New Approaches
Conference  

Harvard Club of New York City (in person & livestream access)
2026 Annual Date: Monday, September 21 from 8:00am-7:00pm
Multilateralism Matters: Collectively We Can End Smoking
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2026 New Approaches to Tobacco Control & Harm Reduction: Multilateralism Matters!
Collectively We Can End Smoking.
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Thank you to all who joined us during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) for the 4th Annual New Approaches Summit on Tobacco Control and Harm Reduction, held Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Harvard Club of New York City and via livestream.
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Together, we advanced timely and meaningful discussions on policy, science, innovation, and investment–reinforcing that prevention, cessation, and harm reduction are not competing strategies but complementary approaches that can save millions of lives, reduce inequities, and accelerate progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Looking Ahead
We are deeply grateful to our speakers, chair, sponsors, and delegates worldwide who contributed to the 2025 program. We look forward to building on the momentum and seeing you all next year as we celebrate the 5th anniversary of the New Approaches Summit.

Please mark your calendar: The 5th Annual New Approaches Summit will take place on Monday, September 21, 2026. Again in New York City to coincide with UN Week 81. An Evening Welcome Reception will precede the Summit on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Official registration opens March 1, 2026.

For questions about this year's Summit or involvement in 2026, please contact: events@newapproaches.nyc.
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2025 Agenda Areas
The Summit featured 25+ expert speakers, 22+ sessions, cross-sector panels, keynotes, and dialogue across four central tracks shaping the future of tobacco control and harm reduction:

Part 1: Policy and Trade – Global regulations, tariffs, trade protectionism, intellectual property enforcement, and institutional frameworks.
Part 2: Science and Research – Latest evidence, population data, FDA's AI tool (ELSA), and closing communication gaps.
Part 3: Innovation and Technology – Advances in oral nicotine products and beyond, compliance, safety, delivery formats, access, and youth prevention.
Part 4: Investment and Impact – Market drivers, ESG considerations, green chemistry, and strategic investment outlook.
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2025 Meeting Materials
The agenda, select presentations, and the full photo gallery are available here:
‍[2025 New Approaches Summit Materials]

Direct links to the materials can be found here:
[Full Program Agenda]
[View Select Speaker Presentations]
[Explore the Photo Gallery]
[Watch Select Session Recordings]
[Speaker Biographies]

Read the Takeaways: 7 Key Messages from New Approaches 2025 Annual UN Week Summit
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More highlights and takeaways of the sessions will be shared in the weeks ahead.‍

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You can find the full program, meeting schedule and session details here: 2025 Final Agenda


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8:00 - 8:45 AM
45 min


Breakfast & Registration
Harvard Grill (Floor 1)
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Sponsored by
Zanoprima Lifesciences
8:45 – 9:00 AM
15 min
Welcome Remarks from the Summit Chair
Harvard Hall (Floor 1)

Learn more
Derek Yach,
MBChB MPH,
Global Public Health
Expert
Harvard Hall

SESSION I: Country Experiences with Harm Reduction
‍9:00 AM – 10:30 AM EDT | Moderated by Dr. Derek Yach

9:00 - 9:15AM
15 min
Keynote by UN Member State
To be announced
Harvard Hall
9:15 - 9:30 AM
15 min
Czech Republic: Harm Reduction as a Policy Approach – A Challenge to Abstinence Focused Policies
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Learn more
The presentation will focus on current state-of-the-art approaches to addiction policy, particularly regarding tobacco harm reduction.
Jindřich Vobořil,
Expert on Drugs
Policy, Advisor to the
Prime Minister,
Czech Republic
Harvard Hall
9:30 – 9:45 AM
15 min
New Zealand: Integrating Harm Reduction in National Actions – Successes & Lessons for Island States
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New Zealand is nearing achievement of its Smokefree 2025 goal of 5% or belowsmoking prevalence. How did they achieve this and what are the lessons for othercountries?
Dr. Marewa Glover,
Centre of Research
Excellence:
Indigenous
Sovereignty &
Smoking, New
Zealand
Harvard Club Entrance/Grill
9:45 - 10:00 AM
15 min
Sweden: The Power of Alternative Products to Cut Smoking & Save Lives – Implications for Low- & Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)
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Suely Castro,
Founding Director,
Quit Like Sweden
Harvard Hall
10:00 - 10:30 AM
30 min
Panel: What will it take for governments to embrace scientific evidence that tobacco harm reduction (THR) can save lives?
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Panelist:
Jindrich Vobořil
Marewa Glover
Suely Castro
Martin Cullip (TPA)

