At its seventh session, the Conference of the Parties (COP) agreed on the need for a longer-term plan to accelerate action on WHO FCTC implementation. Through decision [FCTC/COP7(13)] the COP established a working group to develop a “medium-term strategic framework” to guide the implementation of the Convention by its Parties, as well as the development of biennial workplans and budgets of the Convention Secretariat and of any implementation support activities. 

In October 2018 the Conference of the Parties adopted the Global Strategy to Accelerate Tobacco Control: Advancing Sustainable Development through the Implementation of the WHO FCTC 2019–2025 (this name has replaced the initial “medium-term strategic framework”), hereinafter referred to as Global Strategy 2025.

The Global Strategy 2025 is intended to guide the implementation of the WHO FCTC for the next seven years, including the activities of the Parties, the Convention Secretariat and other stakeholders that are in a position to support the Parties in their implementation work. The Global Strategy 2025 will also serve as basis for planning and budgeting for the 2020–2021 and two subsequent biennia, thus informing the agenda and the work of the COP.