COP11 united delegations from around the world to further strengthen global tobacco control policy standards, although major challenges remain regarding implementation of existing treaty obligations. Civil society worked tirelessly to move the agenda forward and collaborate with Parties to advance tobacco control.
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – NOVEMBER 28, 2025 – The Global Alliance for Tobacco Control (GATC) was honored to lead a diverse delegation of over 200 civil society advocates to the Eleventh Conference of the Parties (COP11) for the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) last week and the Fourth Meeting of the Parties (MOP4) to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products (Protocol) this week in Geneva.
The GATC delegation reinforced its long-standing commitment to strengthening global tobacco control policy, supporting Parties with shared expertise, and accelerating implementation of evidence-based, life-saving measures.
The deliberations at COP11 focused on a range of critical issues—including forward looking measures, tobacco product regulations, sustainable financing, and harm reduction. We congratulate the Parties on achieving many positive decisions that will strengthen global standards and facilitate more effective implementation frameworks to shape tobacco control efforts for years to come. Of note, the following priorities were discussed and agreed upon:
- Article 2.1 on Forward Looking Measures for Tobacco Control: The report by the Expert group was adopted by the COP, and Parties discussed the importance of the Convention to keep evolving to address ongoing and new challenges.
- Sustainable financing: A decision proposed by Senegal was adopted at COP11 regarding the need for sustainable funding for tobacco control, with an emphasis on domestic resource mobilization.
- Article 18 on environment: a decision was made by COP11 on implementation of article 18, seeking to strengthen environmental protections from tobacco and nicotine harm.
- Article 19 on liability: Parties focused on the report prepared by the Expert Group with a variety of options that Parties can put into place to strengthen their implementation of Article 19 and a decision was made by COP11.
- Strong youth presence at the COP reminds us of the need to engage with them and protect future generations from the devastating effects of tobacco.
- Strong decisions adopted at MOP4 on the control of key inputs, licensing requirements, and strengthening international cooperation.
COP11 also dedicated valuable time to discussions around Article 9 and 10 and for the first time, on reducing nicotine addiction on agenda item 4.5. While many important negotiations took place under both agenda items, there was no consensus within the time allocated, and therefore, no decisions were made.
“COP11 was a crucial opportunity to move global tobacco control policy forward, and we were honored to support Parties in advancing decisions that protect public health and counter tobacco industry interference,” said Leslie Rae Ferat, Executive Director of GATC.
“The global best practices agreed at COP11 provide a stronger foundation for implementation, accountability, and long-term progress. Now the real work begins—turning these standards into action in every country.”
Effective implementation of the WHO FCTC remains the cornerstone of global progress, particularly in the face of escalating tobacco industry obstruction. As we plan for COP12, we urge Parties to keep the momentum going and maintain their commitments to moving forward on tobacco control measures and full implementation of the WHO FCTC.
The Global Alliance on Tobacco Control remains committed to supporting Parties in translating COP11 outcomes into concrete policy change and will continue working closely with partners to advance a healthier, tobacco-free world.
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The Global Alliance for Tobacco Control (GATC), formerly the Framework Convention Alliance (FCA), is a global network of civil society actors working towards a world free from the devastating health, social, economic, and environmental consequences of tobacco.
Download document: Closing Press Release – COP11
