The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Strategic Directions for Strengthening Nursing and Midwifery 2016-2020 provide a framework to ensure nursing and midwifery interventions are developed, implemented, and evaluated at global, regional, and country levels and in partnership with key stakeholders. The Global Strategic Directions for Strengthening Nursing and Midwifery 2016-2020 supports the WHO's Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health: Workforce 2030. The WHO Global Strategic Directions for Strengthening Nursing and Midwifery 2016-2020 presents a vision, guiding principles, and four themes to maximize nursing and midwifery workforce contributions to improve global health. Implementation of the strategy is articulated in the context of country and regional needs, areas for expedited action, partnerships and alliances, and accountability for ongoing monitoring and evaluation. As a framework, the 2016-2020 Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery can help countries achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and universal health coverage.