As 2021 draws to a close, the Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the past 12 months.
Although we all continue to face the challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we stand together – determined – to succeed in both navigating the pandemic and combating the tobacco epidemic.
Please be assured of our ongoing commitment to support Parties and other stakeholders in implementing the WHO FCTC and the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products.
The tobacco epidemic did not take a break as COVID-19 devastated the world, and neither did the tobacco industry, which did not hesitate to take advantage of our vulnerability globally to further its interests.
Still, we stood tall and remained united in the face of those threats, and in our determination to protect public health.
That unity and resolve was very much on display during the recent virtual meetings of our governing bodies: the Ninth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO FCTC and the Second Session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol.
In fact, Parties responded resoundingly to the call to strengthen implementation of the Convention and the Protocol by participating in record numbers in both COP9 and MOP2.
And both meetings reached decisions on a number of key issues that will continue to drive the progress of both treaties.
COP9 made a firm declaration on the important role of the WHO FCTC in global efforts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscores the urgency of our tobacco control efforts.
That declaration highlights the need to protect public health policy from the interests of the tobacco industry – especially in times of crisis – and reminds us all that we must integrate tobacco control measures in our pandemic recovery efforts.
MOP2 agreed on several important decisions that laid the cornerstones for successful implementation of the Protocol, which will permit us to continue our progress in combating illicit trade with renewed energy.
Another key decision taken during COP9 and MOP2 called for the establishment of a new and innovative funding mechanism.
The new investment funds will provide sustainable resources for the future of our work with both treaties and will increase our ability to implement tobacco control measures and to save lives.
As you take time this holiday season to enjoy connecting with family and friends, you can be assured of our continued partnership.
Protecting people from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of the tobacco epidemic is an endeavour that can only be attained if we continue to work together.
While we will undoubtedly encounter new uncertainties in the coming year, what is certain is that we will all continue to build and strengthen our work, our relationships and our alliances so that we can realize the full potential of the public health and global development power of the WHO FCTC and the Protocol.
I want to thank all Parties and our valued partners for demonstrating their unwavering commitment to both these life-saving treaties, and to ensuring our continued progress towards a healthy, tobacco-free future for all of us.
Happy holidays, and all the best for the New Year.
Stay safe, and see you all in 2022.
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