Dear President, distinguished delegates, colleagues and friends.
As we come to the close of MOP2 it is gratifying to see the number of Parties growing.
Fifty-nine Parties were here for MOP2, compared with the forty-four that joined us for the first session of the MOP.
As the Protocol grows in strength, MOP2 has adopted decisions that will lay the groundwork for the Convention Secretariat to provide targeted technical assistance, aimed at improving the ability of Parties to implement the Protocol.
MOP provided a clear framework for the Convention Secretariat to assist Parties and to mobilize resources for the implementation of the Protocol.
My team and I will work tirelessly to raise the funds that are needed for us to support Parties.
And I take this opportunity to invite our donors and other development partners to heed the call of Parties for much-needed financial resources to support their implementation goals.
In fact, we have already been in contact with our partners – such as the World Health Organization and the World Bank – to coordinate our efforts so that we can support Parties without delay.
As part of our work, we will assist Parties to establish mechanisms like those in Articles 6 and 8 of the Protocol to raise domestic revenues through licensing fees or by charging the tobacco industry the costs associated with implementing tracking and tracing systems.
We know that we have only taken our first few steps down the path towards comprehensive implementation, but we will be with you and support you throughout the journey ahead.
As a treaty that only entered into force in 2018, it would be tempting to underscore that implementation of the Protocol has suffered as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.
But given our unity of purpose – displayed this week – and your eagerness to make progress in addressing illicit trade, it is clear that the Protocol is in robust good health.
But it is a young treaty, and it does need to be nurtured both back in your home countries, but also by working together, across borders, and maximizing the strengths of different specialist services, be it tax, customs, law enforcement or public health.
It is in such combined action that the Protocol finds its unique strength.
May I take a few moments to thank all those who made this event possible, our patient IT experts, our translators, interpreters and editors – all of the many people who played an important role in weaving our views together from around the globe, and keeping our meetings efficient and productive.
I must thank everyone for their diligence and determination to help us achieve our goals.
Thanks to that support and to your determination, this MOP has had a number of achievements – not the least of which was the important decision by Parties to launch an innovative Investment Fund.
We will immediately begin work to establish this new funding stream, which adds to the funding sources that already support our work.
It will further deepen the implementation of the Protocol, and our efforts to counter the vast budgets of the tobacco industry, focused on selling more of its deadly products.
We have also taken important steps forward in enhancing the global tracking and tracing system, including establishing how the regime should operate.
Commitment to strengthen the ability of Parties to control the movement and supply of tobacco products is essential if we want to eliminate illicit trade and make a positive impact on public health, on our societies and on our economies.
In addition, your decision on assistance and cooperation provides the signposts and tools for Parties to enhance international cooperation.
Cross-border cooperation is key to achieving our objectives and we are certain that decisions made by MOP2 will help Parties build those important relationships.
And let’s not forget that this MOP also ensured that not only did Parties reach important agreements, but they did so transparently, since accredited journalists were able for the first time able to observe every step of our proceedings.
Thank you all for your contributions, your guidance and your trust.
Together we will make a difference in controlling illicit trade, and in strengthening tobacco control for a healthier, more resilient future.
Mr President, I am sure that you join me in my delight that a country from your region, Panama, has so generously agreed to host MOP3 and COP10.
I am so pleased that we will meet again in the Americas Region.
But until then, Mr President, thank you again for having guided us safely through our discussions this week that led to so many important decisions.
May we offer you a small token of our appreciation for your stewardship, and your commitment to our shared cause.