WHO Representatives and Heads of Country Offices from 13 countries gathered at the WHO Academy in Lyon, France, on 29–30 September 2026 for the sixth Executive Leadership Programme for Tobacco Control, strengthening the leadership skills, strategic partnerships and collaboration needed to accelerate progress against tobacco use.
Bringing together senior WHO leaders from the African, Eastern Mediterranean and European Regions, alongside colleagues from regional offices, headquarters and the WHO Academy, the programme provided an opportunity to exchange experiences, address shared challenges and identify new ways to advance tobacco-control policies at country level.
"Tobacco control is not only a technical agenda. Progress depends on leadership – the ability to navigate complex environments, build alliances and seize opportunities for change," said Dr Vinayak Prasad, Unit Head, Tobacco-Free Initiative. "This programme gives WHO Representatives a space to learn from each other and strengthen the leadership needed to advance tobacco control at country level."
Turning leadership into action
The two-day programme combined strategic discussions on tobacco-control priorities with practical leadership development, recognizing that advancing public health policies requires both technical expertise and the ability to influence decisions and mobilize partners.
Participants shared country experiences and explored strategies to strengthen tobacco taxation, address new and emerging nicotine and tobacco products, and improve enforcement of tobacco-control measures. Discussions also examined persistent barriers to progress, including tobacco industry interference, evolving consumption patterns and shifting political environments.
Through interactive sessions, WHO Representatives sharpened skills in negotiation, building trust, influencing decision-makers and leading through complexity and change. Practical media training, including simulated interviews, strengthened their ability to communicate tobacco-control priorities clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
Beyond individual leadership development, the programme reinforced the importance of collaboration across WHO's three levels – country offices, regional offices and headquarters – to translate global tobacco-control commitments into national action.
Participants highlighted the value of peer learning, stronger professional networks and practical approaches they could apply in their respective countries.
"What I valued most was the opportunity to learn directly from other WHO Representatives – not only about what has worked, but also about the challenges they have faced and how they have navigated them," said Dr Shenaaz El-Halabi, WHO Representative to South Africa. "It reminded us how much we can learn from one another across countries and regions."
The sixth edition of the programme reflects WHO's continued commitment to equipping country leaders with the skills, networks and strategic tools needed to overcome industry influence, strengthen political commitment and accelerate implementation of effective tobacco-control measures.
