Peking University, July 24, 2025: From July 19th to 21st, Peking University Model WHO Tobacco Control Conference of the Parties (PKUMTCCOP 2025) was held in Wuhan. The event was supported by Peking University School of Journalism and Communication, the Peking University Health Communication Association, the Peking University Model United Nations Association (PKUMUNA), and the Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund (TFKAF) Beijing Representative Office.

What is PKUMTCCOP？
Concerned with the current international issue of tobacco, a leading cause of preventable death worldwide, this inaugural conference aims at transcending boundaries, therefore further encouraging youth to engage in the fight against tobacco. It seeks to create an academic platform where China’s brightest young minds could immerse themselves in the global public health governance complexities. After a journey of 20 years since Framework Convention on Tobacco Control(FCTC)’s entry into force, it has been playing an important role in the promotion of awareness on international issues. By modeling the highest decision-making body of the WHO FCTC, PKUMTCCOP empowers participants to understand multilateralism, practice critical skills, and contribute their youth perspectives to one of the world’s most significant public health treaties.



What happened？
After a three-day conference with intense schedule, delegates cultivated both their language skills and awareness of their responsibilities as a part of the UN. They have fully engaged in formal debates, actively reaching for consensus, and drafting ambitious resolutions guided by WHO FCTC COP rules.

PKUMTCCOP 2025 consisted of three committees, covering the following aspects of tobacco control and contemporary challenges:

WHO-1: Permanent Exposure: Tobacco Control and Challenge of Social Media. Delegates grappled with regulating tobacco promotion and misinformation in the digital age, brainstorming on strategies on “tobacco-free digital spaces.”



WHO-2: Domestic and International Regulations on E-Cigarettes. Due to concerns on the complex reality of divergent global policies, representatives navigated the challenges of implementing international regulations for e-cigarettes effectively.



WHO-3: Promoting Tobacco Crop Substitution. This committee tackled the environmental and socio-economic burdens of tobacco farming, seeking sustainable alternative livelihoods for farmers and ecological restoration.



Through rigorous negotiation, data-driven arguments, and with spirits of cooperation, each committee forged comprehensive resolutions, which contained regulatory mechanisms, implementation pathways, and safeguards. These documents represented innovative and actionable “youth solutions” to global tobacco control, showcasing the participants’ deep research and commitment.

Voices from participants
Dais Head of WHO-1 Zhang Tongwei (Undergraduate majoring in History, Peking University)
From my perspective, the key focus of today's conference lies in youth engagement in global tobacco control. This conference itself stands as a powerful example of putting this idea into action, bringing together diverse voices to advance the cause. After all, addressing global tobacco challenges demands collective action, and only through joint efforts can we drive real, lasting change for our society and the world.



Delegate Min Yuxing (No. 1 Senior High School of WEDZ)
E-cigarettes represents a prevalent global public health issue of significant contemporary concern. It is the most common form of electron chronic nicotine delivery system nowadays. Participating in the Model UN (MUN) is an incredibly valuable experience for me. The conference required many document readings, which practiced my reading and writing skills. Through discussions, we have formed consensus on the topic of regulations of e-cigarettes and learned a lot from each other.



Volunteer Zeng Zixi (Villa Sainte-Marcelline)
Bénévole, je me dis : la lutte anti-tabac, c’est vraiment dans nos mains ! Ces jeunes sont pleins d’énergie, polis et déterminés, comme un soleil de 8 heures du mat’. De Pékin à Rio, de Shanghai à Genève, tout le monde se bouge : lois plus dures, idées plus fraîches, actions plus rapides. Bosser à côté de ces talents, j’en suis super fier !



Volunteer Liu Zeyu (Nanchang No. 2. Middle School)
In my opinion, it is a very meaningful activity. I believe it can enhance our international awareness and develop our communication skills. Thanks.



Source: Peking University School of Journalism and Communication