Last week top level executives of PMI took place in Davos because we know that we cannot take this journey alone. Our executives got together with World leaders in Davos to let them know about the scientific evidence in favor of alternative, smoke free products. By taking their support, our transformative change will be possible.
According to the recent data, my company PMI has already invested more than USD 4.5 billion in our central strategic goal—to provide adult smokers with better options than continued smoking.
Some people come up with this question “Why not just stop selling cigarettes?”
Cigarette smoking is a fact of life. More than 1 billion people worldwide smoke cigarettes and, according to the World Health Organization, there will still be more than 1 billion in 2025. For the large population of existing cigarettes smokers who would otherwise continue smoking, there has to be a sensible plan. In a world where smoking is a fact of life, we cannot simply ignore the compelling scientific evidence that demonstrates that not all forms of tobacco are equally harmful. What matters is what the consumer is inhaling. There is a huge difference between smoke from a burning cigarette and the aerosol from a non-combustible product. It is that burning process that creates the vast majority of the harmful and potentially harmful chemicals that are the primary causes of smoking-related diseases.
At PMI, we take our wider responsibilities as a company very seriously. And we urge others, in the same spirit of seriousness, to put aside their prejudices, reflect on the advantages of smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes and support us in our historic mission.
Those who are still in opposition should be aware that they are becoming disablers of public health solutions. They are blocking change, denying smokers these alternatives.
This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
We must seize it—and seize it together. Let’s collaborate towards this transformation!
Finally, let's listen and watch more about why PMI is in Davos from Marian Salzman, our senior VP Global Communications.
