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A Throwback to the 9th ENSP European Conference on Tobacco Control


The impact of the 9th ENSP European Conference on Tobacco Control continues to resonate, marking a moment of shared knowledge, collaboration, and unified dedication to a tobacco-free future. The ENSP Board, Secretariat, and Conference Committees sincerely thank all participants, speakers, delegates, and local support for their exceptional contributions, which made this remarkable event a true success.

Throughout two impactful days, we welcomed nearly 150 attendees from 35 countries, fostering a global dialogue on tobacco control that transcended borders. The programme featured 20 sessions, including two pre-conference workshops, with a total of 98 presentations.

One of the first highlights was the compelling virtual address by the Strategic Advisor to the Regional Director of the WHO EURO, Dr Gauden Galea to the opening ceremony of the 9th ECTC.

His insights reinforced the importance of staying one step ahead of the tobacco industry with smart, proactive actions and confirmed once again the WHO’s commitment to supporting countries in adopting and implementing strong tobacco control policies and working with partners such as the ENSP. He also emphasized the critical role of civil society and NGOs in shaping tobacco control strategies. The collective efforts in industry monitoring, advocacy, communication, and research are invaluable in driving this agenda forward, according to his speech.

The 41 diverse sessions held during the 9th ENSP-ECTC provided a multifaceted exploration of critical themes shaping the tobacco control landscape. Themes covered during the conference:

  • Tobacco Control Policies
  • Tobacco Treatment Delivery
  • Research in Tobacco Control
  • European and International institutions and their role
  • The role of civil society
  • Innovative solutions 
  • Youth and Tobacco
  • Tobacco and the Environment
  • Tobacco Control Economics
  • Smoking cessation
  • Denormalisation of Tobacco
  • Tobacco Induced Diseases
  • Human Rights
  • Tobacco and Cancer
  • Tobacco Industry Interference
  • Multidisciplinary approaches to tackle tobacco use and prevention
  • Meetings of different EU projects

Moreover, during the ENSP General Assembly, three new organisations have been unanimously voted by the members to join the network:

  • Hjärt-Lungfonden (Heart Lung Foundation) – Sweden
  • OXY Suisse – Switzerland
  • OXY Belgium

A special acknowledgment goes to the vibrant youth group, gathered by the Youth Health Organization at the Advanced Youth Tobacco Policy & Advocacy School: Mastering EU-Level Lobbying, which took place before the Conference, between 21-22 October. This Youth School brought together young professionals passionate about public health under a programme that provided hands-on training in tobacco control processes, the functioning of EU institutions, and strategies to counteract tobacco industry lobbying. Participants also joined the prestigious ENSP European Conference on Tobacco Control, engaging with key stakeholders and experienced professionals. This dynamic event empowered attendees with essential skills, knowledge, and networks to drive the next phase of tobacco control and contribute to a healthier future for people and the planet.


The 11th edition of the ENSP Awards

To perpetuate the annual tradition, on the occasion of the 9th ENSP-ECTC, ENSP had the pleasure of awarding extraordinary individuals and organisations from Europe with the ENSP Award for Outstanding Contribution to Tobacco Control:

  1. MR Prim. Dr. Kurt AIGNER
  2. Neil E. Collishaw
  3. Filippos Filippidis 
  4. Paraskevi Katsaounou 
  5. Sophia Papadakis
  6. Christos Hadjichristoudoulou

As the 9th ENSP-ECTC concludes, our sights are set firmly on the future. Let’s remain connected, inspired, and ready to build momentum toward the 10th European Conference on Tobacco Control. Together, we will keep driving progress toward a tobacco-free generation and, ultimately, a tobacco-free world.

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