'I’m incredibly proud of what we built': Ann Fordham on leaving IDPC after 17 years

After 15 years as Executive Director of the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), Ann Fordham is stepping down, marking the end of 17 years with the organisation.

In this interview with Péter Sárosi, she reflects on the evolution of global drug policy and the role of civil society in driving reform.

When Fordham joined IDPC in 2008 as its first staff member, human rights were largely absent from discussions at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). Today, she notes, they are 'front and centre' — a shift driven by sustained civil society advocacy. Progress on harm reduction has also been significant, despite continued political resistance.

Fordham highlights IDPC’s growth from a small coordination platform into a global network and authoritative voice at the UN. For her, the organisation’s greatest achievement has been strengthening a diverse and principled movement: 'I’m just so incredibly proud of what we’ve built together.'

She also points to major changes in civil society participation at the CND. Once marginalised, NGOs and community networks now play a visible role in shaping debates and organising advocacy. However, she warns that this space remains under threat and must be actively protected.

The integration of human rights into drug policy discussions — particularly since the 2016 UNGASS — is another key milestone. Yet Fordham cautions that progress is fragile, with some governments seeking to roll back commitments.

Reflecting on her tenure, she emphasises the importance of ambition and collective action: ¡We remain hopeful that a different world is possible.'

Her message to governments is clear — meaningful reform requires political courage and a break from punitive approaches that have failed to deliver.