Chair: Now, we have item nine on our agenda, which is contributions by the Commission to the work of the American central console, in line with General Assembly resolution 72, slash 305 including follow up to and review and empathy implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. And it’s resolution 72 slash 305. On the review of the implementation of General Assembly resolution 68, slash one, on the strengthening of the Economic and Social Council. The assembly requested the Economic and Social Council to improve its outcomes and the outcomes of its subsidiary bodies, making them more relevant, coherent and solution oriented to address implementation challenges and ensuring their follow up so as to strengthen the impact of the work of the council. The General Assembly in its resolution 75 Slash 290 A on the strengthening of the Economic and Social Council established a new coordination segment, replacing the integration segment and the informal meeting of the Council with the chairs of the subsidiary bodies. The new coordination segment is intended to steer the council system towards an efficient and integrated workflow to provide guidance and coordination to subsidiary bodies, ensuring a clear division of labor among them had to develop action oriented assessment and recommendations so that those bodies best contribute to the preparations for the dramatic review of the high level political forum and the same resolution. The Economic and Social Council was invited to continue to strengthen its oversight guidance and coordination role of its subsidiary bodies. In addition the president and Bureau of the council are invited to work with the Bureau’s of its subsidiary bodies and in consultation with delegations during the 2022 session of the Council to identify possible actions to be taken. To implement the provisions regarding enhancing the work of subsidiary bodies contained in paragraphs 28 and 29 of the annex two Assembly resolution 72 Slash 305 in November 2021 The Council launched a review of the work of his subsidiary bodies with a view to enhancing their work, aligning it more closely with the 2030 agenda, and reinforcing the expert nature. The review focuses on substantive issues and methods of work of subsidiary bodies. All subsidiary bodies are expected to send an assessment of their work based on guiding questions provided. I have prepared a luminary assessment of our work, which has been shared with all member states. As soon as the assessment paper has been finalized, it will be submitted to the council. The outcome of the review process has yet to be defined. The high level political forum on sustainable development will be convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council in New York, from the fifth to the 15th of July 2022. The thematic focus will be building back better from the Coronavirus disease, while advancing the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As in past years, the Commission will continue to provide substantive input to the high level political forum. The Commission may wish to use its 65th session to further consider how it can best contribute to the follow up to and support the review of the implementation of the 2030 agenda within its mandates, as well as how to further enhance synergies between its work and that of other functional commissions of the Economic and Social Council. The Commission may also wish to discuss its contribution to the implementation of General Assembly resolution 75 slash 290 100. May I now ask the secretary to make introductory remarks please.
Secretariat: Welcome to the delegates who have joined us now for the evening session. I am showing you an update of a PowerPoint presentation, from the reconvened 64th session of the CND in December. Already at that time, the commission was informed of the new elements in the calendar of Economic and Social Council, which is as we know, the parent body to this commission and also to the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) and one of the novelties in the creation of this coordination segment, which is the replacing what used to be the integration segment. And so, Mr. Chair as well as the chair of the CCPCJ was invited to participate early February in the first session of this coordination segment. Namely under two sessions, one of the presentations of the work of the subsidiary bodies including the CND in which an opportunity was provided to highlight past and upcoming work and then also a session in a way on the way forward, which concrete examples were given of how the CND is already having very close for this. Important there is also the exercise undertaken by the Economic and Social Council this year, the review of the work of the subsidiary bodies and I was referring to it being important because this might have a bearing on the guidance provided by ECOSOC for the work of the Commission. That review is based on a number of questions that relate to the relevance of the work of each of the subsidiary bodies. The methods of work the way it is also cooperating with this support that it is providing to the 2030 agenda. When it comes to working methods, that also includes whether there has been any substantive outcome, as well as in the way in which the commission is conducting its business.
UNODC: UNODC is responsible on monitoring progress on 16 SDG indicators. This brings evidence to the center of the policy debate both on the national and international levels. (…) the launch of the nw ARQ in May 2021 has improved consistency and comparability. It is crucial to enhance coordination to enhance data sharing and tools for data collection. We continue to work together with important relevant agencies such as the WHO and EMCDDA. UODC plays a wider role in the SDP indicator framework, developed by the Statistical Commission. Earlier this year, a very important progress has taken place… critical progress on report bout the conceptual framework for the monitoring of illicit financial flows – SDG 16.4.1. This paves the way for further comprehensive statistical tools. The statistical framework for gender-related killings will provide more data on femicide and connect risk factors to the risks to girls and women. Regarding goal 16, for countries who have limited data, we developed a new survey and mechanism. UNODC actively participates in dialogues with other stakeholders including MS, civil society and academia. UNODC supports commitment to our common goals. There was already an interaction between the CND and the CCPCJ chair and we will get also more clarification on what is exactly expected from ECOSOC. So, that happened in February and, following that video call, a draft response is in preparation that will be shared with member states very soon, to then be submitted to New York by late March. So that the assessment from Vienna can be taken on board when the Economic and Social Council start to undertake consultations with member states. As the way we are working here in Vienna is often a bit different, considering the very specific mandates by the CNP and CCPCJ than what is happening in New York; it is of great importance that the views of the Commission are really well articulated and are then also taken on board when that review and basically recommendations are to be formulated. The outcome of that review is expected for June-July this year. So there will be consultations with member states in New York and it might be in a way important for the delegations here to keep in close contact with the permanent missions in New York to make sure that the views or the things that are important for Vienna are taken also in board during that consultation and negotiation process. It is still a bit unclear at that moment in time as to what will be the result of that review, whether it will be a chair summary or whether it will be a resolution for adoption by Member States. Mr. Chair was also already referring to the contribution that the Commission has submitted for consideration the by the high level political forum on sustainable development, which will have its session in July with a ministerial segment from the 13th to the 15th of July. And in that contribution information has been included on how the CND is contributing.
