CND independent expert panel civil society consultations
When? Two sessions will take place:
- 28 October 2026, 9:00-11:00 (Bangkok time) – Observer registration
- 28 October 2026, 15:00-17:00 (Vienna time) – Observer registration
Where? Online
The Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC) and the New York NGO Committee on Drugs (NYNGOC) invite representatives of civil society organisations to participate in two virtual consultations with the independent Expert Panel established pursuant to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)'s resolution 68/6.
The consultations offer an opportunity for civil society to share perspectives, experiences and recommendations relevant to the Panel's review of the international drug control system.
Speakers have been selected through an open call coordinated by VNGOC and NYNGOC. All other interested civil society representatives are welcome to attend and listen to the discussions.
IDPC has been selected to intervene and our participation draws on our network’s perspectives to address unclear treaty guidance on key issues, barriers to reform and structural weaknesses of the drug control machinery — highlighting decriminalisation, harm reduction, the harms of militarised responses, responsible legal regulation and the untapped potential of the UN Task Team.
Format of the consultations
Each session will include:
- Opening and closing remarks by the Panel Co-Chairs.
- Introductions by participating Expert Panel members.
- Interventions from selected civil society speakers.
- A final 30-minute segment for clarifying questions from Panel members and closing remarks.
Selected speakers may share relevant references, publications and links through the chat, which should not be used for additional interventions or parallel discussions.
Civil society organisations are also encouraged to submit written contributions to the Expert Panel by 15 November 2026.
Please note that the consultations will be recorded solely for the Expert Panel's internal reference.
For background information and related advocacy resources, visit IDPC's dedicated page on the CND independent expert panel.