U.N. Global Compact Should Reconsider Allowing Participation Of Tobacco Companies

Huffington Post: Time to ban the wolves in sheep’s clothing
Vera Luiza da Costa e Silva, head of the convention secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)

“…[The tobacco industry] is an industry hooked on profit and devoid of responsibility. Yet the industry’s efforts have had some success. Among others, the industry forged partnerships with the European Union, with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and with the U.N. Global Compact (UNGC), which encourages businesses to act responsibly and to advance key global programs, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). … UNGC is reconsidering its position as part of an integrity review, which will be completed in July. While the UNGC does not encourage tobacco industry involvement or financing, its participants nonetheless include four tobacco companies … Clearly, no decisions have yet been made, but I am confident that our UNGC colleagues understand the critical issues at play and will make the right decision. … Given its role in spreading death and disease among millions of people and exacerbating poverty, the tobacco industry can only ever be a hindrance to global development. It needs to be shown the door” (7/11).

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