4: Joint reconvened 68th CND / 34th CCPCJ: Strategic management, budgetary and administrative questions

Chair CCPCJ: Welcome. We will jointly Chair with the CND Chair. We are broadcast on UN Web TV. Let us proceed with consideration of the annotated agenda. Can we agree?

United States: The US objects to Item 10 in the provisional agenda as it  contains references to the SDG agenda and goals. As we repeatedly noted at meeting of the CND and CCPCJ, the US has principled concerns with the SDG agenda. We support focus, follow up of the core mandate of CCPCJ. We propose an amendment to the title to delete the phrase, “including follow-up to the implementation…”. We believe this will reaffirm the CCPCJ’s core mandate and priorities. We ask this is reflected in meeting notes.

Argentina: Support the proposal from the US. Agenda 2030 is non-binding, and states can exercise their sovereignty.

Chair CCPCJ: There are two delegations members of CCPCJ who don’t agree wth the proposed agenda. There is a proposal for amendment. I invite the Commission to agree .I see no objection. 

Colombia: Colombia cannot support the proposal. 

Chair CCPCJ: There is no consensus, so now I ask the US and Argentina if they wish to put the amendment to a vote. 

US: The US would like to call a vote on Agenda item 10. 

Argentina: Support bringing to a vote. 

Chair CCPCJ: Only CCPCJ members can vote. 

In favor: Argentina, US

Not in favor: Burkina Faso, Cuba, Armenia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Finland, France, Guatemala, Indonesia, Czechia, Egypt, Germany, Kazakhstan, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Republic of Korea, South Africa, Thailand, United Kingdom, Pakistan, Uruguay

Abstaining: no abstentions

Chair CCPCJ: 28 votes cast, 2 in favor, 26 not in favor, no abstentions. I declare the Commission decided to reject the amendment. We shall proceed with the provisional agenda in E/CN15/2025 as a whole. I ask the Commission if we are ready to adopt the agenda. I see no objection. It is so decided. Give the floor to the Ambassador to open the CND.

Chair CND: Good morning, honor to welcome you to the reconvened 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. We move to agenda item 2, adoption of the agenda and organizational matters. CND will consider this morning, jointly with CCPCJ, Agenda Item 4. Other action will be taken tomorrow morning. Will open Item 9 this morning also. This afternoon we start consideration on Item 5 the implementation of drug control treaties. UNODC will briefly report on their work to support scheduling, 66/3 and work on new psychoactive substances. WHO will provide an update on ECDD meeting. We will take stock on Resolution 68/6 and the establishment of the CND expert panel. We should consider Item 6, here I would call on delegations to bare in mind this is a reconvened session and we have limited time. Refrain from detailed interventions on developments at the national level. I propose we open the other items this afternoon, Item 10 and 11. Tomorrow morning, CND resumes Item 4.  

United States: Objects to Item 9 in the provisional agenda as it contains references to 2030 Agenda and the SDG goals. As we noted, the US has principled concerns with the Agenda. Instead, the US supports focus, follow up and review of the core mandate of CND. We propose an amendment to the title to delete the phrase, “including follow-up to and review of the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda…”. We believe this will reaffirm the CND’s core mandate and priorities. We ask this is reflected in meeting notes. We call for a vote on this amendment. 

Argentina: Fully support the proposal of the US. Sorry to repeat, but different Commission. Agenda 2030 is non-binding, and states can exercise their sovereignty to implement how they wish. … This is not accommodating the views and interests of all Member States and this is something we deeply regret. 

Chair CND: As we heard, the US and Argentina proposed an amendment. Does the Commission wish to accept?

Chile: We cannot accompany the proposal made by the US and Argentina. 

Spain: Grateful for the comments of the US and Argentina, the same as Chile we are unable to accompany this amendment. 

Chair CND: We clearly don’t have agreement. We proceed with a vote. 

In favor: Argentina, United States

Not in favor: Bangladesh, Austria, Australia, Algeria, Indonesia, Guatemala, France, Finland, Colombia, China, Canada, Brazil, Armenia, Hungary, Ghana, Dominican Republic, Chile, Belgium, United Kingdom, Thailand, South Africa, Republic of KoreA, Nigeria, Morocco, Mexico, Japan, Italy, Cote D’Ivoire, Switzerland, Spain, Slovenia, Singapore, Russian Federation, Portugal, Poland, Peru, Kingdom of Netherlands, Malta, Lithuania, Kenya, India, Uruguay. 

