The Convention Secretariat has released the provisional agenda for this year’s Eighth session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP8) taking place in October in Geneva
Nearly three months prior to the event, the WHO FCTC Convention Secretariat has published on its web site the provisional agenda for the upcoming COP8, convened from 1 to 6 October 2018.
Among a full range of interesting topics to look at and decide on by the Parties, the drafting of a medium term strategic framework, which will consensually determine the priorities as to the actions taken for the five years to come, so shaping the content of the new global tobacco control programme, is standing out.
Tobacco product advertising in the entertainment media, notably originating from beyond the border, is another aspect to carefully and steadily follow. A report about the matter penned by a group of experts will be submitted to WHO FCTC’s governing body for approval.
Further leading figures for tobacco control are displayed in the Global Progress Report, a biennal publication analysing the implementation of the WHO FCTC in all its territories. The new edition will be released for deliberation at the COP8 and promises valuable and instructive information.
Moreover, for the first time, the Parties will debate and decide on what kind of assistance in terms of tobacco control can be provided by the WHO FCTC to a Party being in emergency situation.
The plenum will also learn in detail about the progress made with regard to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products between COP7 and COP8.
Finally, the Convention Secretariat is glad to announce that Ms. Grace Maria Fernandes Mendonça, Attorney- General of Brazil, will address the Conference of the Parties as an invited speaker, sharing from the experience of the victory as to the tobacco product flavour ban constitutionality in the country.
For further information, please consult the links on the right with the complete provisional agenda of the Eighth session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP8).
The Convention Secretariat has opened an on-line application process for journalists and media organizations wishing to attend COP8.
Only journalists with official accreditation can attend the event.
On the first day of COP8 there will be a familiarization and briefing session for journalists, followed by daily media briefings each day of the conference. A spokesperson will host the briefing sessions and media coordination staff will assist journalists.
Note to Editor:
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) explained
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is the first international treaty negotiated under the auspices of the WHO. It was adopted by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003 and entered into force on 27 February 2005. It has since become one of the most rapidly and widely embraced treaties in United Nations history.
The WHO FCTC was developed in response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic and is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health. The Convention represents a milestone for the promotion of public health and provides new legal dimensions for international health cooperation.