Every year, on 31 May, WHO marks World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). The annual campaign is an opportunity to raise awareness on the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, and to discourage the use of tobacco in any form.
The theme of WNTD 2026 is “Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction”. Building on the momentum of the 2025 campaign, WNTD 2026 reaffirms WHO’s commitment to exposing the evolving strategies of the tobacco and nicotine industry and to advancing policies that protect young people and communities from addiction. The 2026 campaign aims to expose the tobacco and nicotine industry’s manipulation tactics — such as the use of synthetic nicotine and other additives designed to heighten addiction while appearing innovative; promote stronger policy action through bans on flavours, advertising and youth-targeted product designs; and empower young people and the public with the knowledge, tools and support needed to resist industry influence and overcome addiction.
WHO is calling for nominations of individuals or organizations for their accomplishments in the area of tobacco control. For further details and a description of the process, please visit the WNTD 2026 awards website.
The deadline for submission of nominations is 16 January 2026, at 17:00 Greenwich Mean Time
How to submit a nomination
The nomination form related to individuals or organizations from the WHO European Region can be accessed through the link provided on this page.
The nomination form for other regions can be submitted by email to the relevant WHO regional office (see regional contact list on the WNTD award site).
Announcement of awardees
WHO headquarters will announce the awardees on the WHO tobacco control website 5 days before WNTD.