Tuesday, June 24
Countering tobacco industry interference in tobacco taxation in tobacco-producing countries
Wicklow Meeting Room 1, 08:00 AM – 08:45 AM
STOP Speaker: Dr. Zaineb Sheikh
This satellite session offers a platform for tobacco control advocates, civil societies, academics, and governments to network and to discuss effective strategies countering tobacco industry interference in tobacco taxation, such as in policymaking and pricing tactics. We will focus on the unique needs and contexts of tobacco-producing countries with a strong presence and influence of the tobacco industries, highlighting experiences, challenges, and successes from Indonesia and Brazil. Given the nature of transnational tobacco companies’ global operation, this event also aims to identify the role of FCTC, governments and civil societies in high-income countries in supporting tobacco taxation implementation in the global south, making it more sustainable and impactful to the vulnerable population.
Tobacco industry influence on science: How has it evolved and what further solutions are needed?
Liffey A, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
STOP Speakers: Professor Anna Gilmore, Dr. Sophie Braznell, Dr. Tess Legg

While the tobacco industry argues its decades-long manipulation of science is consigned to history, evidence to the contrary is mounting. This symposium gathers experts from the fields of tobacco control and the commercial determinants of health to achieve two aims. First, we will outline how the industry historically sought to undermine science and how this continues in the present, despite safeguards implemented to protect science. Second, through presentation of a concrete intervention and an in-depth discussion between global experts, we will explore ways forward to ensure science functions for the public good.
What are the considerations for a truly ‘global’ tobacco endgame?
Wicklow Hall 1: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
STOP Speaker: Dr. Britta K. Matthes
A growing number of countries have set tobacco endgame targets to reduce smoking prevalence to 5% by a certain year or phase out smoking in younger generations. While most of these are high-income countries in Europe, North America or Australasia, a number of low- and middle-income countries in other world regions, notably in Africa, Latin America and Asia, may be well-positioned for a tobacco endgame due to their low smoking rates and advanced tobacco control measures. In this symposium, we discuss global progress in the tobacco endgame and the considerations for making the global tobacco endgame more inclusive.
Harnessing digital tools and AI for monitoring tobacco marketing and strengthening policy responses
Liffey B, 04:45 PM – 05:45 PM
STOP Speaker: Yayne Hailu, MPH
This session examines persistent digital tobacco marketing tactics, and the policies needed to counter them. Presentations will cover covert e-cigarette marketing on Chinese social media, influencer-driven youth targeting in Brazil, and algorithmic strategies aimed at online news readers in Indonesia. The session highlights how civil society-led media monitoring systems, powered by AI, drive community action and shape policy responses. Attendees will gain actionable insights to address the challenges posed by digital tobacco marketing and promote more effective regulatory measures.