From Nov. 20 to Nov. 25, delegates representing the countries that have signed to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) will gather in Panama City to discuss tobacco and nicotine policies at the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10). It’s an event that warrants close scrutiny because the decisions taken at COP tend to have profound implications on the nicotine business and its customers, impacting the future of manufacturers, suppliers and tobacco growers along with stakeholders such as smokers and vapers.
In this section, Tobacco Reporter features a selection of its COP10 coverage.
Doubling Down on Failure
The FCTC COPs comprise a counterproductive, environment-busting waste of time and money.
WHO Urged to Embrace Nicotine Alternatives
Doing so would save 100 millions lives, writes Derek Yach.
Mediocre Meeting
COP10 is unlikely to significantly accelerate progress toward the FCTC objectives.
New COP and MOP Bureaus Elected
The members will serve until the next conference and meeting, respectively.
Anti-Illicit Trade Convention Concludes
Delegates in Panama discussed track-and-tracing systems, and evidence-based research.
Tension in Panama
The exclusion of Brazilian representatives from the recent COP10 sparks a fiery debate on transparency.
COP Concludes
Delegates vow to address issues relating to the environment, human rights and industry liability, among others.
Russia Tackles Illicits
A new tracking system has contributed to a 25 percent reduction in illegal tobacco within a year of implementation.
Past WHO Officials Highlight THR Strategy
Traditional measures are insufficient to achieve the desired outcomes, they argue.
Counter-COP Laments Bloomberg’s Influence
The philanthropist’s efforts to reduce consumer choice are counterproductive, say critics.
Health Department Building Case for Stricter Vape Rules
Youth vaping increased to 24.5 percent in 2019.
Taxpayers Group Holds ‘Counter COP’
The organization holds the WHO accountable for denying the public access to THR products.
Botswana Awarded for Tobacco Control
The country was recognized at COP10 for guarding against ‘undue industry influence.’
COP10 Warns Against New Products
Officials lament the portrayal these products as replacements for tobacco control.
Diversification in Africa: FCTC No Help
Small-scale growers in particular remain heavily dependent on tobacco.