The Eleventh Conference of the Parties (COP11) of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) adopted a series of key Decisions including FCTC/COP11(5) Forward-looking tobacco control measures (in relation to Article 2.1 of the WHO FCTC).

ASH is a proud supporter of this Decision adopted by the COP, the governing body of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, composed of 184 Parties (183 countries and the European Union). ASH also served as the co-chair of the Global Alliance for Tobacco Control (GATC) Expert Group on Article 2.1.

The Decision welcomes the report of the Article 2.1 Expert Group established by COP10 in 2024, identifying 40 potential policy measures that go beyond the minimum obligations of the FCTC, and describing 16 in detail, including several measures aimed at ending the supply of commercial tobacco products.

Key Elements of the COP11 Article 2.1/Forward-Looking Measures Decision:

1. INVITES Parties, in accordance with national laws, regulations, context and priorities:

(a) to note the forward-looking tobacco control measures – which are voluntary, may be contemplated within the scope of Article 2.1 of the WHO FCTC, and expand or intensify approaches to tobacco control – that have been listed and described by the Expert Group, and are presented as options for consideration by Parties; and

(b) to note that the list of forward-looking tobacco control measures identified and described by the Expert Group is not exhaustive, and other future forward-looking measures may be considered by Parties;

2. REQUESTS the Convention Secretariat to disseminate the work of the Expert Group, through facilitating experience-sharing between Parties on the adoption and implementation of forward-looking tobacco control measures; publishing information received from the Parties pursuant to their reporting obligations under the Convention in relation to forward-looking measures; supporting Parties and the work of WHO FCTC Knowledge Hubs in developing and sharing best practice and case studies on Parties’ experience in relation to forward-looking tobacco control measures; and publishing information material, including with support from the World Health Organization, on forward-looking tobacco control measures.

Next Steps

• Civil society can assist in spreading awareness of the Expert Group Report and the policy options included within.
• Civil society can offer technical assistance to governments desiring to explore Forward-Looking Measures.

ASH, through its Project Sunset campaign, is the global leader in pushing for “tobacco endgame” measures that lead to the elimination of the tobacco industry and the sale of commercial tobacco products.

Contact the ASH Team with any additional questions at info@ash.org.