Moderators: Dr Zhou Haijun, China, and Dr S. Nightingale, USA

The preceding keynote address by the Director-General of WHO drew attention to the heavy burden of disease due to tobacco smoking, and the need to control tobacco products. This opened discussions prior to the formal introduction of the topic by the two co-moderators.

In introducing the session, reference was made to action taken in this connection by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a model for consideration at this forum. Also stressed was the need for political commitment to tobacco control at the highest level.