A parallel conference, Good COP 2.0, was held in Geneva from 17 to 21 November 2025, alongside the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The event gathered independent scientists, smoke‑free product advocates, smoking consumers and industry representatives to discuss Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) science and its implications for global nicotine policy. Its aim was to promote data‑driven, transparent and sensible policies, countering the prohibitionist approach often taken by tobacco‑control measures.
Key speakers—including David Williams, Kurt Yeo and Rodger Bate—presented evidence on the effectiveness of e‑cigarettes in helping people quit smoking and criticised the WHO’s defeatist stance toward smoke‑free products. Over five days the conference covered topics such as the need for transparency and scientific integrity in public‑health policy, the importance of consumer rights, and the consequences of ignoring nicotine alternatives in regions such as the Asia‑Pacific. Delegates from New Zealand and Serbia shared experiences of implementing harm‑reduction policies, which had led to decreased smoking rates.
The programme also examined the influence of global power relations and wealthy philanthropists on tobacco policy, as well as the unintended consequences of severe prohibition—including rising illegal markets and the criminalisation of sellers. Experts stressed the need to centre consumer voices, balancing safer alternatives with consumer liberty and judicious oversight.
Good COP 2.0 highlighted contradictions between global policy and lived practice, especially in low‑ and middle‑income countries (LMICs). By promoting independent science, regional nuance and pragmatic harm reduction, the conference underscored the importance of evidence‑based public‑health policy that is context‑sensitive, participatory and transparent. The implications are especially urgent for African nations, where weak health systems and limited resources mean that prohibitive tobacco policies could cause more harm than benefit if harm‑reduction alternatives are overlooked. As the global community continues to navigate the complexities of tobacco control, nuanced, evidence‑based approaches that prioritise public health and consumer well‑being have never been more pressing.
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