Global Treaties to Tackle Nicotine Addiction, Environmental Harm from Tobacco, and Illicit Trade

Geneva — More than 1,400 delegates from governments, international organizations and civil society will gather over the next two weeks to address the escalating challenges posed by nicotine addiction—particularly among youth—and the global rise of illicit tobacco trade.

These urgent issues, along with the critical role of criminal and civil liability in advancing tobacco control, will be central to the biennial meetings of the governing bodies of two landmark global health treaties: the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products.

The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the WHO FCTC will convene in Geneva from 17–22 November, followed by the Meeting of the Parties (MOP) to the Protocol from 24–26 November.

“The COP and the MOP offer vital opportunities for Parties to review progress and strengthen implementation of the WHO FCTC and its Protocol,” said Andrew Black, Acting Head of the WHO FCTC Secretariat. “These gatherings serve to energize global cooperation and reinforce political commitment to end the tobacco epidemic, which claims over 7 million lives every year.”

A ministerial roundtable on opening day will focus on the widespread availability and marketing of e-cigarettes and other nicotine products, with special attention on protecting young people. Speakers include Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Mr. Frank Vandenbroucke; Uruguay’s Minister of Public Health, Dr. Cristina Lustemberg; and the European Commission’s Director-General for Health and Food Safety, Ms. Sandra Gallina.

Later in the week, COP delegates will deliberate on measures to curb tobacco consumption, prevent nicotine addiction and reduce exposure to tobacco smoke.

Opening day will also feature a special event marking 20 years since the WHO FCTC entered into force. The commemoration will bring together government leaders, United Nations representatives, youth advocates and civil society organizations under the theme “Uniting Generations for a Tobacco-free Future.”

Additionally, the 2025 Global Progress Report on implementation of the WHO FCTC will be launched during the COP.

Throughout the six-day COP, countries will share experiences, discuss emerging challenges and consider forward-looking strategies, including recommendations from the Expert Group on liability. Delegates will also examine issues related to environment and health, noting the severe ecological harm caused by tobacco—from toxic chemical leaching to widespread microplastic pollution from cigarette filters.

Addressing Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products

Following the COP, 71 Parties to the Protocol will meet from 24–26 November to address illicit tobacco trade—an issue that fuels the tobacco epidemic by increasing access to cheap, unregulated products, undermines public safety and fosters corruption and organized crime.

Illicit tobacco accounts for an estimated 11% of the global tobacco market and costs governments more than US $47 billion in lost tax revenues every year—money that could support essential services such as health care and education.

The MOP will feature a high-level session with officials from INTERPOL and prosecutors from Gabon and Latvia sharing strategies to combat illicit trade. Key agenda items include enhancing international cooperation, improving global information-sharing and strengthening supply chain controls.

Source : WHO Media Release