The hearings will be immediately followed by the start of formal negotiations on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the world's first public health convention. For the first time in the history of WHO, its 191 Member States will be embarking on the negotiation of a legally binding convention. The first round of negotiations will be from 16-21 October, with a final convention expected to be open for signature by countries no later than 2003.

All parties with an interest in the emerging Framework Convention on Tobacco Control have been invited to make submissions to the public hearings. "This is an historic opportunity for everyone, including those in the tobacco industry, to present their views on a major public health issue that is of great concern to us," said Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director-General of WHO.

All written submissions received will be posted in their original language at a special web site being set up for the hearings. Logistical details, registration, and other information for those attending the hearings will also be posted at this web site as of 13 September 2000. The web site's address is: http://genevahearings.who.int

This web site will also carry a live video and audio broadcast during the two-day public hearings. This live web cast will be linked to the written submission made by the speaker in order to facilitate coverage of the public hearings.

The revelations of an inquiry into the tobacco industry's strategies to undermine tobacco control activities at WHO have fuelled widespread media and public interest in the international aspects of tobacco control.

For more information on tobacco control in general, please visit:

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For further information, please contact: The Tobacco Free Initiative; World Health Organization; 20, Avenue Appia; CH-1211 Geneva 27; Switzerland. Telephone: +41 22 791 2108 or 3443; Facsimile: +41 22 791 4832; Email: tfi@who.int