9 August 2025 – With only 100 days to go until the WHO’s next global tobacco control conference, the World Vapers’ Alliance warns that COP11 is on track to become another disaster for public health. Instead of embracing progress, the WHO and FCTC Secretariat continue their ideological crusade against harm reduction—ignoring science, silencing consumers, and yielding to billionaire influence.

A new WVA paper released today reveals how countries like Sweden, the UK, New Zealand, and Japan are leading the world in cutting smoking rates by offering less harmful alternatives like vaping, nicotine pouches, and heat-not-burn products. These strategies are delivering real results—smoking in Sweden has dropped to under 6%, and the UK’s evidence-based policies have brought smoking rates to their lowest in history. Meanwhile, Japan halved cigarette sales in just eight years by allowing technology-driven alternatives.

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

“Bloomberg’s money may buy silence in some rooms, but science can’t be buried forever. With 100 days to go, countries must step up and resist this elitist, anti-consumer agenda. Harm reduction isn’t controversial, it’s saving lives.”

But the WHO isn’t interested. Instead of learning from success, it’s doubling down on abstinence-only messaging, fueled by private anti-vaping lobbyists and the political influence of billionaire funders like Michael Bloomberg. These closed-door negotiations have shut out the voices of those who have successfully quit smoking through harm reduction and blocked developing countries from shaping their own policies.

WVA is calling on national delegations to speak up at COP11, challenge the WHO’s anti-scientific stance, and demand transparency and inclusion. The world’s smokers deserve options, not ideology.