Ogweno Stephen, alongside Oduor Kevin, proudly represented Stowelink and the International Institute of Legislative Affairs at the Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC) held in Cape Town, South Africa. This significant event, the 7th Global Alcohol Policy Conference, took place from October 24 to 26, 2023, and focused on the theme “Investing in people before profits: building momentum towards the Framework Convention on Alcohol Control.”

The GAPC conference serves as a prominent platform that brings together a diverse array of alcohol policy makers, advocates, researchers, civil society activists, and practitioners from around the world. The conference is renowned for fostering critical conversations and actions in the field of alcohol policy.

South Africa, with its high prevalence of heavy episodic drinking and associated consequences, as well as its history of grappling with policy shifts concerning alcohol marketing and retail sales, provided the perfect backdrop for discussing alcohol policy. Hosting GAPC 2023 in Cape Town was not only an opportunity to address pressing issues but also to facilitate international discussions on alcohol policy and its implications.

Ogweno Stephen, known for his passionate advocacy, was honored to participate in this vital conference. The conference was a platform for sharing insights, strategies, and innovative approaches to addressing alcohol-related challenges. The experience at GAPC equipped him with valuable takeaways that will undoubtedly fuel the ongoing advocacy efforts on alcohol issues, both locally and on the global stage.

As Ogweno Stephen continues his journey as a global health advocate and leader, his participation in conferences like GAPC reinforces the commitment to addressing issues such as alcohol policy. With the knowledge and inspiration gained from this conference, he is poised to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the advocacy landscape related to alcohol policy.