Call for Nominations: World No Tobacco Day 2027 Awards

Deadline: 20-Nov-2026

The World Health Organization (WHO) is inviting nominations for individuals, organizations, collectives, and government entities that have made outstanding contributions to tobacco control. The 2027 awards focus on mental well-being and protecting young people from tobacco and nicotine, recognizing leadership, innovation, and progress in implementing or sustaining effective tobacco control measures.

About the WHO World No Tobacco Day Awards 2027

The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking nominations for individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, or commitment to advancing tobacco control. The 2027 awards are linked to the World No Tobacco Day theme of protecting young minds from tobacco and nicotine, with a particular focus on mental well-being. The awards recognize meaningful contributions to tobacco control policies and measures, particularly efforts that support implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Purpose of the Awards The awards aim to recognize people and organizations that have helped strengthen tobacco control at the local, national, regional, or international level. Developing or implementing effective tobacco control policies. Introducing innovative tobacco control measures. Advancing implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Protecting children and young people from tobacco and nicotine exposure. Supporting policies that address the impact of tobacco and nicotine on mental well-being. Sustaining successful tobacco control achievements. Demonstrating exceptional leadership in tobacco control. Making significant progress during the past five years. 2027 Award Theme The 2027 awards place particular emphasis on mental well-being and protecting young minds from tobacco and nicotine. This reflects growing concern about the ways tobacco and nicotine products can affect young people and the importance of creating environments that protect younger generations from tobacco-related harm. Nominations that demonstrate a clear connection between tobacco control, youth protection, and mental well-being may therefore be particularly relevant. Who Can Be Nominated? Nominations are open to a broad range of individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to tobacco control.

Eligible nominees may include:

Individuals Collectives Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) Government departments Government ministries Nominees may have contributed to tobacco control at any of the following levels: Local National Regional International What Contributions Are Recognized? The awards are intended for nominees who can demonstrate exceptional and measurable contributions to tobacco control. Examples of relevant achievements may include: Introducing new tobacco control legislation or policies. Strengthening enforcement of tobacco control measures. Supporting implementation of WHO FCTC provisions. Developing innovative approaches to tobacco prevention. Protecting young people from tobacco and nicotine products. Addressing emerging tobacco and nicotine-related challenges. Helping maintain successful tobacco control policies over time. Building partnerships that strengthen tobacco control efforts. The contribution should generally demonstrate meaningful progress or sustained achievement, particularly within the five years preceding the nomination. Why It Matters Tobacco control plays an important role in protecting public health and reducing exposure to harmful tobacco and nicotine products. Recognizing successful tobacco control leaders can: Encourage governments and organizations to strengthen tobacco control. Promote innovative approaches to protecting young people. Increase awareness of tobacco-related risks. Support implementation of evidence-based policies. Encourage countries and communities to sustain tobacco control progress. The 2027 focus additionally highlights the importance of protecting the mental well-being of young people from the potential harms associated with tobacco and nicotine. Who Is Encouraged to Be Nominated? WHO is particularly encouraging nominations that increase representation across different regions and communities. This approach aims to highlight tobacco control achievements from a diverse range of settings rather than focusing only on traditionally prominent organizations or countries. Who Is Not Eligible? Certain individuals and groups cannot be nominated for the awards.

Ineligible nominees include:

WHO staff members. Other United Nations staff members. Relatives of WHO or other UN staff members. Individuals or collectives involved with the tobacco industry. Previous award recipients from the past five years. The exclusion of tobacco industry participants is particularly important because the awards are intended to recognize independent contributions to tobacco control. Key Eligibility Considerations Before submitting a nomination, nominators should ensure that the proposed candidate: Has made an outstanding contribution to tobacco control. Has demonstrated leadership, innovation, or significant achievement. Has contributed at a local, national, regional, or international level. Can demonstrate relevant achievements, particularly within the past five years. Is not connected to the tobacco industry. Is not a WHO or UN staff member or their relative. Has not received the relevant award within the previous five years. How to Prepare a Strong Nomination A strong nomination should clearly explain what the nominee achieved, how the contribution advanced tobacco control, and why the achievement is significant.

1. Identify the contribution

Clearly describe the nominee’s main tobacco control achievement.

For example, explain whether the nominee:

Introduced a policy. Led a major tobacco prevention initiative. Improved implementation of tobacco control measures. Communities or young people benefiting from the initiative. Evidence of