Abstentions: no abstentions. 

Chair CND: 2 in favor, 42 against and no abstentions. The Commission has decided to reject the proposed amendment. I see no request for the floor. We move to adopt the agenda as such. It is so adopted. We now began the joint consideration of Agenda Item 4. Expected to jointly consider the consolidated budget for 2026-2027. ….

Director, Division for Management: Pleased to introduce the consolidated budget and the related Report of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions on the consolidated budget for the biennium 2026-2027 for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. E/CN.7/2025/15-E/CN.15/2025/18 This budget has been prepared against unprecedented financial pressures and the UN review. Total income is projected to decrease by 21,3% compared to 2024-2025. Expenditure is expected to decline by 14,2% reflecting a prudent and realistic approach to financial planning under these challenges. More than 70% of UNODC’s technical assistance is delivered in the field. 77,6 million and general purpose at USD 9,2 million, representing a balanced approach to maintaining essential and normative functions. Projected income related to the UN80 is currently under review by the General Assembly. Let us turn to Item D – UNODC continues to promote gender and geographic diversity. Attracting a diverse pool of applicants remains essential, as well as a healthy workforce and conducive work environment, including encouraging managers to maintain zero tolerance to prohibited conduct, including sexual abuse and abuse of authority. We stand ready to respond to comments and questions. 

Director, Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs: ….. the draft document is to be reviewed by the relevant intergovernmental bodies … 

Chair CND: Happy to inform you that following the departure of the Ambassadors Colombia and Sweden ambassadors, Latin America nominated Peru and Western Europe and Other States nominated new Ambassador of Sweden for the FinGov. I see no objections. Congratulations Ambassadors. 

Chair CCPCJ: Following the departures, the extended bureau of the commission was informed of the nomination of Ambassador of Peru for First Vice Chair, and Western Europe and other for Ambassador of Sweden for the remaining part of 2025. I see no objections. It is so decided. Invite Ambassador to report on the working group. 

Peru: On behalf of Albania, have the pleasure of informing you of the work as First Vice Chair. … including an update on the liquidity crisis and the UN80. We had reports on the liquidity crisis arising from the regular budget significantly affecting the work of UNODC. The dialogue process kicked off on 28th of May and ended on 16th of September, Germany’s non-paper made available as conference room paper … The working group held several consultations … 

Chair CCPCJ: It is a matter of fairness and compliance with our professional nature to thank the Ambassador as Chair and other members for their work in the context of these financial challenges. The report will be a useful resource for UNODC, including the incoming executive director. … Both Commissions will be asked to take decisions on these nominations in their respective meetings tomorrow. 

Chair CND: The CND is expected to endorse the nominations for the FinGov Bureau as has been just explained. I open the floor to Member States for comments. 

Kenya on behalf of G77 and China: Thank you Chair. I should say, Mr Chairs. The Group appreciates the leadership of the Chairs in these Reconvened sessions. The Group reiterates the significance of the FinGov for dialogue between MS and the UNODC on improving governance and financial situation. The Group expresses serious concern over the impact on the predictability of UNODC’s work due to reduced and unpredictable funding. Notes 14% reduction of expenditure in 2026-2027 budget, mainly due to the projected decrease in income. Reiterates importance of sustainable funding to enhance technical assistance and needed equipment and technology for developing countries. Need for efficient utilization of such resources to ensure long-term sustainability. Emphasizes that projects funded by voluntary contributions should be aligned with UNODC and MS priorities. The Group calls on UNODC to implement the budget in a transparent, accessible and inclusive manner. Concerned over the imbalance between earmarked and unearmarked resources, which poses significant challenges to the UNODC ability to rapidly respond to developing challenges. We call for increased contributions to the general purpose fund. The Group calls on the UNODC secretariat to consult member states …, and would like to see reflected the issues for developing countries contained in the non-paper, including capacity building and fostering national ownership of projects. Takes note of efforts towards equitable geographical representation, but remains concerned that it continues to be dominated by just one region. Calls upon UNODC to take serious and concrete measures to improve representation of developing countries at all levels. Express gratitude to former Executive Director Ghada Fatha Waly. Her commitment to transparency, inclusivity and innovation not only strengthened organisation, but ensured the voice of MS especially from developing countries are meaningfully addressed. 

