On 6 October 2026, the Lisbon School of Nursing at the University of Lisbon hosted the international webinar “Closing the Gap: A Nursing Call to Action for Pediatric Palliative Care”, bringing together 112 participants, predominantly Portuguese nurses, around a shared commitment: advancing equitable, accessible and high-quality perinatal, neonatal and pediatric palliative care. The event was held in the context of the International Children’s Palliative Care Network’s #HatsOn4CPC campaign, this year calling on the global community to “Close the Gap: Palliative Care for Children Everywhere.”
The programme brought together internationally recognised experts, experienced nurses, educators, researchers and leaders who have been catalysts for the development of children’s palliative care worldwide. Contributions from Julia Downing, Alex Daniels, Federico Pellegatta, Marie Friedel, Joana Mendes and Patrícia Coelho explored global advocacy, nursing competencies, continuity between home, hospital and hospice, leadership, translation of evidence into practice and innovation in nursing education worldwide.
High-quality presentations were complemented by rich collective reflection. Discussions moved beyond identifying gaps in access, education, service provision and implementation of evidence, towards a fundamental question: what conditions are required for nurses to translate competence into meaningful change?
A clear message emerged: empowering nurses is not simply about providing more education. It requires professional recognition, autonomy, leadership opportunities, supportive organizations, resources and meaningful participation in decision-making and health policy.
Closing the gap therefore requires nursing to be recognised not only as part of the response, but as a strategic force for change. Strengthening nursing capacity means strengthening children’s palliative care itself—and moving closer to a future in which every child and family can access the care they need, wherever they live.
Joana Mendes RN, MsC, PhD Bioethics
Nursing Research Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), School of Nursing, Universidade de Lisboa. Lisbon. Portugal
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