Moderator:
Dr. Derek Yach
Harvard Hall
10:30 - 10:45 AM
15 min
COFFEE BREAK 1
Learn more

Harvard Hall

SESSION II: Convergence Between Supporters and Opponents of Harm Reduction
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM EDT | Moderated by Ethan Nadelmann

10:45 - 11:00 AM
15 min
Placing Consumer Health as the Drive of How to End Smoking
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Former AG Miller will be speaking on the evolution of tobacco harm reduction throughout his tenure as Iowa Attorney General. He will be focusing on the concept of prohibition
vs. harm reduction over the years and highlighting the successes of harm eduction in recent years.
Tom Miller,
Former Iowa
Attorney General &
Harm Reduction Advocate
Harvard Hall
11:00 - 11:15 AM
15 min
A Common Grounding to Advance Harm Reduction Public Policy
Lean more
Mr. Saleh’s presentation highlights strategies on how to 1) overcome political divides when it comes to harm reduction across a variety substances and 2) address common misconceptions that lead to backlash of harm reduction policies. While the presentation takes lessons learned in the United States, Mr. Saleh will highlight important commonalities and differences to other countries and regulatory approaches.For example, how do you reduce smoking among individuals who use drugs in an era of mixed results of drug decriminalization? The presentation will cover the intersections of harm reduction, substance use, and public safety, and discuss ways to build bridges that help to advance harm reduction policies.
Mazen Saleh,
Policy Director,
Integrated Harm
Reduction,
R Street Institute
Harvard Hall
11:15 – 11:25 AM
10 min
The Morven Dialogues – Areas of Agreement Between Private & Public Parties
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Recent confidential meetings between public and private tobacco control scientistsand policy makers will be summarized, highlighting emerging areas of agreement andremaining reasons for disagreement.
Dr. Derek Yach
Harvard Hall
11:25 – 11:55 AM
‍30 min
Panel: How do supporters & opponents unite? Is there evidence of convergence of tobacco harm reduction and tobacco control?
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Panelists:
Tom Miller
Mazen Saleh
Jindrich Vobořil
Tim Andrews (ATR)
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‍Moderator:
‍Ethan Nadelmann
Harvard Hall
12:00 – 1:00 PM
‍1 hour
Lunch Break
Learn more
Sponsored by
Ventus Medical
Biddle Room (Floor 3) 

SESSION III: Research and Science – Switching Populations that Smoke
1:05 PM – 2:15 PM EDT | Moderated by David Lawson

