Ceremony of entry into force of the WHO FCTC
Geneva , 28 February 2005 - Monday's ceremony held in WHO Headquarters celebrated the entry into force of the first ever WHO Treaty on Tobacco Control. Directors, ADGs and many staff members, joined ambassadors and other representatives from Member States in the Executive Board room to commemorate a historic moment for public health.
The Director-General addressed the audience by saying that the 27th of February 2005 will be a date that public health students will find in their textbooks. He honoured Ambassador Seixas Corrêa, chair of several of the negotiation sessions, by offering him a gavel with his name on it. Representatives of the first contracting Parties by region, made statements and a child from every region spoke briefly about what the treaty meant for them.
More information about the ceremony
- Speech by WHO Director-General, LEE Jong-wook
- Speech by Tobacco Free Initiative, Director, Dr Vera da Costa e Silva
- Press Release
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Media Advisory
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