CND Intersessional meeting - Thematic discussions on the implementation of all international drug policy commitments following up to the 2019 Ministerial Declaration (Autumn 2025)

In 2025, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) will continue its annual thematic discussions as part of a multi-year workplan (2024–2028) to assess and implement international drug policy commitments. These discussions aim to address key challenges identified in the 2019 Ministerial Declaration and prepare the ground for a comprehensive stock-taking in 2028.

The 2025 discussions will focus on urgent global issues, with dedicated sessions for cross-cutting topics and “Other substantive matters” that Member States wish to raise.

Each session will begin with a presentation by UNODC’s Research and Analysis Branch and feature a moderated panel of experts from Member States, international and regional organisations, UN entities, and civil society. Interactive discussions will follow, allowing for broad participation and the sharing of national experiences and concerns.

More information and webcast links here.

Side events

Wednesday, 1 October

• Commitment event: investing in life-saving harm reduction
  Where? CR-7, VIC / Hybrid — Access link
  When? 13:30 - 14:30
  Flyer & list of speakers
  Sweeping cuts to international development aid in 2025 have had a devastating impact on harm reduction, civil society advocacy, community empowerment and research, with UN agencies also affected. This event will bring together member states and partners to share perspectives, highlight urgent needs, and create space for reaffirming financial and political commitments to the global harm reduction response.

Friday, 3 October

• No patient left behind: access and availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes in Africa — Regional consultations for African Countries
  Where? CR-7, VIC / Online — Registration link
  When? Two sessions: Morning & afternoon
  Flyer
  Across Africa, many patients still lack access to essential medicines for pain relief, mental health care, palliative treatment and emergency services. Despite international commitments, access remains limited. This regional consultation will assess challenges and barriers, share promising national practices, and develop region-specific recommendations to enhance implementation of international drug policy commitments under the “No patient left behind” initiative. Jointly organised by UNODC, the African Union Commission and Belgium, the consultation will feed into the 69th session of the CND.

Agenda

Thematic discussions on challenges identified in the 2019 Ministerial Declaration

30 September — Strengthening Public Health Responses to Drug Use

Session 1 (10:00–13:00): Prevention as a Core Element of the Public Health Response to Drug Use

Panellist:

• Ingibjorg Eva Thorisdottir, Planet Youth, Iceland

Speakers:

• Dr. David Patton, Recovered Users Network (RUN), UK
• Cressida de Witte, World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD), International

Session 2 (15:00–18:00): Drug Treatment and Health Services Falling Short of Meeting Needs; Increase in Deaths Related to Drug Use

Panellist:

• Catherine Cook, Harm Reduction International, UK

Speakers:

• Atika Juristia, The J Healthcare Initiative, Canada
• Subhan Hamonangan, Man, Perkumpulan Rumah Cemara, Indonesia

1 October — Specific Health Challenges Related to Drug Use: Infectious Diseases and the Impact of New Psychoactive Substances

Session 3 (10:00–13:00): High Rates of Transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C Virus and Other Blood-Borne Diseases Associated with Drug Use

Panellist:

• Aditia Taslim, INPUD, International (In-Person)

Speakers:

• Rebeca Marques Rocha, Youth RISE, International
• Claudia Pereira, Ares do Pinhal, Portugal

Session 4 (15:00–18:00): Adverse Health Consequences of and Risks Associated with New Psychoactive Substances

Panellist:

• Penny Hill, Harm Reduction Australia, Australia

Speakers:

• Dr. Mousa Daoud, TJADS, Jordan
• Mauro Adrian, ATS, Colombia

2 October — Access to Controlled Medicines and Other Substantive Matters

Session 5 (10:00–13:00): Lack of Availability of Internationally Controlled Substances for Medical and Scientific Purposes

Panellist:

• Ebtesam Ahmed, IAHPC, Egypt/USA

Speakers:

• Anna Liakopoulou, IFMSA, International / The Netherlands
• Joseph Hennessey, SSDP, USA

Session 6 (15:00–18:00): Other Substantive Matters

Speakers:

• Chris Ibe, AYICRIP, Nigeria
• Gloria Lai, IDPC, International / Thailand

Topics for discussion:

• Alternative development – preparations for the 10th Expert Group Meeting in Lima on the complementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Alternative Development (proposed by Peru)
• Multi-drug toxicity deaths (proposed by Canada)
• Increasing preparedness to address emerging drug threats (proposed by the EU)
• Addressing the promotion of cannabis and cannabis-related products through social media and online platforms (proposed by Sri Lanka)
• CND core mandates (proposed by the USA)
• Protecting the coca leaf in its natural state in the framework of the critical review of coca leaf by the WHO (proposed by Bolivia)