5th Civil Society hearing in preparation for the UN General Assembly high-level thematic debate on drugs

Location: Boardroom CR-A, UN Headquarters

The UN General Assembly will hold a Special Session (UNGASS) on drugs from 19-22 April, 2016. On May 7, 2015, the President of the General Assembly, in cooperation with the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), will hold a High Level Thematic Debate in support of process towards the 2016 special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem with Member States and other relevant stakeholders. The High Level Thematic Debate will contribute to the ongoing General Assembly 2016 special session preparatory process discussions led by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. According to the Concept Note for the event, one of two panel discussions will focus on the importance for Member States of implementing a multi-dimensional and multi-stakeholder approach in addressing the world drug problem.

To support member states in this discussion, the Civil Society Task Force convened by the New York NGO Committee on Drugs and the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs will hold the 5thCivil Society Hearing in preparation for the High Level Thematic Debate.

In addition to an opening session, the Civil Society Hearing will consist of two panels:

1. The first session will feature 4-5 civil society representatives who will share their knowledge and experience in the health, social, human rights, economic, justice and security fields.

1. The second session will discuss a) the role and function of the Civil Society Task Force, and b) how it can help facilitate cooperation with Governments and the UN System, including the non-governmental organizations, the scientific community, youth, and the private sector; including lessons learned and suggestions for ideas for the future, especially in the leadup to UNGASS.

Each panel discussion will be followed by a Question & Answer Session.

If you would like to attend this event and need a UN grounds pass, please RSVP to newyorkngoc@gmail.com no later than Friday, May 4.

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