The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), currently under negotiation, marks the first time the World Health Organization has exercised its constitutional mandate to develop multilateral treaties to protect and improve the public health. By focusing on tobacco control, the WHO has chosen a politically volatile subject encompassing far more than public health: effective multilateral tobacco control measures have regulatory, trade, economic, and social implications, particularly for countries with large agricultural and/or manufacturing investments in tobacco and tobacco products. The FCTC also presents an unprecedented opportunity to expand tobacco control efforts worldwide.
Given the breadth of areas potentially affected by the proposed treaty, it is imperative that civil society, represented by NGOs and other organizations from the areas of public health, agriculture, women's rights, human rights, corporate accountability, development, and environmental protection, be a vocal and engaged advocate at home and during the treaty development sessions.
This session will explore the ways the FCTC intersects many interests of civil society, and will discuss methods and opportunities to engage individuals and organizations to advocate for a strong, effective Framework Convention.
Moderator: Judith Wilkenfeld, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
Presentation 1: Can a Treaty Affect Public Health, or is it Just Best Practices & Guidelines? Presentation 2: Implications for Tobacco Agriculture and the Environment. (Ross Hammond, CTFK) Presentation 3: The Need for Corporate Accountability in the FCTC (Suren Moodliar, INFACT) Presentation 4: Women's Issues and the FCTC. (Soon-Young Yoon, CTFK)
Learning Objectives: Advocate for the involvement of civil society in the development of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Keywords: Tobacco Policy, Advocacy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.