Extraordinary 60th Session of UNODC CND in Vienna

The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) was established by Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) resolution 9(I) in 1946 to assist the ECOSOC in supervising the application of the international drug control treaties. In 1991, the General Assembly (GA) expanded the mandate of the CND to enable it to function as the governing body of the UNODC. ECOSOC resolution 1999/30 requested the CND to structure its agenda with two distinct segments: a normative segment for discharging treaty-based and normative functions; and an operational segment for exercising the role as the governing body of UNODC.

The UNODC CND (United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drug) held its 60th Session at the UN Centre in Vienna between 13-17 March 2017. Prof. George Popper – President of IBSSA, also representing IFNGO, took part at this very important event, which is organised every year with the participation of high level delegations and experts from member countries and organizations. It was an occasion of meetings with several foreign participants, including the delegation from Singapore, led by the Minister of Interior of Singapore.

UNODC's work covers some of today's most pressing concerns and tackles with other important problems of the societies: drug abuse prevention, drug dependence treatment and care, drug trafficking, fraudulent medicines, HIV and AIDS; terrorism prevention, organised crime, maritime crime and piracy; human trafficking and migrant smuggling, money laundering, corruption and economic crime prevention, criminal justice reform, firearms, wildlife and forest crime.

UNODC engagement with civil society on drug and crime prevention was a very important decision. UNODC recognizes the need to promote strong partnerships with civil organizations in dealing with the complex and global issues of drug abuse and crime, which undermine the fabric of the society. The active involvement of civil society, which includes NGOs, community groups, labour unions, indigenous groups, charitable organisations, faith-based organisations, professional associations and foundations is essential to help UNODC to carry out its global mandates.

UNODC Executive Director, Mr. Yury Fedotov, said at the session:

“Civil society is a crucial partner for UNODC's efforts to help countries tackle the world drug problem. Civil society's energy and experience enriches the sessions of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and represents a vital resource for the international community. The simple truth is: we need you!”

On the 17th March 2017 UNODC Executive Director, Mr. Yury Fedotov closed the 60th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) with a call for countries to keep protecting the health and welfare of people everywhere.

"Together we have made a commitment under the international drug control conventions to the health and welfare of people and communities everywhere - an enduring promise to millions of children, women and men that we must uphold," he said.

Speaking of the resolution setting out the follow-up to the UN General Assembly special session on the world drug problem, Mr. Fedotov said "You have succeeded in charting a clear course towards 2019 and the 62nd session of the CND." He finished his speech by saying: "In so many ways, the 60th Session-the diamond session-has been extraordinary. It has been a session of records regarding the number of participants and side-events."

Around 100 side events and numerous exhibitions were held during the session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, which was attended by more than 1,500 people representing Member States, civil societies, NGOs, academies and international organisations.

It is very important to notice concerning the activity of UNIDC, that responding to ever-growing needs in assisting countries across the globe to counter these serious and global threats requires stable resources. With this in mind, UNODC has launched its inaugural Annual Funding Appeal: a comprehensive overview of the Office's current and future programs which provides a specific breakdown of their funding needs. The launch of the Annual Appeal in 2016 also coincides with a crucial year for UNODC, following the start of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which is expected to frame the Office's work for the next 15 years and beyond. For UNODC, the 2030 Agenda is particularly important as it draws together the strands of peace and security, the rule of law, human rights and development into a comprehensive framework, with the Office's mandates reflected in many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

20th March 2017