Youth Forum:  Your excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentleman. From 25 countries we gather as a unified voice to address the issue of substance use in our communities. This is not a new challenge and has been tackled over the past decades. Everyday there are new substances threatening individuals and society as a whole. It creates a ripple effect where people are negatively affected. The consequences are higher rates of crime and violence, unemployment, economic challenges, and homelessness. Therefore, prevention measures are important. There are many risk factors that can lead to drug use. Anyone could have these vulnerabilities and thus none of them should be neglected. Effective prevention means a positive climate in school, home, and the community. It cultivates opportunities and builds a border future and builds a sustainable solution. It flourishes through collaboration among schools, communities, youth institutions, and social media. Channels of communication which are closest to us. When prevention is a priority, resilience becomes a reality. According to research, evidence-based prevention has proven to be systematically the most cost effective. We urge member states to prioritize funding for this and to invest in further research for areas that don’t have info such as cultural and demographic areas. Our goal is to drive practical solutions, innovative strategies, and youth led actions. Prevention efforts not just be about us but led by us. How many youth delegates do we have seated among us? As youth we are a key element of change. We urge you to actively innovate, involve young people in prevention efforts and ensure that financial constraints do not exclude us. We have no political bias. We bring innovation and youth perspectives and we care about our future. This is not a one time investment. Continuous engagement and oc-creating can help us collectively reach our goal together. We ask you to help us have more capacity building. Please be open to collaborating because we want to have great partnerships and evolve together. Every young person should have the opportunity to reach our full potential and positively impact our communities. Behind every statistic there is a story. If you want to change the statistics, listen to the stories. Recognize the vulnerability, don’t neglect it, strengthen it. The time to act is now. For the future begins with the choices made today.

Informal Scientific Network: As the 2025 chair I am pleased to present the following statement on the topic of improving evidence. SUDs are preventable and critical issues. Data collection and treatment is crucial. Policymakers, critical partners in civil society, and practitioners need comprehensive data. Our network makes these recommendations: 1) strengthen local national regional and international info systems; 2) improve and share routinely collected uploaded data as well as provisions and service utilizations. 3) develop and enhance research capacity to evaluate the safety of programs; 4) disseminate research findings and implement them in practice. We stand ready to support policymakers in their efforts to implement and improve such systems so that data can serve as a powerful tool for informed action.

National Drug Institute: I have seen people’s lives transformed and saved by effective science based responses. This is a statement from many organizations and a statement founded on science but I will not forget the humanity of what we are trying to do. This is a statement about treatment of Hepatitis B and C among PWUD. An estimated 4 out of 10 HCV infections are among PWUD. HCV prevalence is 16x higher among people in prison. 38% of deaths attributed to drug use are due to liver cirrhosis. Every single HCV death is preventable. Punitive measures coupled with a lack of alternative measures such as treatment, homelessness, stigma, discrimination, and limited awareness of Hepatitis B and C contribute to the risks that people face. Inadequate access to essential services such as testing and treatment hinder our efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis. In the consultation we identified countries that have progressed towards eliminating HCV. They have demonstrated the health, social, and economic benefits. Initiatives that employ alternatives to conviction and punishment in appropriate cases and those that foster enabling legal environments, meaningfully involve communities, and eliminate stigma have been effective at addressing HCV and HIV. We call on the UNODC to renew its commitment to PWUD and people in prison. To reduce viral Hepatitis C and B we need testing and treatment. To catalyze the elimination of viral hep we recommend expanding access to testing, diagnostic, and treatment. Scaling up of integrated Hepatitis C and HIV services including SSPs and OAT. increasing disease surveillance of HCV infections dn reinfections to inform policy and program development, putting people at the center of our responses we urge timely response. Participation and leadership with people with lived experience and increasing addressing of barriers. We also call for sustainable funding, domestic and international including public-private partnerships for HIV, HCV and services for PWUD and people in prisons and in the health system. Significant progress has been made now is the time for serious commitment to eliminate Hepatitis B and C among PWUD and people in prison to ensure they have healthy lives and ensure the wellbeing of all of our communities.

