THE GLOBAL ALCOHOL POLICY CONFERENCE IN CAPE TOWN: REFLECTIONS AND PERSONAL TAKEAWAYS

Setting the Stage:

In the heart of Cape Town, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge, I had the privilege of joining over 500 participants from 55 countries who attended the 7th Global Alcohol Policy Conference. GAPC, hosted by the Global Alcohol Policy Alliance (GAPA), together with its partners, is the leading forum for the world’s alcohol policy makers, advocates, researchers, civil society activists, and practitioners. The gathering, under the unique theme of “Investing in people before profits: building momentum towards the Framework Convention on Alcohol Control”, provided a glorious opportunity to delve into the multifaceted challenges posed by alcohol consumption and explore innovative solutions.  

With its high level of heavy episodic drinking and related harms, and its long history of challenges in getting policy shifts in areas such as controls on alcohol marketing and retail sales of alcohol, South Africa was an ideal venue in which to discuss alcohol policy and in which to host GAPC 2023. The choice of Cape Town as the conference location brought a new depth to the event. Surrounded by the beautiful views of Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope, the city provided a fitting backdrop for discussions on public health and well-being.

In this blog post, I share my insights and reflections on the conference’s key themes and discussions that shaped my understanding of the global alcohol policy landscape.

Reflections on Key Theme Explored:

1. Global Perspectives on Alcohol Policy: The 2023 GAPC provided a rich platform for delegates to share insights into alcohol policies and interventions implemented in their respective countries. From successful alcohol initiatives in Lithuania to ongoing challenges brought about by industry interference, the diversity of global perspectives highlighted the need for a nuanced and adaptable approach to alcohol regulation. Fiscal policy measures such as taxation, a win-win solution for governments but not yet used widely enough were discussed. The discussions also extended to the need for regulating digital alcohol marketing, a major gap in effective policy response by governments, and a high priority for commercial interests to defend. The last plenary session was a panel on new initiatives in promoting impactful policies and reducing industry influence.
2. Public Health Impact: The 7^th GAPC Discussions delved deep into the public health impact of alcohol consumption, emphasizing the role of evidence-based policies in mitigating harm. Experts presented compelling research on the links between alcohol and various health issues, reinforcing the urgency of prioritizing public health in policy development. The presentation by Beatrice Lauby-Secretan gave the clearest picture yet of the link between alcohol and cancers. Underscoring the carcinogenicity of Alcoholic Beverages, Beatrice submitted that alcohol consumption is linked to 7 types of cancers including colorectal, larynx, esophagus, pharynx, oral cavity, breast, and liver cancers.
3. Advocacy and Grassroots Movements: A powerful theme that emerged was the pivotal role of advocacy and grassroots movements in driving policy change. Delegates shared inspiring stories of communities mobilizing for alcohol policy reform, underscoring the importance of collective action in creating meaningful and sustainable change. In her presentation, Bongiwe Ndondo, the Chairperson of the Southern Africa Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA) called alcohol advocates to close ranks to address alcohol-related gender-based violence and commercial determinants of health. She submitted that non-state actors, CSOs, and individuals alike must ensure that commercial interests do not obscure public health good.
4. Industry Interference and Regulation: The conference critically examined the influence of the alcohol industry on policy-making. In her opening remarks of the conference, Hon Lindiwe Zulu, Minister of Social Development remarked that the alcohol industry’s pushback on proposed policy measure is despite the avalanche of facts that restricting the time and place for the sale of alcohol is a public health issue and not a mere commercial and economic concern. She further noted that while the industry is rich and powerful, with strong lobby groups with financial muscle to litigate any piece of legislation, public health advocates must ramp up their efforts to counter industry influence. During the plenaries and the break-away sessions, thought-provoking discussions centered on the challenges of balancing economic interests with public health imperatives and explored strategies for effective regulation in the face of industry pressures.
5. Innovative Interventions: Presentations on innovative interventions and best practices showcased the potential for creative solutions to address alcohol-related issues. Lithuania’s success in reducing alcohol consumption provided a perfect case study to inspire delegates and countries to continue with their alcohol harm reduction endeavors.  It is noteworthy that between 2015 and 2017 Lithuania lowered its alcohol consumption by 17%. This is a reduction of almost three liters per person. According to Movendi International, the premier global network for development through alcohol prevention, Lithuania is one of the top five countries to have reduced alcohol consumption the most over five years. From community-based programs to technological advancements, the conference highlighted the importance of embracing a diverse range of strategies to tackle this complex global alcohol challenge.

Personal Takeaways:

Participating in the 7th Global Alcohol Policy Conference was an enriching experience that deepened my understanding of the global efforts to address alcohol-related harm. The diversity of perspectives, the passion of advocates, and the commitment of policymakers underscored the importance of continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing in shaping effective and comprehensive alcohol policies.

As I reflect on the conference, I am reminded of the collective responsibility we share in navigating the intricate landscape of alcohol policy. The insights gained and connections forged during those few days in Cape Town will undoubtedly influence my ongoing commitment to advocating for evidence-based, equitable, and impactful alcohol policies in my community and beyond.

Gratitude:
I am profoundly grateful for the generous sponsorship that made my participation in the 7th Global Alcohol Policy Conference in Cape Town possible. The invaluable support provided not only enabled me to immerse myself in the wealth of knowledge shared by experts and advocates but also afforded me the opportunity to contribute to the global conversation on alcohol policy. The insights gained and connections established during the conference have enriched my understanding and commitment to addressing the complex challenges posed by alcohol consumption. This experience would not have been possible without the support extended by Prof Charles Parry and the Board of the Global Alcohol Policy Alliance. I am sincerely thankful for their dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue and positive change in the realm of global health policy.