Eleventh Session of the Conference of the Parties ( COP 11)_Geneva 2025

On 17 November 2025, over 1400 delegates from 162 Parties gathered in Geneva to commence the Eleventh session of the Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). The opening day featured a high-level strategic dialogue marking two decades of progress under the Convention, which addresses global tobacco control, nicotine addiction, and environmental protection from tobacco-related harm. Discussions began on measures to reduce tobacco use, which kills more than 7 million people annually, and on combating tobacco industry interference. A ministerial round table, organized by Belgium, focused on preventing nicotine addiction among young people, particularly related to e-cigarettes and novel tobacco products. The 2025 Global Progress Report on WHO FCTC implementation was released, highlighting resource constraints and tobacco industry interference as major barriers.

COP11, themed “20 years of change – uniting generations for a tobacco-free future,” will consider a range of issues including product regulation, liability, environmental protection, and safeguarding tobacco control measures from industry influence. The session is a critical point for continued international cooperation to end the tobacco epidemic and address evolving challenges in tobacco control. Following COP11, the Fourth Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products will take place from 24 to 26 November.

Members of the Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research are participating in this session, contributing to discussions and advancing global tobacco control policies globally.

This session marks a pivotal moment for sustained international cooperation in combating the tobacco epidemic and addressing emerging challenges in tobacco control.