UNODC Young Doctors Network: I am here on behalf of the UNODC Young Doctors Network. We are frontline to the more than 73 million patients worldwide. Research estimates that over 90% of individuals lack access to controlled medicine. But diversion is also an issue. Doctors serve a pivotal role in addressing both of these crises. This requires a workforce that can navigate these issues, rationally prescribe and monitor controlled medicine, and communicate to health providers regarding the need for controlled medicines and strategies to mitigate harms. Our network calls on member states for action: 1) to build capacity through undergrad and postgrad medical training programs that integrate training on rational use of controlled medicine ands strategies to reduce diversion; 2) promote research to understand diversion methods and access; 3) to meaningfully engage communities by involving them in priority setting, implementation, and assessment; 4) to collaborate with and support health professionals and leverage existing and emerging technologies that relieve suffering; 5) to review and optimize policies related to controlled medicines in cooperation with doctors with the intent on strengthening health systems. To implement these we must increase sustainable funding and collaboration including with use to ensure access to controlled medicines for those who suffer while eliminating diversion.

UNODC Research and Trend Analysis Branch: There is a great need for data and what I’m going to show you is the global picture from the data that we’ve received and some of the gaps because there are many things that we still do not understand. I was reflecting – the youth colleague was saying that there is always a story. I will start with the global picture up until 2022 and now we are working on 2023 for the world drug report. What you can see here is that between 2012 and 2022 this number of drug users has grown. We estimate that 292 million are people around the globe using drugs. The dots represent prevalence. You can see that they went from 5% in 2012 to 6% in 2022. Clearly there is an increase. Some of this increase is due to the fact that there are more people on earth but there is also some increase in the percentages. In general in terms of drug type cannabis remains the most used drug around the world. And then opioids is the second class and then amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy. We don’t have enough countries that can measure the trend because they may have a drug use survey in ten years. But every year we ask the national experts what is the perception just qualitatively. Out of this qualitative estimate we have produced this figure shown below. The fastest drug that is increasing in use is cannabis. During COVID some drug use dropped but cannabis actually increased. The red line is amphetamines where in particular we have seen an increase that we can not quantify. And the market for methamphetamine is increasing almost everywhere. Particularly in western and central europe cocaine use is increasing. Something to really monitor is that even cocaine usually targets the more affluent populations but the number of people in Asia using this is really increasing. If we ask what is the most harmful drug we can see the opioids are the most harmful when it comes to death. But when it comes to drug use disorders we see a lot of cannabis. Cannabis isn’t as harmful when it comes to death but it brings a lot of people to treatment and to addiction. This is synthetic drugs by country. Each country has a different drug. What is the drug that brings people to treatment? Cannabis is the most used but it is not the drug that brings the majority of people to treatment in every country. The light color is opioids and the green is cocaine. Here is another way of looking at the global burden. On the left is people who inject drugs and on the right is people who have HIV among people who inject drugs. On the right you can see the size of the bubbles that gives an idea of the HIV epidemic among injecting drug users. This is about the number of people and not percentages. It is important to understand the size and the priority of interventions.We also have sex and age disaggregated data. But to summarize, more men use drugs than women. But at the individual level once a woman starts using drugs she is more likely to suffer from the negative consequences. 65 countries replied to this one. There is importance of disaggregated data. The green means that there is a lower percentage of drug users among that population and the red is where countries reported higher use. The first bar is people who are homeless. The second is indigenous. More countries are reporting that there is lower drug use among people who are rural. For synthetic drugs women are more involved in the use and in trafficking. The percentage of women is the same as men in the one below. The second percentage you see closer to each woman is the percentage of people who are in treatment. Globally when we look at the number of people in treatment overall globally we can estimate that 9% of people with drug use disorder are in treatment with a lot of uncertainty. But also by region you see that Europe has the highest number of treatment for men. But you see also for other regions.

Item 6: Follow-up to the implementation at the national, regional and international levels of all commitments, as reflected in the Ministerial Declaration of 2019, to address and counter the world drug problem (continued)

Egypt: As the head of the drugs agency I have the pleasure to announce that our MInistry of Interior has honoured its commitment done at the t7th session about establishing the Egyptian international centre on training and combating drugs. We reiterate our commitments to being ready to hold training sessions in the HQ of the newly established centre for a number of member states in this field in cooperation and collaboration with UNODC. We will be presenting you with a video introducing the centre to everyone.

