More than 8 in 10 adults worldwide – 82% – support a balanced approach to tobacco regulation, bringing all voices together and encouraging incremental progress in harm reduction.
This conclusion emerges from an international survey carried out by the independent research firm Povaddo of more than 44,000 adults in 22 countries, which also shows a strong agreement among those interviewed -88%- that, when making decisions that affect the lives of an important part of the population, leaders must listen and defend the people they represent.
It further reveals that 77% of survey participants agree that the often ignored perspectives of those most directly affected should be included in discussions about regulation.
While 75% of the survey participants agree that social expectations of complete abstinence from substances such as nicotine and alcohol are not feasible, governments should therefore take steps to reduce the harm of their use. ; and 72% believe that their governments should consider the role that alternative products can play in making their countries smoke-free.
“If we want to address the challenges we face as a society in a meaningful and rapid way, a more balanced and inclusive approach is necessary,” said Gregoire Verdeaux, PMI Senior Vice President of External Affairs. “This includes policy decisions that take into account, first, the people most affected – ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met – and then that all relevant parties, including stakeholders, come to the table. subject matter experts, private companies, civil society leaders, and others who can contribute to solving the problems at hand.”
Despite increasingly polarized societies around the world, the commissioned survey revealed a strong consensus that finding a middle ground on contentious issues can drive incremental policy change and enable progress:
● 90% of respondents believe that to solve the most pressing societal challenges, leaders must consider all perspectives, even those that are contrary to their own.
● 88% said they would be more likely to vote for leaders who listen to all sides of an issue and take sensible approaches that improve the lives of ordinary people.
● Currently, less than a third of adults surveyed (31%) believe that their views are reflected in how their governments address critical issues.
In addition, the survey revealed that citizens are tired of waiting for change and are willing to compromise to make things happen. In that sense, 76% believe that leaders should pursue policy changes that allow gradual progress on social issues instead of waiting for radical changes that are more difficult to implement.
Finally, the study shows that people see companies and business leaders as drivers of change, and around 85% of those surveyed believe that joint work between citizens and companies will have a significant impact, while 77% see with good eyes that companies get involved in solving the main problems.
Gregoire Verdeaux said that “in countries around the world, citizens are tired of policy-making stumbling blocks and eager for constructive change. In the area of tobacco harm reduction, PMI has long advocated a sensible approach that puts the interests of current adult smokers and public health first,” adding that “if balanced and inclusive discussions about science behind the best alternatives and adopting a more people-centric approach, we can hasten the end of cigarettes. More than a billion people still smoke. We must – and can – do better, and that starts with an open, fact-based dialogue.”
