DUBLIN, IRELAND / ACCESS Newswire / June 23, 2025 / On the eve of the World Conference on Tobacco Control (WCTC), a lightshow illuminated the conference centre in Dublin, sending a clear message: millions of consumers are being left out of the conversation on global tobacco and nicotine policy. The event, organised by the World Vapers' Alliance, launched the "Voices Unheard - Consumers Matter!" campaign to highlight the ongoing marginalisation of those most affected by tobacco control decisions.
With COP11 in Geneva on the horizon, the campaign underscores the urgent need for consumer representation in policymaking. While hundreds of experts and officials discuss regulations behind closed doors, the light show symbolises the voices of countless adults who have successfully quit smoking with safer alternatives, yet remain unheard in critical policy debates.
Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers' Alliance, criticised the influence of powerful figures such as Michael Bloomberg, whose support for prohibitionist policies often sidelines consumer perspectives. "Policymakers must listen to those whose lives are directly impacted by these decisions," Landl said. "Evidence, not ideology or the influence of wealthy donors, should guide regulations."
The campaign also addresses recent calls from the World Health Organization for bans on flavoured nicotine products, which advocates argue would deny adults access to life-saving alternatives. Alberto Gómez Hernández, Policy and Advocacy Manager for the WVA, emphasised, "Banning flavours is not about protection-it's about denying adults the tools they need to quit smoking."
The World Vapers' Alliance continues to call for evidence-based harm reduction policies and genuine consumer inclusion as the world prepares for COP11.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Michael Landl
info@worldvapersalliance.com
+436648412958
High-quality pictures can be found here.
More information about flavour bans:
https://worldvapersalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Briefing-WHO-Flavour-Ban.pdf
More about the WVA's demands:
https://worldvapersalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Rethinking-Tobacco-control-Report.pdf
SOURCE: World Vapers' Alliance
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire