Intervention by the Secretariat of the WHO FCTC
Speaking note of the Head of the Secretariat
Thank you Mr Chairman.
On behalf of the Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, I am very pleased to provide these reflections on how the FCTC is set to contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
From the outset, let me be clear – tobacco is not only a major threat to health, it is also a major threat to sustainable development.
A detailed analysis undertaken with UNDP shows that the FCTC is able to contribute to the achievement of almost all of the SDGs through reduced tobacco use.
That is why the specific inclusion of the implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control within the SDGs is so important for the promotion of sustainable development and the Convention Secretariat, together with the WHO, is proud to be a co-custodian for monitoring SDG target 3.a on FCTC implementation.
The Delhi Declaration, agreed last year at the Seventh Conference of the Parties, calls on all FCTC Parties to actively pursue the achievement of SDG Target 3.a and strengthen the implementation of the Treaty.
The declaration requests the Convention Secretariat to take the lead in coordinating support to Parties to this effect and to make all efforts to promote additional related targets including but not limited to gender equality and reduced inequalities, leaving no one behind.
Through the provisions of the FCTC, we strongly encourage countries to implement multisectoral action for tobacco control.
The Convention Secretariat is working in the same way to promote the full implementation of the FCTC around the world by working with our partners in the UN family, including the WHO and UNDP and by promoting the inclusion of specific action to implement target 3.a in countries SDG action plans and other national development plans.
Through our new FCTC 2030 project, generously funded through the United Kingdom’s development assistance programme, the Convention Secretariat and UNDP have commenced a new project to deliver focussed support for FCTC implementation in low- and middle-income countries.
Mr Chairman, unless we take bold action now, over 80% of the world’s tobacco-related mortality will be in low- and middle-income countries by the year 2030.
The implementation of the FCTC has been shown to reduce tobacco use. Together with the Parties to the FCTC, we will all be able to make a substantial contribution to the achievement of the SDGs through the FCTC.