NERS NEWS–– The Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga officially launched the 17th International Nursing Conference (INC) 2026 at Hotel Bumi Surabaya on Saturday (July 11). Bringing together nursing scholars, healthcare professionals, researchers, and students from various countries, this year’s conference carries the theme. “Shaping the Future of Nursing: Digital Innovation, Global Collaboration, and Sustainable Workforce ” The two-day event serves as a platform for sharing scientific knowledge and strengthening international collaboration to address emerging challenges in healthcare.
The conference began with participant registration, followed by an opening ceremony featuring the Indonesian national anthem, the Universitas Airlangga hymn, a safety induction, and an opening prayer. Chairperson of the conference, Dr. Ika Nur Pratiwi, delivered a welcoming report before the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Prof. Dr. Yuni Sufyanti Arief, and the Rector of Universitas Airlangga, Prof. Ir. Mochammad Amin Alamsjah, M.Si., Ph.D., officially inaugurated the conference through a traditional gong-striking ceremony. The opening session also included a co-host certificate presentation, a group photo session, and a cultural performance of the Sparkling Surabaya Dance, highlighting Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.
The scientific program commenced with a keynote address by Dr. AnnaKurniati from the Indonesian Ministry of Health. Speaking on the transformation of Indonesia’s health workforce, she emphasized the importance of reducing workforce inequality, strengthening health policies, and accelerating digital innovation to build a more sustainable healthcare system. Her presentation underscored the growing role of technology in supporting healthcare professionals while maintaining equitable access to quality services across the country.
Throughout the day, three plenary sessions featured distinguished speakers from leading universities around the world. Prof. Richard Ricciardi of George Washington University discussed how artificial intelligence can empower nurses by improving clinical decision-making and patient care. Associate Professor Lee Wan Ling from the University of Malaya highlighted the need to balance technological advancement with human-centered nursing practice, while AssociateProfessor Gulzar Malik of La Trobe University shared experiences in collaborative online international learning to strengthen global nursing education.
The afternoon sessions continued with discussions on a broad range of contemporary nursing issues. Speakers explored future challenges in nursing professionalism, the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers in an increasingly digital environment, and innovative health promotion strategies to prevent falls among older adults. Later presentations addressed disaster nursing preparedness, equitable healthcare through international collaboration, and community-based tuberculosis care in urban Indonesia. Each session concluded with interactive discussions, allowing participants to exchange perspectives with internationally recognized experts.
The first day of the conference reflected the growing commitment of the global nursing community to embrace innovation while preserving the human values at the heart of healthcare. By fostering dialogue among academics and practitioners from different countries, the conference is expected to encourage new partnerships, collaborative research, and practical solutions that will contribute to the advancement of nursing education and healthcare services worldwide.
Author: Olivia Bilqis Ayu Wijaya (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
Editor: Nasya Puspita Angraeni (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