Dominican Republic on behalf of the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC): Thank you Chairs. GRULAC highlights the role of both Commissions in the implementation of Agenda 2030, convinced that human rights, equity and inclusion are central to tackling the … We reaffirm commitment to the three drug control treaties. … Vienna Declaration on Human rights … fully respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty of states…GRULAC is extremely concerned by the serious liquidity crisis imperiling UNODC activities. We call on MS and donors to redouble efforts … 

Kuwait (on behalf of the Arab Group): The Group recalls the serious and continuing situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We reiterate our condemnation of the genocide of the Israeli Government. We call for active participation in the conference facilitated by Egypt. …. We draw your attention to effective coordination – 11th conference of parties to UNTOC and 15th Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi. .. We underscore the importance of supporting UNODC and addressing financial challenges, welcome any voluntary contribution, particularly special purpose funds, while important to ensure the regular budget. We look forward to the next UNODC strategy reflecting MS priorities, especially when it comes to attaining sustainable development. We call on the Secretariat to closely consult with MS in this process, and underlining the role of FinGov. We express severe concern over shortage of attaining geographical representation. We express thanks to the former Executive Director for sincere efforts and expansion of offices and operations and technical support to 150 countries and alleviating the severity of the funding criss of her office. 

European Union: Expressing gratitude to Chairs. We welcome the series of consultations on UNODC’s upcoming strategy and financial crisis. The work of UNODC remains of crucial importance where cross-border threats are becoming multifaceted and more pressing. A large part of the budget is dedicated to technical assistance programs. The UN80 must be anchored in shared priorities, including achieving the 2030 agenda and SDGs. This requires a system-wide approach, specialized agencies, and commitment of MS and UNODC that leads to more efficiency. The EU would welcome revitalization of activities, … We look forward to discussion of the UNODC and UNICRU merger. Emphasize safeguarding cross-cutting mandates like climate change, gender and sustainable development. Human rights, gender equality, health, protection of persons in vulnerable situations … It is crucial the office strengthens the resource mobilization model, including the gender team and independent evaluation office. … Allow me to further state the EU and MS support the establishment of the CND expert panel as adopted in Resolution 68/6. We call on Member States to commit to the process by providing monetary contributions and nominations. The panel should start its work without undue delay…

Egypt: We align with the statement of the G77 and China. We draw attention to the importance of current programs, particularly CHAMPS and terrorism prevention … We call on UNODC to expand support to the State of Palestine, support the institutions and respond to urgent needs. 

Italy: Thank you my dear friends Chairs. Congratulations to the acting ED Brandolino .. UNODC normative, technical and analytical efforts remain central. MS have spoken with remarkable convergence on several priorities. We rely on the Office and recognize that without predictable resources, these essential functions can’t be maintained. Welcome UNODC continued efforts on results-based management. As UNODC develops the next strategy, we must ensure the office is equipped with the flexibility it needs. We stand ready to work to ensure the office can continue the service that not so many countries, but we all rely on.

Russian Federation: The anniversary is a time to take a look at what our organization has done and its effectiveness. Also the time to rationalize the strategy. We increased contribution this year by 50% … including the convention on cybercrime. The reforms from the Secretary General are supposed to optimize. ..

China: …

Colombia: Our work is taking place when multilateralism, Agenda 2030 and the SDGs are being questioned. This makes us wonder what the SG is doing with the UN80 initiative to make sure the system is more efficient. We believe we have to strengthen the quality, depth and methodology of UNODC’s reports. As we said in previous years, national reports continue to provide limited analysis focusing on facts without providing overview of progress on health, the environment and human rights and don’t represent the progress made by states. it is worrying to colombia the report presents the coca leaf with potential to increase cocaine trafficking. .. this supports biased, limited and out of context observations that exaggerate the role of Colombia in the global cocaine trade when we reached historic milestones and invested millions of our own resources on crop substitutions. Cocaine is the 4th most used drug, yet the analysis continues to focus on cocaine. We have to take into account that opioids are consumed just as much. The report omits essential information for the understanding of this complex issue, leading to misinterpretations which we are seeing now … Chair, regarding the budget, we see a structural imbalance between specific aims and general budget. We note this limits program flexibility and impacts long term actions. We must extend … potential use of digital fundraising platforms. Not as a replacement, but as an additional measure, but we need additional information on safeguards to avoid conflicts of interest and align with the values. We reiterate the need to review support costs, which are very high, sometimes complicated. presence in countries such as Colombia should mean efficiency. … Geographical diversity does not mean equitable representation. We hope this will be corrected, especially in management posts where there is no one from LAC. 

