29 July 2025 – The preliminary agenda for COP11 confirms that instead of facilitating a balanced, science-led discussion on how to reduce smoking-related deaths, the WHO and FCTC Secretariat have opted for an ideologically charged and exclusionary approach.

Agenda item 4.5 frames harm reduction as an industry plot rather than a legitimate, evidence-based public health strategy. The use of quotation marks around “harm reduction” signals clear political bias and delegitimises the very concept before any debate has taken place.

Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, commented: 

“The approach at COP11 is a deliberate attempt to shut down real debate. By labelling harm reduction as a narrative of the tobacco industry, they dismiss proven solutions and silence millions of ex-smokers whose lives have improved thanks to safer alternatives. This isn’t responsible policymaking.”

The agenda refers to Article 5.2(b) of the FCTC as a legal basis to address harm reduction, even though this article makes no mention of the concept. This is in stark contrast to Article 1(d), where harm reduction is explicitly named as one of the three pillars of tobacco control, alongside supply and demand reduction. Avoiding Article 1(d) is a calculated attempt to suppress open dialogue and restrict the scope of debate.

Even more concerning, country-driven proposals to encourage discussion on harm reduction (such as a working group request previously submitted by Saint Kitts and Nevis) were completely omitted from the agenda.

At COP10, several countries—including New Zealand, the Philippines, Guyana and Armenia—called for an evidence-based discussion on harm reduction. Their interventions were science-based and supportive of alternatives to smoking. Yet the current agenda ignores this diversity and frames the topic as a threat rather than an opportunity.

“With the success stories of countries like Sweden, the UK, New Zealand, and Japan, there’s no excuse for such a hostile attitude towards innovation and progress,” added Landl. “Millions of lives are at stake, and the WHO continues to cling to outdated dogma. This agenda is not science-driven, it’s propaganda-driven.”

Contact:
Michael Landl, Director
World Vapers’ Alliance
michael@worldvapersalliance.com 

About the World Vapers’ Alliance  

The World Vapers’ Alliance amplifies the voices of vapers worldwide and advocates for sensible harm reduction policies that help smokers quit and save lives.