Economist Impact, a subsidiary of The Economist, has commercial ties with the world’s top three tobacco companies—Philip Morris International, Japan Tobacco International, and British American Tobacco.
Amid criticism, the organization has announced it will no longer pursue new business with these companies.
A recent report by The Guardian revealed these connections, prompting backlash from international health experts.
As a result, some speakers from institutions like the UK’s NHS have withdrawn from two upcoming healthcare conferences in London, putting the events at risk.
Economist Impact primarily manages events and publishes sponsored content. It is separate from The Economist newspaper and has been criticized for featuring articles supporting tobacco companies, such as presenting PMI as moving towards clean technology and advocating for lower cigarette taxes.
BAT was also set to sponsor Economist Impact’s Sustainability Week conference next March.
However, a spokesperson for The Economist Group stated that healthcare is a strategic priority and the organization will no longer accept sponsorships or work with tobacco companies.
They emphasized that The Economist newspaper operates independently and is not influenced by the group’s board or clients.