Chair CND: please stick to the 3 minute limit.

Japan: … A clear strategic compass is indispensable if UNODC is to meet the expectations. Japan contributed 33 million USD in 2024. … The UNODC’s core mandate must remain the anchor. We hope the Secretariat will ensure discussions that respect local needs and donor priorities. We call on the Secretariat to provide timely updates, strengthen communication to strengthen trust of taxpayers. Japan recognizes financial challenges. We believe exploring alternative funding models is important and expect the Secretariat to draft such programs with the highest levels of transparency. … Welcomes statement of no tolerance towards sexual harassment within the organization and the VIC. 

Ecuador: My country highlights the importance of maintaining the work of both Commissions. … Ecuador will continue to promote and support initiatives to overcome the liquidity crisis and ask MS and donors to sustain support with predictable financing. … 

Kenya: Kenya can attest to the support given by UNODC, we have immensely benefited particularly on national programs on prevention, treatment, harm reduction, .. and promoting cooperation. … It is critical the Commission drives a concerted global campaign based in the three international conventions. Illicit drug trafficking is a common and shared problem, …

Morocco: We welcome the strategic direction paving the way for 2026-2030. We welcome priorities like gender, youth engagement .. across all programs. … Promote programs that engage women, youth, persons with disabilities and local communities. Morocco believes restructuring of the funding model is necessary to ensure the office remains agile and responsive to its mandate area. We call on international partners to enhance both general and special funding. 

Chair CND: Next on my list is the very articulate ambassador of argentina

Argentina: I leave articulate up to your criteria. You certainly met my expectations. Argentina would align with G77 and China on the substantive issues under this agenda item. In the national capacity, we would reiterate the request that UNODC focuses its work on its central mandate. We would also reiterate our position regarding some issues in the document. Argentina would like to say for the record on the word gender, our stance is international treaty law refers to two genders in the context of society. The word has no other meaning than that. The word with regards to women’s rights has been covered in our national legislation that goes beyond international standards. Argentina has the right to interpret and pursue freely. We have expressed our opposition to the Pact of the Future and this document being mentioned by Secretariat documents. For the future, we propose a wording that respects the views of all MS should be used. We would request this is reflected in minutes. 

United Kingdom: Thank you to the directors of UNODC who are sitting here today, we know these are hard times. It is important to note the UNODC is in crisis. The budget situation reached a point where core functions are not able to be fulfilled. We need to look at what the office does and what we as MS place on the secretariat. I’ve been in meetings where we decided new demands where it is clear the secretariat has no capacity. The UK submitted a conference room paper, a straw man of ideas for restructuring… If the UNODC does not change, we will lose momentum. There is consensus behind the mandate of tackling crime, what we need are new ideas. We hope the new executive director comes in running with momentum and we will be ready to support.

France: Aligned with the European Union. I will focus on budgetary issues. … France supports the UNODC and the next Executive Director in developing the new strategy in an inclusive manner. 

Iran (Islamic Republic of): … Unilateral coercive measures which intervene with international law. This has resulted in systemic discrimination against several developing countries. Iran remains at the forefront of the fight against drugs, but the support extended to us falls short. Despite this, we consistently defend the interest of the international community. UNODC research work should be based on mandate and fully transparent and must be impartial and culturally responsive to Member States. 

Nigeria: … We appreciate the inclusive non-paper developed this year, including the perspective of developing countries. The impact of UNODC’s work is felt most tangibly in the field. Including African countries is not merely a budgetary exercise, it is crucial for the security of the region. 

