19/11/2025
''As we open in Geneva, we mark 20 years since the WHO FCTC entered into force—two decades of global action to reduce to***co use and protect public health.
With 183 Parties now covering over 90% of the world’s population, implementation of the Convention is driving real progress: global to***co use is declining. Yet to***co still causes more than 7 million preventable deaths each year and continues to place heavy social, economic and environmental burdens on countries, especially low- and middle-income nations.
Our theme, “20 years of change: uniting generations for a to***co-free future,” highlights the urgency of safeguarding children and youth—and protecting public health policies from industry interference.
Strengthening implementation, ensuring adequate resources, and advancing measures such as health taxes and the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade remain essential.
My sincere thanks to Parties, partners, civil society and to Dr Adriana Blanco Marquizo for her exceptional contribution to to***co control.
Together, we are better prepared than ever to build a to***co-free future.'' - Acting Head of Convention Secretariat, Mr Andrew Black
Full speech -> https://fctc.who.int/newsroom-and-resources/speeches/item/cop11-strategic-dialogue-opening-remarks-by-acting-head-of-convention-secretariat
