docUNight: Unmasking Influence

Join us for a docUNight in UN City Copenhagen featuring the documentary film 'Unmasking Influence' to explore how powerful industries influence policy, science, and public health.

The documentary reveals industry tactics and their human cost. A panel of experts and advocates will connect the film's themes to alcohol – a leading risk for ill health among people in Europe – and explore solutions to protect health.

Alcohol consumption causes nearly 800,000 deaths annually in the WHO European Region, linked to cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and injuries. Despite strong evidence for effective solutions, industry influence often delays action. We will shed light on the tactics at play, the human impact, and the proven policies that can save lives.

Run time: 55 minutes

Language: English

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.

Please note that the check-in will open at 16:30 and close at 17:20. It will not be possible to enter UN City after this time.

Please DO NOT book tickets under your name for someone else – please reserve each ticket under each person's name due to the security check upon entry to UN City.

Refreshments (soft drinks and snacks) will be available for purchase between 16:30–17:30. Please note that it is not allowed to bring your own food to UN City with the exception of water bottles.

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Programme

17:30 Welcome Remarks by Aleksandra Olsen, WHO Europe

17:35 Screening of 'Unmasking Influence'

18:30 Panel Discussion and Q&A

• Mia Poulsen – young woman living with incurable breast cancer, advocate for alcohol and cancer awareness
• Dr. May van Schwalkwyk – researcher at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), expert on commercial determinants of health, contributor to the documentary film
• Prof. Mark Petticrew – director of the Commercial Determinants Research Group, LSHTM
• Runa Neely – representative of Systembolaget, Sweden's state alcohol monopoly
• Dr. Carina Ferreira-Borges – WHO Regional Adviser on Alcohol, WHO Europe
• Peter Debeljak – Directorate for Public Health, Ministry of Health, Slovenia
• moderated by Aleksandra Olsen – Communications Officer, WHO Europe

19:20 Closing Remarks

19:30 End of event

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About the Film:

Unmasking Influence (Wildfire Collective with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)) explores how commercial organisations shape science, policy, and public perception – and what action is needed to counter their influence.

The film takes viewers on a compelling journey through the lived experiences of researchers and advocates who have come to understand, often firsthand, the deeply embedded tactics commercial actors use to influence public health policy.

The film premiered at the Irish Film Institute as part of the Festival of Prevention in June 2025. It is produced by the Wildfire Collective with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).

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About the World Health Organization (WHO):

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations specialised agency for health. The WHO Regional Office for Europe works with 53 Member States across the European Region to advance health and well-being for all, reduce health inequalities, and strengthen health systems. WHO/Europe provides evidence, policy advice, and technical assistance to tackle pressing public health challenges, including the commercial determinants of health, such as alcohol.

Learn more about WHO and WHO Europe.

About UN City Copenhagen:

UN City Copenhagen is a hub for the Sustainable Development Goals where UN agencies collaborate, share knowledge, and work with partners from across governments, the private sector, academia, youth networks, and civil society in the Nordics and around the world.

UN City comprises 2 campuses. Campus 1 on Marmormolen opened in July 2013 and houses 10 UN organisations with 1,700+ personnel from 100+ countries. Campus 2, located on Oceanvej, constitutes UNICEF’s Global Supply Hub – with a total storage capacity of 36,000 pallets, it is the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world.

Learn more about UN City Copenhagen.