How Big Tobacco exploits the UN SDGs to advance its own goals

Abstract Globally, the tobacco industry poses a major barrier to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals through its influence on SDG 3 (health and well-being), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 13 (climate action), and 17 (partnerships for the goals). Soon after the launch of the SDGs report, Big Tobacco immediately used it to promote its own agenda for development in LMICs such as Lebanon. Using the commercial determinants of health model, this presentation will highlight global and local tobacco monopoly practices, specifically the Lebanese Regie, as a commercial actor and their practices linked to the SDGs to illustrate how the tobacco industry compromises SDG advancement. The presentation will also address some of the system level attributes that serve to perpetuate such practices in Lebanon, allowing for tobacco industry free reign in the country. The presentation will end with suggestions on how LMICs, such as Lebanon, can address the growing industry influence on advances in SDGs and discuss potential measures to curb harmful commercial actor practices.