1:05 – 1:15 PM
‍10 min
Priorities in Tobacco Harm Reduction Research
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A draft report on priorities for THR will be released for wide debate. It includes a detailed analysis of THR by public and private scientists between 2014 and 2024 and proposes priorities for "global' research, for national research by all countries, and strategic policy research.
Dr. Derek Yach
Harvard Hall
1:15 – 1:30 PM
‍15 min
Legal & Regulatory Challenges for Consumer & Medical Nicotine Products
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This presentation explores some of the legal and regulatory barriers for nicotine products with a specific focus on therapeutic benefit.
David Lawson,
Executive Director
Inter Scientific &
Ventus Medical
Harvard Hall
1:30 – 1:45 PM
15 min
Equity of Tobacco Harm Reduction – Challenges & Opportunities
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Smoking and related harms are often concentrated among disadvantaged communities. The use of e-cigarettes is positively associated with smoking cessation, but how do
e-cigarettes interact with smoking-related disparities? Greater rates of vaping in the communities where smoking is highest might concentrate the cessation effect where it
is most needed. Conversely, if smokers from disadvantaged groups are less likely to transition to e-cigarettes, then health equity might suffer even while aggregate morbidity and mortality improve. Ensuring the equity of Tobacco Harm Reduction is a practical and moral imperative; one which is complicated by heterogenous consumption patterns, misinformation, and divergent perspectives on ‘harm’.
Sam Hampsher,
Managing Director,
BOTEC Analysis
Harvard Hall
1:45 – 2:15 PM
30 min
Panel: CTP, CDER, MHRA – Regulatory Agencies Learning From Each Other to Accelerate Innovation
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Panelist:
Christopher Russell,
PhD (RBRC)
Rachael
Trimpert Schmidt
(ALINC Consulting)
Ian Jones, PhD
(ARAC)

Moderator:
David Lawson
Harvard Hall
2:15 – 2:30 PM
15 min
Coffee Break 2
Learn more
Sponsored by ARAC
Harvard Hall

SESSION IV: Technology, Innovation and Regulatory
2:30 AM – 3:55 PM EDT | Moderated by Tony Abboud

2:30 – 2:50 PM
20 min
Innovation, Compliance & Regulation – Perspective from the Chinese Manufacturer Organization ECCC
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This presentation will provide insight into China's vaping manufacturing sector, helping people understand the efforts made to prevent youth vaping, promote compliance, ensure product safety, and facilitate innovation.
Mr. Ao,
Secretary-General,
China Electronics
Chamber of
Commerce (ECCC)
Harvard Hall
2:50 – 2:58 PM
6 mins
Updates from an ECCC Member Company: Navigating Regulatory Regimes Globally
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ECCC Member
Company
Harvard Hall
3:00 – 3:10 PM
10 min
Modern Oral Nicotine in Moist Smokeless Form
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Black Buffalo Inc. has created a novel smokeless tobacco alternative for adult consumers by using a specifically grown variety of edible leafy greens in lieu of tobacco plant material. Black Buffalo’s product set emulates the ritual and tradition associated with moist smokeless tobacco, including long cut and pouches forms, as well as traditional (straight) and flavored varieties (wintergreen, mint, blood orange and peach). While white powdered nicotine pouches have gained much of the attention in the marketplace, Black Buffalo’s brand and product set are anchored in the thesis that millions of adult consumers of traditional products are seeking an alternative product closer to their own traditional products, just without the tobacco plant material.
Matthew Hanson, CFA,
Chief Growth Officer,
Black
Buffalo Inc.
Harvard Hall
3:10 – 3:20 PM
10 min
Is There a Youth Access & Use Problem in Oral Nicotine?
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Martin Steinbauer,
Chief Engineer &
Co-founder, SMOOD
Harvard Hall
3:20 – 3:25 PM
5 min
Eliminating Heavy Metals & Nitrosamines from Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRTs) & Reduced Risk Products (RRPs)
Learn more
Dr. William Jackson,
Scientific Expert,
Zanoprima
Lifesciences
Harvard Hall
3:25 –3:55 PM
30 min
Panel: An Evolving Legal, Patent, & Regulatory Landscape
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Panelists:
Azim Chowdhury
(Keller & Heckman)
Agustin Rodriguez
(Troutman Pepper)
Jeannie Cameron
(JCIC International)
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Moderator:
Tony Abboud
Harvard Hall

SESSION V: Investments to Achieve Public Health Impact
3:55 PM – 5:00 PM EDT | Moderated by Erika Karp

