ASCEND is a prestigious capacity building programme led by the Institute for Global Tobacco Control (IGTC) at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, USA. Designed to equip emerging leaders in tobacco control, the 11 month programme combines online training, mentoring, and a dynamic one week in-person workshop. This year, the in-person workshop was held in Dublin, Ireland, aligning with the World Conference on Tobacco Control 2025, which followed immediately after. As part of the ASCEND experience, all participants received a scholarship to attend the conference, providing a rare opportunity to engage with global experts and perspectives in tobacco control.

Dr. Akhila Nilaweera, Sub-Editor of the Centre for Combatting Tobacco (CCT), was selected as one of only 50 global participants from low and middle income countries for ASCEND 2025, in recognition of his contributions to tobacco control. He actively took part in the Dublin workshop and represented CCT at the world conference that followed.
The workshop emphasized leadership development, policy innovation, and deepened participants’ understanding of the historical and strategic landscape of global tobacco control. It also fostered meaningful peer connections and collaborative networks among fellow public health professionals and advocates from around the world.

In addition to this enriching experience, Dr. Nilaweera was also awarded an internship opportunity with the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK), a globally renowned organization committed to advancing tobacco control policies. Through this opportunity, he aims to further strengthen his skills and contribute meaningfully to the global movement for a tobacco free future.