May I bring COP9 to a close:
Distinguished Representatives of the Parties to the WHO FCTC;
Distinguished Representatives from States Non Parties to the WHO FCTC and other Observers;
Dr Adriana Blanco Marquizo, Head of the Convention Secretariat;
Observers and friends;
This week we have borne witness to history – we have participated in the best-attended COP in the history of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This means the highest number of Parties ever have been represented at this week’s proceedings. This is truly a major achievement given the nature of our virtual meetings and the restrictions made necessary by the COVID 19 pandemic.
Over the years we have seen an increasing number of Parties attending the COP. But this week we have welcomed 161 Parties – a wonderful new record.
This large number of participating Parties provides ample evidence of the global commitment to the WHO FCTC and demonstrates, if there were any doubt, our conviction of the ever-growing effectiveness of the treaty. It also indicates the strength of the Convention and reaffirms that Parties are united in implementing public health policies aimed at ending the tobacco epidemic. COP9 has demonstrated the desire of Parties to press forward and take decisions on the future of tobacco control, ensuring that we continue to make progress until COP10.
Although we have not been able to meet in person, we have been brought together by the value of the treaty, empowered by its truly global influence.
During this past week there were a number of highlights worth recalling;
First, may I reflect on the “Declaration on WHO FCTC and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic”, originally proposed by my country, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and co-sponsored by a broad group of Parties. In the context of the COVID 19 pandemic, countries face a heavier, more sustained toll as a result of the tobacco epidemic. And aware of the increased reports of tobacco industry interference, which acts as a barrier to effective implementation of the WHO FCTC, the declaration emphasises the inherent and irreconcilable conflict between the tobacco industry’s interests and public health policy interests. It stresses the need to protect public health policy from the commercial and vested interests of the tobacco industry, and to integrate tobacco control measures in our pandemic recovery efforts.
Another important highlight from this week is the decision of the COP to adopt an innovative funding initiative – this creates a third strand of financial support for implementation of the WHO FCTC. Assessed Contributions and Extra-Budgetary funds will continue, indeed there has been expression by Parties that there is an increased effort to make regular contributions. However, now a major step has been taken towards the launch of the investment fund. This multi-million-dollar plan is aimed at strengthening tobacco control efforts and providing much-needed financial support for the continued implementation of the Convention. It will be managed in association with the World Bank and with a dedicated oversight committee comprised of Parties and civil society organization observers to the COP, with the goal of strengthening the support for Parties’ tobacco control measures.
I extend my best wishes to the newly elected members of the COP Bureau and our new regional coordinators. Welcome to them, as they take over this vital leadership role. I ask that you give them all your support and encouragement, as you have done for us. Now more than ever we will their guidance in taking on the tobacco epidemic, as many challenges still lie ahead.
Congratulations and thanks to Panama, who will be the host of COP10. We look forward to meeting together again there. We look forward to receiving news of Panama’s plans and to revisit the Americas. I recall that COP4 was hosted by Uruguay in beautiful Punta del Este, and it is time we return to the region.
Thank you also to chairs of Committees A & B. We are grateful for the skill and poise you provided in guiding us through many complex agenda items, even when faced with the challenge of virtual meetings.
May I offer my appreciation to the team at the Convention Secretariat, and with particular thanks to Dr. Adriana Blanco Marquizo, Head of the Convention Secretariat. Thank you for so thoroughly preparing for this COP and making that important investment in its ultimate success. I would also like to register my appreciation to the technical team and interpreters who have kept us working together throughout COP9.
Finally, I want to thank the outgoing vice-presidents and the Bureau for their guidance and for helping me as president of COP9. Your insight and companionship have been a great source of support for me. Similarly, thanks must go to all three levels of WHO offices, at the country, regional and global levels. Your strong network and impressive engagement were so important to help us achieve a successful COP9.
In closing COP9, I send us all back to our roles in the tobacco control community, having rekindled our friendships, certain that we have a greater sense of our mission, and with the knowledge that the Convention continues to be our touchstone as we press forward with its implementation.
At this stage, it is traditional to wish all delegates a safe trip home – but on this occasion, I invite you to turn off your computers and return to your families and communities, knowing that we are linked globally in our work to provide them all with a healthier, tobacco-free future.