Honoring 20 Years of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) entering into force. The FCTC is a landmark treaty, the first global public health treaty, and has transformed the global fight against tobacco-related harm. Since its adoption in 2003, the FCTC has been a beacon of hope, setting bold standards for tobacco control and saving millions of lives.

Reflecting on the Last Two Decades of Progress

Over the last two decades, ASH has been honored to work with renown partners, advocates, and friends to contribute to a strong and effective treaty, and today, we are amplifying their voices and sharing their experiences, linked below.

Hear from WHO FCTC Veterans | Start Blog Series Here>

• Dr. Alfred Munzer, Director of Pulmonary Medicine Washington Adventist Hospital, Washington, DC; Former President, American Lung Association and Board Member, Action on Smoking and Health

• Chris Bostic, Policy Director of ASH

• Dr. Eduardo Bianco, Director, Addiction Training Program for Health Professionals

• Elif Dagli, Chair, Health Institute – Türkiye

• Dr. Judith Mackay, Director, Asian Consultancy on Tobacco Control, Hong Kong

• Laurent Huber, Executive Director of ASH, former Director of the FCA

• Luk Joossens, International expert on combatting illicit trade in tobacco products, Brussels, Belgium.

• Mary Assunta, Senior Policy Advisor, Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance; Head of Global Research and Advocacy, GGTC

• Ross Hammond, former Policy Director, Framework Convention Alliance

• Soon-Young Yoon, representative for the International Alliance of Women to the UN

• Tom Glynn, Stanford University, Prevention Research Center, School of Medicine

• Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo, Executive Director, Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance

• Vera Luiza da Costa e Silva, Head of the WHO FCTC Secretariat 2014-2020, Senior researcher at CETAB-Fiocruz, Executive Secretary of Brazil’s Commission for FCTC & Protocol Implementation

Civil society has been at the heart of this movement, advocating for stronger regulations, raising awareness, and holding governments accountable.

Together, we’ve pushed for policies that protect public health, reduce tobacco use, and safeguard future generations.

Looking Ahead

Our journey is far from over.

The lessons we’ve learned from the past 20 years continue to shape our ongoing efforts, guiding the FCTC in addressing new challenges and expanding its global impact. With each milestone, we bring ourselves closer to a world free of tobacco-related death and disease.

Join us in celebrating this significant anniversary and recommit to the vision of a healthier, tobacco-free future for all.

Visit the WHO FCTC Secretariat’s 20th Anniversary website>

Amplify on Social Media

Please use #FCTC20Years #WeAre20 #FCTCSavesLives

Tag: @ASHorg @FCTCofficial @WHO @SEATCAdotOrg @NextGenUOrg @CETAB_Fiocruz @TheGGTC

Download graphics from below here>

Email ASH your quote or blog submission to hq@ash.org to join the anniversary campaign!

WHO FCTC Celebration in Geneva, Switzerland

The Secretariat of the WHO FCTC hosted a celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) at the WHO HQ Auditorium on February 27, 2025.

This milestone event featured high-level speakers, including Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (WHO Director General), Dr. Adriana Blanco Marquizo (Head of WHO FCTC Secretariat), Dr. Reina Roa (President of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO FCTC), and Laurent Huber (ASH Executive Director) whose remarks are shared below. Speakers officially launched the anniversary celebrations, marking a significant moment for public health.