Alcohol use remains a leading risk factor for premature mortality and morbidity worldwide, with wide-ranging consequences for health systems, economic development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Reducing this burden requires effective, evidence-based public health policies led by governments, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities across sectors.
As part of the implementation of the Global Alcohol Action Plan (GAAP) 2022–2030, the World Health Organization (WHO) is convening a second dialogue with economic operators engaged in alcohol production, distribution, marketing and sales. Building on the initial dialogue held in February 2023, the meeting provides an opportunity to exchange views on areas where the practices of economic operators intersect with public health objectives under GAAP.
In line with established public health governance principles, the development, adoption and enforcement of alcohol policies remain the responsibility of governments and public health authorities.
The dialogue is structured around three areas reflected in the meeting agenda:
- Product reformulation and consumer information, including no- and low-alcohol products, their public health implications, and labelling practices (ingredients, nutritional and health-related information);
- Marketing practices, including digital marketing and exposure dynamics, influencer and peer-based promotion, indirect promotion and branding strategies, and cross-border marketing;
- Alcohol sales and availability, including retail and e-commerce practices, age verification across sales channels, delivery systems, and cross-border sales and licensing challenges.
The meeting will provide a platform for a structured exchange on current practices, emerging challenges and their implications for public health, as well as on areas where economic operators’ activities may affect progress towards the objectives of the Global Alcohol Action Plan.
The purpose of the dialogue is to facilitate a transparent and evidence-informed discussion while reaffirming the central role of governments in protecting and promoting public health. Participation does not imply partnership or collaboration with economic operators and does not affect the independence of WHO’s normative and policy-setting functions.
For queries about the dialogue:
Anja Busse
Team Lead
Alcohol, Drugs and Addictive Behaviours
Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health
Email: bussea@who.int
Dag Rekve
Senior Technical Officer
Alcohol, Drugs and Addictive Behaviours
Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health
Email: rekved@who.int