The ASH Team is in Geneva for the Eleventh Conference of the Parties (COP11) of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) from November 17 – 22, 2025. We will share updates and progress here for our community to stay engaged and informed throughout COP11.
November 22, 2025 – The theme of COP 11 was “Uniting Generations for a Tobacco-Free Future;” a theme which turned out to be an apt indicator of the progress that was made.
Article 2.1- Forward Looking Measures
In advance of the COP, an Expert Group met and drafted a report on Article 2.1 of the FCTC- Forward Looking Measures. The Decision invited Parties to note the report and consider the forward-looking measures in the report, as well as any other potential options.
PASSED!
Article 18- Environment
The Decision invites Parties to strengthen FCTC Article 18 on the environment by establishing a coordination mechanism, developing science-based studies and research, developing awareness campaigns, identifying, exposing, and countering greenwashing, and considering comprehensive regulatory options.
PASSED!
Article 19
There was also an Expert Group report on Liability, Article 19, which listed 30 recommendations for countries on liability options including civil, criminal, administrative, environmental, and human rights liability. Country Parties are invited to consider these recommendations and to consider the tools and resources available to strengthen their implementation of Article 19.
PASSED!
While ASH’s key priority points were all passed by the COP, they were hard fought. From within and outside of the COP, the tobacco industry fought back every step of the way. Several country Parties are either industry friendly or have been infiltrated by the industry, making discussions and consensus more and more difficult. However, as the Decisions above clearly illustrate, when civil society and governments come together to fight back, we can make significant progress.
