Toronto 2017: 31st ICM Triennial Congress

As ICM now turns its attention from a spectacular 2014 Congress in Prague, and thinks about a new Congress in a new continent, with new challenges for global midwifery, in the post -2015 arena, I am delighted to issue the first invitation to attend the next ICM Triennial Congress in Toronto 2017.

We know that each Congress provides an educationally robust scientific programme as well as an opportunity to meet colleagues from different parts of the world. At a time when convention attendances are reducing, the ICM 3-yearly congresses continue to grow in numbers and in its programme development. The unique enthusiasm that midwives bring to the discussions at this global midwifery forum, results in delegates returning to their communities and workplaces being better informed and newly inspired to handle daily challenges and influence policy and decisions. At ICM we have high hopes that the Toronto Congress will be an even larger event, which will build on the strengths and successes of Prague 2014. There can be no better example of a profession open to sharing ideas and dedicated to providing exceptional midwifery care, than an ICM Triennial Congress.

In 2017, two years after the 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDG) have come to a close, major improvements in maternal health and reductions in newborn mortality and morbidity have been made. But there is much evidence to show that both midwifery personnel and services remain unequally distributed between countries as well as within countries. The ICM 31st Triennial Congress will present a new agenda and challenges, beyond the MDGs, for governments, health ministers, policy makers and local champions – but most of all for front line midwifery service providers and ICM partners who are committed to strengthening midwifery around the world.

The host group, the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM), has been meeting over the past triennium and their undoubted commitment to making Toronto 2017 a huge success is highly commendable, as is their infectious and energetic enthusiasm.

The saying “time flies fast” is so true so might I suggest that midwives start now to organise for Toronto 2017. To plan, prepare and participate in what is likely to be an unmissable midwife event and another scintillating Congress for midwives. See you in Toronto!