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.

Call for civil society speakers

The VNGOC is looking for 17 civil society experts interested in contributing to the CND thematic discussions, with will have a focus on health (more information here). For each panel, up to three NGOs will have the possibility of presenting their work/positioning, for 2-3 minutes. Interpretation will not be available during the meeting, so all abstracts and statements have to be submitted in English.

Deadline to apply: 24 August 2025, 11:45 pm, CEST

Link to apply

Agenda

Thematic discussions on challenges identified in the 2019 Ministerial Declaration

• Drug treatment and health services continue to fall short of meeting needs, and drug-related deaths have increased.
• Rates of HIV, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne diseases associated with drug use (including injecting drug use) remain high in some countries.
• The adverse health consequences and risks associated with new psychoactive substances have reached alarming levels.
• The availability of internationally controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, including for pain relief and palliative care, remains low to non-existent in many parts of the world.

Other substantive matters