Asia Forum on Nicotine 2026 Advocates for Safer Alternatives

The Asia Forum on Nicotine (AFN) 2026 commenced on October 16 at the Astoria Hotel in Ortigas, focusing on the critical need for science-backed tobacco harm reduction (THR) and accessible safer nicotine alternatives across the Asia Pacific region.

Key Highlights from the Asia Pacific Declaration

At the heart of the forum was the Asia Pacific Declaration, a formal appeal directed at health ministers and public health officials within the World Health Organization's South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions. This declaration calls for the legalization of safer nicotine alternatives aimed at adult smokers. It effectively outlines the dangers associated with combustible cigarettes and high-risk oral tobacco products.

This declaration advocates for a risk-proportionate regulatory framework for lower-risk nicotine alternatives while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding youth. Measures suggested include strict age-of-sale enforcement and marketing limitations to prevent underage access.

Collaborative Efforts in Organizing the Event

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (Caphra) spearheaded the organization of AFN 2026, collaborating with several partners including the Harm Reduction Alliance of the Philippines (Harap), The Vapers Philippines, and the Malaysia Society for Harm Reduction.

This year's event welcomed 18 experts, including healthcare professionals from 12 different countries: Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and the UK. The forum featured panel discussions and sessions focused on integrating Asia Pacific's data, case studies, and the lived experiences of consumers into the global dialogue on THR policy.

Insights from Industry Experts

Addressing the audience was Tikki Pangestu, a visiting professor at the National University of Singapore. He presented the keynote address titled 'The State of THR in Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa,' where he discussed the fluctuating nicotine and tobacco policy landscape across these regions. During his address, he highlighted the divide between nations that embrace evidence-based regulations and those that adopt prohibitive measures.

Pangestu later joined Nancy Loucas, the executive coordinator of Caphra, in the closing session where the Declaration was formally announced, summarizing the day's discussions. This declaration is designed as a practical advocacy tool that attendees can utilize in their local and national efforts, especially in anticipation of the 12th session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

“Asia has millions of adult smokers, yet many countries in the region prohibit products that could assist them in quitting,” Loucas stated. “At AFN 2026, we are questioning the existing evidence and the reasons behind the reluctance of many governments to take action.”

A Milestone Hybrid Event

Following its first virtual forum in 2025, AFN 2026 achieved a significant milestone by hosting its inaugural hybrid event, extending its geographical reach. This two-day forum, taking place from October 16 to 17, incorporated a 60-person in-person gathering at the Astoria Hotel along with a complimentary live broadcast on the Caphra YouTube channel. This approach widened the THR conversation, allowing a larger audience to engage with the material.

For more information regarding AFN 2026, including speaker details and discussion topics, please visit afn.asia.