News analysis:A world apart(2)
The industry is, of course, eager that it should have some voice in policy making, and to this end the Global Alcohol Producers Group (GAP Group) was founded in 2005 to give the trade a unified global voice. Representing 17 of the leading companies in the trade, the GAP Group aims to be “a conduit for beverage alcohol producers to engage constructively with the WHO”, according to spokeswoman Abigail Jones. “We are convinced that feasible and effective solutions can only be reached with the involvement of all stakeholders and with full consideration of all the evidence.
“The trade is equally eager to take on the challenge of harmful drinking and to show what role we play alongside other stakeholders. We have valuable contributions to addressing alcohol misuse and we believe it’s important we have a seat at the table.” Jones is encouraged to note that “the early indications suggest that the new director general sees it as constructive to engage with industry.” In her opening address to the assembly, Chan said, “I am also talking with executives of multiple industries except for one – the tobacco industry.”
Industry knowledge
The vast experience that the industry has amassed over the years means that it can add valuable experience and knowledge to the decision-making process. By comparison, the WHO has only 8,000 members globally – many of these have limited knowledge of alcohol issues, and little experience of dealing with other stakeholders such as law enforcement.