United States: Thank you Chairs. The UN has grown bloated, unfocused, ineffective and sometimes part of the problem. The US supports merit based hiring and equal consideration. The US will not support any program that includes DEI and oppose any policy that includes any reference to gender ideology. Our focus is on rewarding hard work. DEI replaces hard work with a dangerous hierarchy. In addition, the US made clear the 2030 agenda impinges on sovereignty as a soft form of global governance and we will no longer reaffirm them. We call on UNODC to return to its core mandate. We ask that statements be recorded. The UNODC program plan for 2027 foresees activities that fall outside of core mandates. UNODC must remain focused. We appreciate the mention of UN80, given the importance of Workstream 3 on prioritization. We call on UNODC to make sure it is aligned with this system wide effort. We call on the secretariat to remove all references to SDGs from its 2027 activities plan. Recruitment of personnel must strictly be merit based, we reject gender quotes and request UNODC remove this language from HR documents. We recognize two sexes, men and women. Women are biologically female, and men are biologically male. .. We firmly reject those portions of the report. The US objects to the nominations of the second secretary of Iran and will call for a vote. Iran’s .. are terrorist organizations, conduct that is incompatible with. A country that conducts mass executions should have no bearing on international law… Regarding Gaza, what is needed now is action, allegations of genocide are untethered and distract from the crucial work of CND and CCPCJ. 

Israel: Apparently some in the Arab group are so dedicated to the 80 year anti-Israel agenda that they add lie upon lie in this forum also. Some in the Arab group don’t really care about Arab lives, not the Arabs murdered on October 7th that was not mentioned today. Some in the Arab group don’t care and Hamas is killing Arabs, for them it’s all for the anti-Israel goal. Hamas will try again and again. They are directly responsible for all suffering in Gaza. support the American plan in Gaza, should not accept any deviation from the ceasefire from Hamas. 

Secretary: We forgot Ghana, should ask. 

Ghana: …. 

Chair CND: Any other statements on Item 4? Seems we are 3rd time lucky. This will be continued tomorrow morning. We move to Item 9 and 10: Contributions by the Commission to the work of the Economic and Social Council, including follow-up to and review and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Chair CCPCJ: It is almost lunch. Can we close the list of speakers? Thank you. Hand to Secretariat to introduce the agenda item. 

Secretary: ….

Afghanistan: violence against women and girls have created an environment… According to the 2025 UNODC report, opium cultivation in Afghanistan decreased. This should not be mistaken for sustainable progress… At the same time, the return of almost 4 million Afghans has placed further pressure on resources. Without urgent coordinated international support, there is risk of renewed illicit cultivation and social instability. We need to acknowledge a growing trend, trafficking of stimulants, especially methamphetamine. … Under Taliban rule, Afghan women are … 

Kazakhstan: … Kazakhstan hosted a conference on reintegration of persons returning from conflict. … Kazakhstan continues to apply proportionate penalties, in accordance with severity and societal harm for drug crimes. … 

Chair CCPCJ: Thank you to the interpreters for the flexibility of extending the meeting.

Colombia: Functional commissions of ECOSOC in Vienna play a pivotal role for coordination, CND and CCPCJ should take ownership and enrich the discussions, taking contributions from other UN fora. Contributions to ECOSOC will be useful when they provide a correct … evidence-based with inclusive, transparent and respectful processes, respectful of mandates in the comprehensive meaning of the word. The Human rights council approved a resolution requesting a report on drug policy and human rights with a  special focus on women and girls, including strengthening access to justice for women and girls and elimination of barriers and obstacles. This is an explicit opportunity to have discussions in Vienna to reduce the impact on women and girls in the judicial system. CND and CCPCJ have a crucial role to play here. … even the Youth Forum. Drugs are cross-cutting, have an impact on sustainable development, peacebuilding. The work in Vienna can be substantially extended if we improve our work with other bodies. This can help rebuild confidence in multilateralism. 

Republic of Korea: Concerned with online games linked with human trafficking, where individuals are recruited. It reflects the growing sophistication of organized crime. … 

Argentina: As we already said, Agenda 2030 is composed of aspirations that are not legally binding, and states can interpret and implement freely. We expressed opposition to Pact of the Future and inclusion in Secretariat comments. We ask this is reflected in the report.

United States: As we said this morning, the United States reiterates we have a principled opposition to the SDG agenda. … We request the comment be noted in the report of the agenda. 

Chair CCPCJ: This item will remain open and be taken tomorrow. Joint meeting is now adjourned, and CCPCJ will meet again tomorrow.

Chair CND: CND will resume work at 3pm, in the same room. Look forward to seeing you.