COP11 in Geneva concluded with a mix of clear progress and unanswered questions – particularly for Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR).  

While the global tobacco control community advanced discussions on environmental responsibility, funding models, and youth protection, outcomes related to adult smokers and access to lower-risk alternatives remain limited, especially for Asia Pacific. 

 What COP11 Decided 

1. 1. Environmental and Product Regulation
      Parties adopted measures encouraging regulation of the environmental harms of tobacco and nicotine products, including waste produced by filters, devices, and disposable products. COP11 also introduced a system-wide United Nations decision calling for a complete ban on the use and sale of all tobacco products – including conventional cigarettes and heated tobacco products – and of novel and emerging nicotine products such as ENDS/ENNDS and other nicotine products (including nicotine pouches and disposable ENDS) within all United Nations indoor and outdoor premises, including headquarters, regional and country offices throughout the UN system globally. [1]
   2. Funding and Taxation
      Delegates reaffirmed domestic resource mobilisation as a key strategy for sustainable tobacco control, including taxation and efforts to combat illicit trade. This reinforces the long-standing priority of ensuring predictable national funding for tobacco control programmes.[1]
   3. New Product and “Forward-Looking” Control
      Discussions on e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and pouches centred on youth protection rather than harm reduction. COP11 acknowledged the need for innovation, but stopped short of integrating THR into treaty deliberations.[1]

Asia Pacific Context 

Asia Pacific was referenced throughout discussions due to its high smoking prevalence and rapidly changing nicotine landscape. However, no region-specific pathway or coordinated policy direction was adopted. 

With over half of the world’s smokers living in Asia Pacific, this lack of clarity has meaningful implications for adult smokers who may benefit from access to regulated, lower-risk alternatives. 

AshRA’s Perspective 

While COP11 advanced several important areas, gaps remain for THR, particularly in Asia Pacific. These gaps have real implications for millions of adult smokers who could benefit from lower-risk alternatives.  

1. Closing the Gap in Forward-Looking Product Policies
   Although new nicotine products were acknowledged within the agenda, THR did not feature in formal decisions. AshRA advocates for evidence-driven, risk-proportionate policies that differentiate high-risk combustibles from lower-risk alternatives. By enabling adults to switch to regulated, safer options, countries can reduce disease burden without undermining broader tobacco control goals.
2. Balancing Youth Protection with Adult Access
   Youth protection remains essential; however, overly restrictive regulation may drive adult smokers toward unregulated or illicit markets instead of regulated lower-risk options. AshRA emphasises balanced regulation that can protect young people while ensuring regulated access to safer alternatives for adults who currently smoke.
3. Opportunities for Regional Leadership
   Asia Pacific was repeatedly referenced in COP11 debates — yet no coordinated regional framework emerged. With some of the highest smoking prevalence and rapidly evolving nicotine markets, the region could benefit from stronger cooperation, including shared research, open policymaking, and inclusion of scientists and consumer voices in considerations. 

Looking Ahead 

COP11 outcomes advanced several important areas of tobacco control, yet maintained a precautionary stance toward emerging nicotine products. As preparations begin for COP12, the priority for Asia Pacific will be ensuring harm reduction is not overlooked — and that policy decisions reflect the evolving scientific evidence and the needs of millions of adult smokers in the region. 

Sources: 

1. WHO FCTC News – COP11 Decisions on Environment & Liability