(Video message)

Pakistan: Reaffirms strong allegiance to fulfill international commitments and obligations as stated in the Conventions and other drug policy documents. In furtherance to strong political will and resolve against drugs, we achieved various milestones. Including dedicated act of parliament, anti narcotics policy, interagency task force on narcotic control to strengthen cooperation and coordination among national authorities, effective prosecutions and asset investigations and countering money laundering, demand reduction campaign in education institutions. Strong partnership with the international community in counternarcotics including but not limited to demand reduction, judicial cooperation, treatment and rehabilitation, access to controlled substances for medical and scientific uses, specific needs of vulnerable segments of the population like women youth and children. Value cooperation internationally and support from respective countries and UNODC and UN agencies. This investment will increase the dividends of the fight against drugs.

Netherlands: Prevention is a main pillar of our drug policy. The Netherlands pledged to increase efforts to prevent access to crime. Prevention with authority programme. Prevention and repression in balance. Including youth care organisations. The Netherlands strives for evidence based policies. Prevention with authority programme is founded on scientific research and best practices. Adaptive approach emphasising learning and making approaches to increase impact. To be successful when leading with young people strengthening protective factors and reducing risk. 1. Education: being enrolled in programmes and obtaining diplomas are protective factors for youth in vulnerable positions. Increasing safety in schools for staff and students. 2. Employment: Jobless youth are at higher risk of being involved in crime. Focus on prior offences providing them with opportunities. 3. Psychological development: enhance resilience of young people in vulnerable positions like psychological problems and mental disabilities. 4. Social network: most important protective risks to avoid criminal behaviours. They enter crime through friends and family so addressing this is a key component in this theme. Several municipalities have neighbourhood watches, support programmes and liaise with families. 5. Crime and reintegration: important factors so investments made in judicial functions in the neighbours such as neighbour courts and reintegration programmes. We gain insights from the programme and will share it with partners. We will increase our impact and make them more resilient toward recruitment by criminals. Strategic goal to tackle organised crime.

Ecuador: At the intersessional in mid-november 2024 my country took stock of progress in implementing the two commitments pledged last year. We share an update in short, the full one with the secretariat. 1. Establishing a specialised analysis centre on the oversight of controlled substances – MInister of interior has the following goal: compiling early intelligence on analysis to inspect actions of companies handling controlled substances and intelligence rrom prosecutors office and police to enhance control of controlled scheduled substances. Working plan for the centre which includes a roadmap of 21 actions like training for technicians to implementation of technology and data protection. The Ministry of Interior, Police, UNODC drugs laboratory and STEMMED programme received 2 portable equipment to analyse chemical substances to strengthen national investigative capacity to combat drugs — particularly synthetic. The Police launched a project to implement substance analysis CAIN to analyse controlled substances. The Director for the Controlled of Scheduled Substances developing an IT system establishing an AD strategy that is comprehensive and development engaging groups engaged in narco trafficking particularly adolescents contributing to prevention to reduce crime. Programmes like: identifying areas vulnerable to drugs, alternative development, MIND initiative, drug survey in higher education, etc. Identifying vulnerable areas such as illicit activity, economics, state presence. Protection Measures to reduce demand in urban and periurban areas, strengthen protections, particularly in educational settings. Evidence on drug use and the psychological wellbeing of adolescents and young adults.

South Africa: We approved a national policy on the prevention and treatment of SUDs. This seeks to expand and promote evidence-based treatments, recognizing them as an investment in the wellbeing of children. SA remains committed to advancing our treatment system. We appreciate the support of UNODC in our national training program which has enhanced the quality of treatment through using quality assurance processes. We plan to strengthen interventions for women with SUDs with a new program to ensure gender responsive programs for prevention of drug use and treatment of SUDs. We have been increasing access to treatment services and community-based programs across the country. This includes people in prison. Health establishments are also possible for people who require pharmacological and behavioral interventions. The global drug trade has reached unprecedented levels. Through a collaboration with authorities we have arrested 42 individuals and caught many clandestine laboratories. 

Argentina: Good afternoon. Argentina is committed to undertaking actions to strengthen access to treatment. We are fulfilling all of our commitments. We have designed a network to guarantee a sustainable response baked on a state policy ensuring individuals have access to care. We are providing treatment in the community and this has been extended to over 2 million people. We are striving to ensure affordable accessible primary care and develop intercoordinated secondary and tertiary care. We are working collaboratively to help equip outpatient, residential services in vulnerable districts. We have more than 100 training centres for professionals in the area providing training for technicians and working collaboratively to promote ongoing review of these skills. We scale up prevention campaigns in many areas in order to forget a network that is solid and lasting over time. Through the federal drugs council we bring all of our districts to design a national drugs plan which is being implemented in new provinces as part of a federal and community based programme to provide prevention through education and sport programmes. Here we work with therapeutics centers to coordinate strategies. A great deal still needs to be done but we are working to ensure access to services. That is why we have called for a forum to share good practices regarding drug use and the development of evidence-based public policies regarding the specificities of our countries.

