The Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking Knowledge Hub actively contributed to COP11 through expert participation, delegation leadership, and a dedicated Knowledge Hub side event.

From 17–22 November 2025, Dr. Ghazi Zaatari,  Director of the Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking Knowledge Hub, participated in the Eleventh Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, held in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference brought together Parties, observers, and technical experts to review progress and advance global tobacco control efforts, marking 20 years of international cooperation under the WHO FCTC. Dr. Zaatari participated in a training session for the journalists covering COP11. He was also interviewed by Ms. Irina Papuc to Sănătate.Info, a Romanian publication dedicated to delivering clear, accurate health information to the Romanian community. 

https://www.sanatateinfo.md/News/Item/12490/prof-ghazi-zaatari-ban-filters-and-flavors-control-nicotine-stop-social-media-promotion-to-curb-the-tobacco-epidemic 

During COP-11, Dr. Maya Romani served as Head of Lebanon’s Delegation and provided technical leadership. She contributed evidence-based expertise on tobacco product regulation, addressing their regulatory gaps and public health implications. Dr. Romani was also elected as Co-Chair of Committee A, where she partially supported deliberations on substantive policy matters and facilitated consensus-building among Parties.

At COP11, the Knowledge Hub for Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking shared an exhibition booth with the other WHO FCTC Knowledge Hubs. It highlighted its mandate, ongoing research, and technical support to Parties interested in regulating waterpipe smoking. In addition, the Hub participated in a COP11 side event titled “WHO FCTC Knowledge Hubs Supporting the Global Fight Against Tobacco,” where a brief presentation showcased the Hub’s mission, key achievements, and its role in strengthening evidence-based waterpipe tobacco control worldwide.

Participation in COP11 reinforced the Hub’s commitment to supporting Parties through research, knowledge exchange, and technical collaboration, particularly in areas related to product regulation, policy implementation, and protection of public health from tobacco industry interference.