OUR PURPOSE

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. We are the only global network dedicated solely to implementing the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and serve as the leading voice of civil society in strengthening and accelerating progress.

Our leadership ensures there is a cohesive global movement of civil society organizations (CSOs) attending to the work of the Treaty, and our work in policy development and advocacy, knowledge translation and exchange, capacity building, and the convening of stakeholders has resulted in significant policy achievements and outcomes in global tobacco control.

Over the past 20 years, the Alliance has established key partnerships with many actors in the tobacco control community such as governments, the Convention Secretariat, the WHO, International Government Organizations (IGOs), and other health-focused organizations. Throughout the last two decades we have consistently led, coordinated, and convened civil society in efforts to accelerate WHO FCTC implementation at all levels. To assist in facilitating progress, we provide leadership and expertise to the Conference of the Parties (COP) on the WHO FCTC and also support work at the Meeting of the Parties (MOP) on the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products. Outside of COP/MOP, we work on strategies that address barriers to WHO FCTC implementation and work with the GATC community to ensure the political will for action on tobacco control priorities remains strong. The programs and services we offer are designed to ensure that the GATC community, others in civil society, and our partners in the health and sustainable development space, have the tools and support they need to accelerate progress and advance tobacco control globally, regionally, nationally, and locally.

OUR MISSION

We unite the global tobacco control community and serve as the voice of civil society to accelerate progress on implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), while integrating tobacco control in the global health and development agendas.

OUR VISION

Our vision is a world in which every person can live a healthy and equitable life that is free from the devastating health, social, economic, and environmental consequences of tobacco, devastating health, social, economic, and environmental consequences of tobacco

WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE

OUR EXPERTISE AND INFLUENCE

In collaboration with the GATC community, we develop policy recommendations and provide expert advice on and to the COP/MOP. We also engage in interses- sional COP/MOP priorities and utilize the technical and advocacy expertise of our staff and Alliance year-round to accelerate WHO FCTC implementation. The Alliance has a proven record of success in guiding and influencing major strategic priorities like The Global Strategy to Accelerate Tobacco Control 2019-2025, sustainable financing, and aligning tobacco control with development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

OUR INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Since its inception, the Alliance has had continuous and extensive involvement in the WHO FCTC. Consequently, the GATC serves as the institutional knowledge hub for civil society and the tobacco control community, and we leverage the GATC community and our expertise in the WHO FCTC to guide decision-making, negotiations, and counter tobacco industry interference in matters related to the Treaty.

OUR RELATIONSHIPS

The GATC is an international alliance of civil society organizations throughout the world. Through the Alliance, staff, and regional coordinators, the GATC is embedded in tobacco control networks throughout the world and has long-established relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers at all levels. Our regional coordinators are strategically based in WHO regions and work to ensure regional and international coordination and collaboration on tobacco control issues as well as supporting national FCTC implementation.

OUR REACH

The breadth and global reach of our Alliance allows us to draw on a diverse group of experts on key tobacco control and development issues. Through the GATC community and networks, we gather intelligence, consult widely, and use this information to inform strategy, policy development, and strengthen tobacco control and development outcomes.

OUR VALUES

The GATC is an international alliance of civil
society organizations throughout the world.

SOCIETAL CHANGE

We are dedicated to serving the public interest by campaigning to improve the health and development of society, based on the fundamental right of all humans to the highest attainable standard of health and wellbeing.

IMPACT ORIENTED

GATC is results oriented, responsive, innovative, and creative and we learn and adapt our work to the evolving tobacco control landscape.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

GATC is diverse and representative. We have inclusive and collaborative work practices and facilitate environments in which everyone is respected and has opportunities to contribute.

INTEGRITY

We are an evidence-based Alliance and believe in transparency and accountability and that there is a fundamental and irreconcilable conflict between the tobacco industry’s interests and public health. We will never work with the tobacco industry or agents who work to further its interest.