FCTC COP9: Global agreement to relaunch tobacco control

The ninth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP9) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) concluded this Friday, November 12, with the adoption of a joint declaration calling on countries to reinvigorate their tobacco control policies and protect them from tobacco industry interference. The Parties also adopted an innovative financing mechanism, in conjunction with the World Bank, to support the coordination and implementation of FCTC tobacco control measures worldwide.

The FCTC is the first treaty negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organization. It entered into force in February 2005 and now has 182 parties worldwide, covering 90% of the world's population. COP9 is a global gathering of government delegations to advance the first global health treaty, the WHO FCTC. The declaration, adopted by consensus, emphasizes accelerating the implementation of the treaty from the perspective of health, sustainable development, and also in light of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A strong and common will to implement the FCTC treaty

This 9th session of the Conference of the Parties was a success despite being held virtually. 161 Parties were represented and more than 1,500 delegates participated in this event, demonstrating countries' commitment to this treaty, which offers a comprehensive strategy of measures to reduce tobacco consumption.

As with all international treaties, it is the country delegations, and therefore the states themselves, that are responsible for the decisions taken. Civil society was also present through accredited NGOs with observer status, and the media attended the sessions.

A new financing mechanism linked to the World Bank

This new financial mechanism aims to strengthen tobacco control efforts and provide much-needed financial support for the continued coordination and implementation of the Convention. It will be managed in partnership with the World Bank and an oversight committee composed of Parties and civil society observers at the COP.

The revenues of the fund will be in addition to those of assessed contributions and extrabudgetary funds already paid by the Parties.

Statement on the FCTC and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID pandemic crisis has also severely disrupted all health systems, and all Parties adopted by consensus a declaration stating that the pandemic has resulted in an upsurge in tobacco industry interference.

This "Statement on the WHO FCTC and COVID-19 Recovery" recalls the fundamental and irreconcilable conflict between the interests of the tobacco industry and public health and the need to protect public health policies from the commercial interests of the tobacco industry. It calls for the implementation of coordinated tobacco control strategies, and in particular for the use of tobacco tax increases in a health and sustainable development perspective.

The next COP, scheduled for 2023, will be held in Panama. It will focus on issues related to tobacco product regulation and related information, particularly the issue of new tobacco products. Between now and the next session, much work will be done to support decisions and draw on scientific data independent of manufacturers' commercial interests.

Read the Declaration

Keywords: COP9, FCTC, WHO, World Bank, COVID19, tobacco control

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