On its final day, Good COP 2.0 focused on the global fallout from strict, prohibition-style tobacco controls. Speakers blamed measures such as heavy taxation and inflexible pre-market approval systems—often promoted under WHO guidance—for driving illicit trade, fueling gang violence, and encouraging punitive enforcement, saying these policies frequently ignore scientific evidence and consumer behavior.

“There is a portion of people that you’ll never reach by only appealing to the evidence,” said author Jacob Grier. “It’s also important to change the framing and shift the culture.”

Panelists examined the concrete harms that follow from uncompromising approaches and argued for including consumer voices in policy debates. They also presented frameworks for more effective and humane nicotine regulation, noting that U.S. reform could require a partial repeal of the Tobacco Control Act and a more measured approach from the FDA.

The conference wrapped with an open forum where participants reviewed the week’s discussions and urged urgent reform of the WHO’s FCTC framework to steer global tobacco policy toward balance and evidence.

“Of the funds that are contributed to the WHO, a significant percentage goes to the FCTC Secretariat,” said professor Tikki Pangestu. “Only a small amount goes toward running the programs. Meanwhile, a growing percentage of WHO funding comes not from member nations, but from outside groups with dubious agendas.”

This article was adapted from an original report published on tobaccoreporter.com. All rights belong to the original publisher.