Chair: Thank you and especially for pointing out how closely our work is linked to the SDGs. The floor is open for statements.
Thailand: Opium problems have been successfully solved in Thailand through (…) and AD. People are at the center of our developments. Strengthening communities, improving quality of life, ensuring food security are high on our list of goals. We aim to increase opportunities for communities to access development and prosperity. We have projects that promote life-long learning for vulnerable communities. We have initiated a youth program to provide knowledge to them so they can develop immunity to drugs. We have been determined to building towards the wellbeing of our people under the ”leave no one behind” motto.
USA: We welcome the work of the EcoSoc. Achieving the goals set out in the SDGs and the work of CND is mutually enforcing. We encourage further relevant expert panels, briefing and side events at this commission. CND was successful in increasing linkages and collaboration during the fall intersessional. We also commend the adoption of hybrid modalities to ensure the continuity of the commission during the pandemic. Civil society have important knowledge and expertise to share with MS. Furthermore, the private sector can also play an important role, so we encourage the CND tp appropriately enhance their involvement.
Cuba: We are currently updating our social and economic model that focuses on sustainable development under 3 sections. It is a key factor in achieving more inclusive societies. Considering the scourge of drugs in Cuba, our government has a strong will to implement an educational and preventive approach as is mentioned as a goal: strengthening prevention and the treatment of substance abuse. We have worked to provide assurance to our children and factored in families in all considerations about comprehensive addiction care. We have phone lines covering our entire national territory, we have 178 mental health facilities with multidisciplinary teams to promote healthy lifestyles – with a preventative approach, working with marginalized groups. In secondary healthcare, we have several hospitals and clinics with two specialized for adolescents. We have developed a master’s degree in addiction to ensure continuity. We apply these approaches to all levels of education. We take SDG5 also seriously, the Federation of Cuban Women has as one of its priorities the prevention of drug addiction. In achieving agenda 2030, we believe the work of CND contributes directly to the achievement of SDGs, especially 3, 4 and 5.
Canada: Thank you, Chair, for giving me the floor. This is an important subject, and one that Canada cares deeply about. The relationship between human rights and drug policies is complex, multifaceted, and overlapping. Canada believes that drug policies grounded in an evidence- and human rights-based public health approach can support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. We know that drug control policies, and accompanying enforcement practices, often entrench and exacerbate systematic discrimination against people who use drugs—driving people with serious health needs further underground, resulting in barriers to accessing essential medicines and basic health services, including harm reduction services. Canada believes that promoting rights-based, open, and inclusive societies is an effective way to build a safer, more sustainable, and prosperous world. All people, regardless of their background or identities, should fully benefit from equal participation in economic, political, social, and cultural life. More than ever, intersectional and gender-responsive approaches to drug policies are crucial to enable the most effective and sustainable response to the current pandemic and to accelerate progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy aligns with the 2030 Agenda. It seeks to reach the poorest and most vulnerable through a gender-responsive approach to sustainable development, so that no one is left behind. Canada’s Feminist Foreign Policy also enables the achievement of sustainable development through strengthening the rules- based international order, upholding human rights, and advancing climate diplomacy to address climate change. Canada seeks to support developing countries, including by improving access to the development finance they need to achieve their SDG objectives and build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable societies. While the CND and UNODC have the primary responsibility for drug-related matters, we recognize that drugs and drug policy do not exist in a vacuum. Communities are impacted in diverse ways that stretch across the silos of the UN system. Effective interagency collaboration among diverse UN entities can enhance system-wide coherence between drug control and the UN pillars of peace and security, development, and human rights, as well as the Sustainable Development Agenda. Diverse UN agencies – such as UNDP, UNEP, and UN Women – have an important role to play. Canada therefore reiterates our strong support for the work of the UN system coordination task team and their common position on drug related matters. Thank you, Chair.
Mexico: It is essential to cooperate to achieve goals. UNDC and Mexico have designed many tools, surveys, manuals and questionnaires regarding drug use, mortality, and prevention. Mexico is committed to helping women, young people, and other vulnerable populations.
Fazaldad Human Rights Institute: TBA
Grupo de Mujeres de la Argentina: We know theres been a change in cannabis classification and research. Repressive laws against cannabis have no basis and leads to increased crimes. Many have suffered persecution and detention due to cannabis use. In UN methods to analyze cannabis, there is no legal standards regarding THC levels in the cannabis flower. There should be no longer international scheduling of cannabis, in accordance with WHO recommendations. There should be guidelines regarding cannabis drug and sustainable development.