Assessing sector representation of non-state actors within the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

Abstract

ABSTRACT The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) has accomplished much in advancing tobacco control. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were critical to the development of the Convention, who aided in mobilising stakeholders and advocated for core provisions of the treaty. NGOs and intergovernmental organisation are well recognised within the Convention and deemed essential to its continued implementation and evolution. Further, the treaty has been understood to be multidisciplinary in its aspiration to improve public health, and the role of both health sector and non-health sector stakeholders is an important component for describing the reach and potential for the Convention. In 15 years, however, non-state actors’ participation in the WHO FCTC Conference of the Parties (COP) – where Parties to the treaty engage in discussions that shape the treaty’s implementation and evolution – has been underrepresented in terms of sectoral diversity. We reviewed COP documents and assessed non-state actors’ participation in the COPs since the Convention's entry into force. We conclude that greater inclusion in COPs from health and non-health sector NGOs, intergovernmental organisations and UN Special Agencies would strengthen the global reach and full implementation of the WHO FCTC.