International Framework Convention on health issues was opened for signature

In the history of the World Health Organization, WHO, based in Geneva, 16 June 2003 is a significant date. The first international Framework Convention on health issues in the world, which is legally binding on the Contracting Parties, was solemnly opened for signature. As many as 28 countries, including Finland, were among the first signatories of the international anti-tobacco Convention at a solemn event organised at the WHO Headquarters. Among the first signatories were the European Commission and ten (10) Member States of the EU.

The WHO has campaigned to combat the health hazards caused by tobacco for about 30 years already. During the past five years preceding the signature of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the organization has, under the leadership of Director-General Gro Harlem Brundtland, committed itself to the issue with an unprecedented energy in spite of the stubborn resistance of the tobacco industry.

Finland has been active in the negotiations on the Framework Convention right from the start. In his final address at the signature ceremony, Executive Director Derek Yach from the WHO referred, among others, to the contribution of Doctor Kimmo Leppo from Finland to the success of the Working Group on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Tobacco is the cause of about five (5) million untimely deaths on an annual basis, and about half of those who smoke tobacco today will die from an illness caused by tobacco. The FCTC will enter into force when 40 countries have ratified the Framework Convention. This will enable increasingly effective measures to combat tobacco smoking all over the world.

The Finnish Ambassador Pekka Huhtaniemi signed the Convention by an authority conferred for the purpose by the President of the Republic Tarja Halonen on 13 June 2003.

Ambassador Pekka Huhtaniemi

The African girl in the picture is one of the children representing the different continents and nationalities enthusiastically taking part in the ceremonies in Geneva. Participants in the event underlined the fact that the idea of the Framework Convention lies, above all, in that it is an achievement that will have an impact on the health of children and young persons in the future and that it represents an investment in the child and youth.

Ambassador of Sweden Johan Molander, South-Africa´s Minister of Health Mrs. Tshabalala-Msimang and Ambassador Huhtaniemi

The new Director-General of the World Health Organization WHO, Doctor Jong Wook Lee from Korea, will start his six-year term in office on 25 July 2003. He has promised to visit Finland soon after assuming office. Director-General Lee will take part in a big international Conference, Tobacco or Health, in the Helsinki Fair Center (Messukeskus), on 3 to 8 August 2003. The organizers expect that some 2000 – 3000 persons will arrive in Finland from the various parts of the world to attend the conference. Director-General Lee will also meet representatives of the Government of Finland and Finnish health authorities.