2-4 October 2013 Thirteen countries in the Western Pacific Region except for the Pacific Island Countries participated in a 3-day meeting in strengthening the effectiveness of tobacco control measures. Global tobacco control trends and developments were discussed including the protocol to eliminate illicit trade on tobacco products, electronic nicotine delivery systems, tobacco control surveillance, and health promotion foundations and tobacco control funds. Emerging tobacco control issues were highlighted such as the litigation case on the 85% graphic health warnings on cigarette packs of Thailand and the plain packaging of Australia.(Dr. D. Villarreiz)