Dear Excellencies,
Let me first begin by apologizing for not being with you today. I am currently traveling and so am unable to join you.
I would like to congratulate the Regional Director and your Excellencies for the commitment you have shown to tobacco control and for your achievements in that regard to date.
The formation of this committee can certainly be included in those achievements. This is the first time in any WHO Region that such a committee has been established to focus on tobacco control and to accelerate the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Your commitment will no doubt be the cornerstone for future successes.
As you know, the Convention is an evidence-based treaty that covers all tobacco products, traditional and novel alike.
Serving as a roadmap for policies and a catalyst for action on tobacco control, it has made a major contribution to tobacco control policy development and implementation in many countries.
As a roadmap, the Convention sets out implementable, evidence-based, impactful demand- and supply-side measures that can be introduced according to a country’s requirements and capacities. More often than not, tobacco control is a journey, and a roadmap is needed to navigate what can be difficult terrain.
As a catalyst, the Convention has played a major role in encouraging the introduction of effective tobacco control policy, especially in low-income and middle-income countries that previously lacked it. It has also helped strengthen tobacco control in countries with already established tobacco control policies.
And it works. Combined with vigorous action to counter tobacco industry efforts to undermine tobacco control, comprehensive implementation of the Convention has a measurable impact. And those countries that have gone farthest in implementing it have generally seen the greatest reduction in tobacco use prevalence.
So, I am looking forward to seeing your plans and of course the Convention Secretariat remains steadfast in our support for the WHO FCTC Parties from the Eastern Mediterranean Region in advancing their tobacco control work.
I will leave you now with my colleague Kate Lannan - our WHO FCTC legal adviser – who will be present with you today to support the meeting in any possible way.
Thank you and I wish you a fruitful and productive meeting as you map the way to a healthy and sustainable future, free from tobacco.