocates, researchers and global leaders as they discuss how midwives are driving change in communities, health systems and crisis settings around the world.
Plenary 1 — One Million More Midwives: How Midwives Drive Health Systems Forward
Monday 15 June | 09:00 – 10:30
The opening plenary will focus on the global movement calling for One Million More Midwives and the critical role midwives play in strengthening health systems, improving outcomes and advancing gender equality.
Speakers include Dr Magda Robalo(IGHD Guinea-Bissau), Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent (ICM), Inderjeet Kaur(Fernandez Hospitals), Jama Egal(Somaliland Nursing and Midwifery Association), Jaki Lambert(RCM Scotland) andSylvia Hamata, bringing perspectives from leadership, governance, education and frontline care.
Plenary 2 — Midwives in Crisis: Responding to global emergencies and challenges to the profession
Tuesday 16 June | 09:00 – 10:30
This plenary will explore the realities of providing care during humanitarian emergencies, climate-related crises and fragile health system contexts. Discussions will highlight the resilience, leadership and adaptability of midwives working on the frontlines of crisis response.
Featured speakers include Paola Salwan Daher(Women Deliver), Sanjana Bhardwaj (Gates Foundation), Neha Mankani (ICM), Soo Downe (University of Lancashire), Macarena Martinez (University of Chile), Nicole Reece-James (Trindad and Tobago Association of Midwives).
Plenary 3 — Midwifery Models of Care: Improving outcomes shaping the future
Wednesday 17 June | 09:00 – 10:30
Focusing on evidence-based models of care, this session will examine how midwife-led approaches can improve experiences and outcomes for women, newborns and families while strengthening health systems globally.
Speakers include Janhavi Nilekani (Aastrika Midwifery Centre), Ulrika Rehnstrom Loi (WHO), Roa Altaweli (Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University in Saudi Arabia), Nicolle L. Arthun (Changing Women), Doreen Kaura (Univesity of Western Cape), Emma Swift (University of Iceland).
Plenary 4 — Midwives: The Original Innovators across time and cultures
Thursday 18 June | 09:00 – 10:30
The final plenary will spotlight innovation in midwifery — from digital tools and simulation training to community education and new approaches to care delivery. The session will celebrate midwives as innovators, problem-solvers and leaders driving progress across SRMNAH.
Speakers include Hege Ersdal (Stavanger University), Amy Weaver (Direct Relief), Maika Daoud Elias (Lactation Consultant and Content Creator), Jennifer A-Boateng (Gates Foundation), Anna Frellsen (Maternity Foundation).
Together, the plenary sessions will set the tone for a Congress focused on collaboration, leadership, evidence, advocacy and the future of midwifery worldwide.