4:00 – 4:10 PM
10 min
The Transition to Lower Risk Nicotine Products: Progress, Impediments & Accelerators
Learn more
In a number of countries, a significant share of nicotine product consumers are nowusing lower risk, non-combustible products. At a global level, however, less than 5%have made the switch away from cigarettes due to a lack of access to these betterproducts. What can governments and business do to accelerate the transition?
Huub Savelkouls,
Founder & Owner,
Scope3plus
Consulting Sarl
Harvard Hall
4:10 – 4:20 PM
10 min
Investment Analysts’ Roles & Perspectives in Accelerating THR Progress
Learn more
In a number of countries, a significant share of nicotine product consumers are nowusing lower risk, non-combustible products. At a global level, however, less than 5%have made the switch away from cigarettes due to a lack of access to these betterproducts. What can governments and business do to accelerate the transition?
To be announced
Harvard Hall
4:20 – 4:30 PM
10 min
The NJOY Journey – What is Needed to Scale Global Progress?
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Doug Teitelbaum,
Founder, Homewood Capital / Executive Chairman NJOY
Harvard Hall
4:30 – 5:00 PM
30 min
Panel: Category-Defining Innovation – What’s on the Horizon?
Learn more
Panelists:
Huub Savelkouls
‍Doug Teitelbaum
TBA

Moderator:
Erika Karp
Harvard Hall
5:00 – 5:10 PM
10 min
Closing Remarks: Looking Forward
Dr. Derek Yach
Harvard Hall
5:30 – 7:00 PM
1.5 hours
Networking Reception – Cambridge Room (Floor 2)
Open Bar and Passed Hors d’oeuvres
Harvard Hall
Register Here

2025 Sponsors

We extend our gratitude to the following organizations for their support in bringing this year’s Summit and networking sessions to you.
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Inter Scientific is an independently owned, UKAS-accredited Contract Research Organisation offering regulatory consultancy and analytical testing globally. With almost a decade of experience, Inter Scientific provides a single-point product-compliance solution across various regulated industries, including nicotine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical devices, and novel foods. Committed to clients, personnel, and the environment, Inter Scientific aims to be a world-class leader in regulatory advice and analytical services, uniquely positioned to unlock global markets for its clients.
Learn more
Inter Scientific is an independently owned, UKAS-accredited Contract Research Organisation offering regulatory consultancy and analytical testing globally. With almost a decade of experience, Inter Scientific provides a single-point product-compliance solution across various regulated industries, including nicotine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical devices, and novel foods. Committed to clients, personnel, and the environment, Inter Scientific aims to be a world-class leader in regulatory advice and analytical services, uniquely positioned to unlock global markets for its clients.
Learn more
Ventus Medical is a medical device and drug development company focused on inhalation products. Ventus Medical has developed ENHALE, an approved Class IIa medical device, which is currently undergoing regulatory review by the MHRA and is in the process of being submitted across the EU for European authorisation.
Learn more
Zanoprima is a manufacturer of S-nicotine. The company has developed a novel enzymatic process for the production utilizing “green chemistry”, yielding a significant carbon emission reduction and other ESG benefits when compared to plant extraction.  These processes are subject to granted patents in over 40 countries. Zanoprima supports manufacturers in regulatory submissions, through a Drug Master File (DMF) and Tobacco Product Master File (TPMF) on file with the US Food and Drug Administration. Further, Zanoprima has developed improved reduced risk nicotine products using this high purity S-nicotine, including next generation Nicotine Replacement Therapies, with patents granted for novel vaping and oral products.
Learn more
SMOOD® for a cleaner, smoother nicotine experience without tobacco. SMOOD is a consumer hardware and vaporizer company built with advanced technology including youth access prevention, IoT-enabled devices, and sustainability programs. Developed by MIT and Harvard medical engineers, SMOOD is transforming the sector by focusing on innovation, sustainability, safety, and reliability.
Learn more
SkyX Group Inc. is a technology company specializing in the development of one-touch intuitive drug delivery devices and system solutions for consumer and pharmaceutical industries.
Learn more
Founded in 2015, Black Buffalo has created America's leading smokeless tobacco alternative products, backed by over 25,000 hours of research and development. The company is a 4-time recipient of the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America award (most recently in 2025), and has won major Best New Product awards from the convenience trade.
Learn more
At ALINC Consulting LLC, our mission isto help create a link between industry and regulators, striving to develop common sense regulation, suppor the creation and authorization of reduced harm tobacco products, and improve health outcomes for all nicotine users. ALINC has a strong commitment to ensuring excellence through strategic guidance and effective execution of all projects. Offering Regulatory Compliance Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement, Analytical Expertise, as well as Policy and Regulatory Development and Advocacy consulting services.
Learn more
WOW Solutions LLC (Where Outstanding Wins) is a regulatory advisory firm specializing in U.S. compliance strategy, inspection readiness, and regulatory advocacy. Founded by Lillian Ortega, former Director of Enforcement and Manufacturing at FDA's CTP with over a decade of regulatory leadership experience.
Learn more
Noat Inc.
Learn more
The Centre for Substance Use Research (CSUR) is a globally renowned tobacco harm reduction and science organization. CSUR designs and conducts studies supporting PMTAs and MRTPAs.
REGISTER 2026

