Martin Taylor, WHO representative in China, presents the World No Tobacco Day Award to Hangzhou on May 31. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

The World Health Organization presented Hangzhou with the "World No Tobacco Day Award" in recognition of the city's achievements in creating a smoke-free environment through robust legislation and strict enforcement.

According to WHO data, an estimated 37 million adolescents aged 13 to 15 worldwide use tobacco products, posing significant threats to their health and future quality of life.

Martin Taylor, WHO representative in China, emphasized that adolescents are more susceptible to the influence of tobacco use and smoking environments. It is imperative to protect our next generation from tobacco and secondhand smoke.

According to Taylor, Hangzhou's proactive legislation and rigorous enforcement set an example for other cities. Hangzhou's experience shows that creating a smoke-free environment is feasible and can provide long-term benefits for youth.

The city's efforts in tobacco control serve as a model, encouraging other cities to join in protecting the health of young people and all residents.

The World No Tobacco Day in Hangzhou event saw participation from children and adolescents of all age groups. They called for collective responsibility across society to protect the youth. The event aimed to shield young people from the tobacco industry's influence and promote a smoke-free environment for everyone.

During the event, youth representatives shared their experiences, demonstrating a deep understanding of the harms of tobacco and offering insights into tobacco industry marketing and social media campaigns.