Message from the Chief Executive
While ICM’s work in 2025 reflects continued progress and deepening collaboration, it has taken place against an increasingly challenging global backdrop. Across many contexts, advances in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are under massive pressure, with legal, political, and funding environments becoming more restrictive and uncertain. These dynamics have real and life-changing consequences for women, girls, and communities, as well as the midwives who serve them.
In this environment, the role of midwives has never been more critical. Midwives are trusted providers of care, advocates for rights, and anchors of resilient health systems. Yet the systems that support them are under strain, and investment in midwifery remains insufficient globally to meet the growing need. Responding to this moment requires clarity, evidence, and stronger collective action.
ICM’s work this year reflects the dedication and expertise of an exceptional team. Our staff across the world bring deep professional knowledge, lived experience, and a strong sense of purpose to everything they do. Their efforts underpin ICM’s ability to respond swiftly to a complex global environment, deliver high-quality resources and programmes, and support midwives’ associations operating in diverse and often challenging contexts. I am deeply grateful for their collaboration, professionalism, and commitment during this period of transition, as well as for the kindness and mentorship Sally Pairman extended to me as I stepped into the role of Chief Executive in March 2025.
Throughout the year, one message from our members and partners has come through consistently: progress depends on grounding global strategies in local realities and ensuring that midwives are included at every step of the way. Drawing on my own experience advancing youth-centred SRHR, I am deeply aware of how critical it is that midwifery services reflect the needs, voices, and leadership of young people and communities. As I continue in my work as Chief Executive, listening to your perspectives and learning from them has helped shape how I approach the work ahead.
This commitment is reflected in the One Million More Midwives campaign. I encourage everyone reading this report, including members, partners, allies, and supporters, to sign the petition calling for greater investment in midwifery worldwide. Adding your voice helps reinforce a clear and urgent message: midwives are indispensable to improving health outcomes, advancing gender equity, and protecting SRHR in a rapidly changing world.
Looking forward, I am inspired by the leadership and determination of midwives across regions, and resolute in my belief that meaningful progress remains possible, even in difficult times, when we act together with clarity, purpose, and collaboration. I look forward to working alongside ICM staff, midwives’ associations, and partners to continue advancing our profession and supporting the communities who rely on it.
Anna af Ugglas
Chief Executive, International Confederation of Midwives
ICM provides a global frame of reference. All the documentation, consensus statements and guidelines it provides serve as support and legitimacy for our work.
2025 at a glance
These figures offer a snapshot of ICM’s reach and impact in 2025, from supporting member associations and developing global resources to strengthening leadership, partnerships, advocacy, and crisis preparedness.
- 133 member associations
- 117 countries
- More than 2.1 million registered midwives represented
- 18 global standards, position statements, joint statements and resources created or updated
- 43 documented stories of policy and advocacy progress
- 396 midwives trained in humanitarian and climate crisis preparedness
- 126 midwives involved in ICM leadership initiatives
- €198,744 granted directly to midwives’ associations
- 35 unique member associations supported through strengthening programmes
- Five new partnership agreements signed