In May 2010, the Sixty-third World Health Assembly endorsed the global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol (available at: ). In resolution WHA63.13 the Director-General is requested to collaborate with and provide support to Member States, as appropriate, in implementing the global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol and strengthening national responses to public health problems caused by the harmful use of alcohol. In line with this and in accordance with paragraph 68 of the global strategy, a global network of WHO national counterparts has been established to ensure effective collaboration and consultation with Member States on implementation of the global strategy. The inaugural meeting of the Global Network of WHO National Counterparts for Implementation of the Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol took place at WHO headquarters in Geneva on 8–11 February 2011 (report).
Following this initiative, the second meeting was held from 12-16 February 2012, with participation of members of the Coordinating Council. The members of the Coordinating Council were also invited to the Global Alcohol Policy Conference, held from 13—15 February, and an open workshop on “Harm to others from drinking” from 14:00—17:00 on 16 February. The conference and workshop served as opportunities for further networking and discussions on the implementation of the global strategy and the development of the relevant work plans and collaborative activities.