Venue 2026:
Harvard Club of New York City

35 West 44th Street New York NY
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The 2026 New Approaches Summit on Tobacco Control and Harm Reduction will be held on September 21st at The Harvard Club of New York City, conveniently located a few avenues from the United Nations Headquarters. Sign in at the registration desk with your ticket confirmation to collect your badge. Please note: Livestream Delegates must also register to receive the Zoom invitation instructions.

Testimonials

A day well spent, excellent speakers, various perspectives on all aspects from science and markets to policy and politics.

An excellent conference, both in terms of quality of speaker, content, structure, venue, and organisation. Having attended this conference for the past three years, each year has been more enjoyable and informative than the previous.

In New York, politicians, academics, consumer and trade commentators, and other experts in the field gathered to discuss developments and share information in the glorious surroundings of the Harvard Club.

So many powerful insights into innovative strategies that can improve health outcomes for smokers. It was energizing to see experts unite around practical solutions that prioritize both health and individual choice.

A fantastic forum for discussion and debate around tobacco control and harm reduction and how science and policy can have a material impact on mortality and morbidity of smokers.

About the Summit

New Approaches was founded as a collaboration between public health experts, tobacco control and harm reduction advocates, policymakers, researchers, innovators, and investors united by a shared mission: to end smoking-related deaths, improve global health outcomes, and support a more sustainable future.

New Approaches is an independent global forum on science and policy held annually during United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Climate week in New York City. As a neutral convener, New Approaches hosts programming developed by summit chairs and speakers. Views and statements by speakers are their own, and diverse perspectives are encouraged.

The Summit is open to all stakeholders committed to advancing pragmatic, evidence-based solutions to reduce tobacco-related harm and improve public health–potentially saving up to one billion lives this century.

In accordance with Article 5.3 of the WHO tobacco treaty, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), this event maintains complete independence and receives no funding or interference from tobacco, pharmaceutical, or tobacco control industries. However, the event remains open to all delegate attendees, fostering inclusive dialogue.

Register to Attend
21nd September 2026

REGISTER 2026
Press and General Inquiries Contact
‍Events@NewApproaches.NYC
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Derek Yach, MBChB MPH

Derek Yach is currently an independent global health consultant who has focused his career on the holistic advancement of public health around the world. He was the founder and president of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World and a former Executive Director of the Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at the World Health Organization (WHO) where Dr. Yach led the development of WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Register 2024

Please complete the application form below to register for the third Annual New Approaches Summit on Monday September 23, 2024 at the Harvard Club of New York City. Early bird registration will be released on October 24, 2023. Stay tuned! For general questions about the event, including press, speaker, or sponsor opportunities, please contact events@newapproaches.nyc.
 Thank you for your interest in the New Approaches Conference! We will be reaching out to you shortly regarding your ticket.
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