The ICM Congress Glasgow June 2008: its success will ring in our hearts and minds: striking memories of the Congress include the dramatic opening and closing ceremonies, a stimulating scientific programme and farewells to those leaving.

• Auteur: Lynch, Bridget
• Tenlastelegging: International Confederation of Midwives

ICM President Bridget Lynch writes:

To the Royal College of Midwives, with thanks ... Although several months have gone by, the energy of the 28th Triennial Congress in Glasgow continues to glow and inspire. It is time to recognize the resounding success of the Congress and to congratulate and thank our hosts, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). During the Congress more than 3,500 midwives from around the globe gathered in Glasgow to celebrate midwifery. The impressive and energizing opening ceremony came to a close with Congress delegates dancing alongside invited guests of honour, including members of the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Save the Children and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG).

The RCM Scientific Professional Planning Committee (SPPC) co-ordinated the review of approximately 1300 abstracts, resulting in a total of over 500 presentations during the four-day conference, including 458 concurrent sessions, 16 symposia, 26 workshops and 194 posters. The SPCC also provided high profile keynote speakers. Princess Anne, Sarah Brown, wife of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and Princess Muna of Jordan, all gave both personal and passionate support to the development of midwifery globally. Their endorsement of midwifery continues to resonate globally.

Dame Karlene Davis, General Secretary of the RCM and President of the ICM during the last triennium, is to be particularly congratulated for her enthusiastic support of this event. RCM staff worked alongside midwife volunteers throughout the six years of preparations for the Congress. Along with a successful Congress, this dedicated group has left the ICM specific legacies. Midwives of the world now have our own tartan that was developed for this Congress, forever protected as the 'Midwives' Tartan'. The RCM also offered ICM the Congress logo and during the pre-Congress ICM Council meeting, delegates overwhelmingly voted to adopt it as the new ICM logo. This new logo is currently being launched.

At a financial level, the 28th Triennial Congress also successfully reached the funding goals set by the ICM budget. Together with annual member association fees, profit from ICM Congresses is essential to support the ICM budget during each triennium. The hard work of the RCM has benefited the work of the entire Confederation.

On behalf of the midwives of the...