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Webinar: “The Digital Predator: How Tobacco Industry is using AI to Hook Tomorrow’s Smokers”

- 14 May 2026
WNTD 2026_KH5.3

Organizer: WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub for Article 5.3

Co-Organizers: Vital Strategies, WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub on Legal Challenges

Date and Time: 26 May 2026, 13:00-14:00 GMT (9:00 New York, 15:00 Geneva, 15:00 Johannesburg, 20:00 Bangkok, 23:00 Sydney)

Overview: The webinar will explore how AI and digital technologies are being used to market tobacco and nicotine products to youth, while discussing policy responses and strategies to strengthen tobacco control in the digital age.

Languages: The webinar will be in English. French and Spanish simultaneous interpretation will be provided for multilingual audiences to ensure global accessibility.

Program: 

Time 

Agenda Item

Session moderated by Sophapan McWhortor, Program Associate, WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub for Article 5.3

1:00 – 1:01

1 minute

Introduction

by Sophapan McWhortor, Program Associate, WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub for Article 5.3

1:01 – 1:04

3 minutes

Opening remarks (video message)

by Dr. Tibor Szilagyi, Team Lead, Reporting and Knowledge Management and Development Assistance a.i., Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control 

1:04 – 1:14

10 minutes

How the Tobacco Industry Uses AI and Data Analytics in Targeting Youth 

by Dr. Nandita Murukutla, Vice President, Behavioral Insights and Evaluation, Policy Advocacy and Communication, Vital Strategies

1:14 – 1:24

10 minutes

 

Policy and Regulatory Implications 

by Ms. Ma-Anne Rosales Sto Domingo, Regional Manager for Asia, McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer, WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub on Legal Challenges

1:24 -1:49

25 minutes

Moderated Panel Discussion: Counter-strategies and solutions. What forward-looking measures are we expecting?

Moderator: Ms. Martha Kombe, Secretary-General of Den of Hope Youth Group, Kenya

Panelists: 

  • Mr. Sisouk Bounlivong (Lao Youth ambassador for anti-smoking); 2nd Prize Winner (Age Group 13–18), 2025 Youth Photo Contest conducted by WHO FCTC KH under Article 5.3

  • Dr. Ye Htut Oo, Deputy Director, WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub for Article 5.3

  • Dr. Leimapokpam Swasticharan, Deputy Director General (NCD) and Director (Emergency Medical Relief), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), India

1:49 -1:55

6 minutes

Q&A session 

by Session Facilitators

1:55 – 2:00

5 minutes

Closing remarks

by Dr. Nuntavarn Vichit-Vadakan, Director, WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub for Article 5.3