Philippines: Thank you Mr Chair. Gratitude for the opportunity to address this body. Under the leadership of the President, the Philippines has adopted a balanced and multidisciplinary approach. In his state of the nation address, he said ‘The campaign against drugs continues, but now there is another phase. It is  about community-based treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery. This mission has been the cornerstone of our anti-drug strategy. Focusing on enforcement, prevention,treatment, rehabilitation, and aftercare. Law enforcement plays a critical role, but we understand that rehabilitation and aftercare are essential interventions. Ath the national levels, ensuring that our citizens especially the youth are equipped with the knowledge to resist drug use. Our school’s initiatives, media campaigns, and programmes are reaching populations across the country. We recognise that drug dependence is fundamentally a health issues. We want to provide all individuals affected with drug addiction the treatment they need. The mark of these efforts is already evidence. According to a 2023 survey, the  number of current drug users has decreased by 11% to 1.147 million. We remained focused on sustaining this progress. Regionally, the Philippines is actively engaged with ASEAN and other regions through dialogue and information-sharing and capacity -building. We also emphasise the importance of international cooperation, we also support the United Nations including particularly UNODC, INCB, WHO. We highlight the paramount importance of human rights, protecting them, must go hand in hand delivering justice to those involved . We commit to review our national drug law under the principles of human rights and public health approach, this will be done in partnerships with communities in civil society. We firmly believe that to strengthen drug policies we can reduce the devastating and alarming impact of drug abuse and trafficking.

Nigeria: While we have achieved some milestones, there is more to cover. In the context of the Pledge4Action, we believe it will galvanise member states into action. Mr Chair, as part of our focus our set of objectives, Nigeria during the general debate of 2024 initiated alternative development. We have successfully created an AD unit in order to substitute cannabis with other crops. We are seeking to substitute illicit cannabis with other crops. We seek to provide freedom from fear of arrest through the support of government. We pledge to establish comprehensive drug treatment centres for individuals with substance use disorders to make a difference. Centres thus completed will be equipped with in-patient and outpatient facilities to ensure a comprehensive approach to treatment. We will establish a state-of-the-art forensic laboratory. Our new investment in forensic labs will focus on treatment. We are convinced that bilateral collaboration will make a significant difference in addressing the counter in the world drug challenge

Niger: We appreciate your leadership. Based on our commitments we wish to reiterate our will to translate into action our commitments under the conventions. We have had many legislative reforms, including setting up a central office to suppress illicit trafficking. We have established a national commission to coordinate in line with the 2019 MD. To fight the scourge of drugs we have integrated into our strategy three actions: prevention, treatment, and social reintegration. My delegation firmly believes that countering the scourge of drugs is an ongoing challenge for all states. Itr requires implementation of 2019 MD if we are to address this global scourge which undermines socio-economic development. We want to support the draft ministerial declaration initiated by the Russian Federaiton., In view of the challenges we face we need to innovate and to adapt our methods to be more effective in collaboration, solidarity and cooperation between states. UNODC must continue to work to ensure that holistic assistance is provided to countries. We would like to reiterate our commitment to invest further in combating narcotic drugs. We express our gratitude to UNODC for their exemplary collaboration.

Brunei Darussalam: The Commission is a primary space to exchange technical capacity and recommit to these efforts. We reaffirm our commitment to the three Conventions and the important role of INCB to monitor adherence to them. Zero tolerance against drugs. Holistic strategy: supply and demand reduction strategy with positive actions: enhanced law enforcement, strengthened community engagement, comprehensive prevention. Reflect on our unwavering commitment to safeguard our society from the harms of drug abuse and ensure a drug free environment for future generations. Brunei is steadfast to fulfil its counternarcotics duty and address emerging challenges. Improve rehabilitation programmes, evidence based interventions and quality care. Reducing drug dependency and preventing relapse and promoting recovery for affected individuals. Zero tolerance approach to drugs — not just enforcement but a resilient and supportive environment where individuals struggling with addiction can recover their lives and be a positive contribution in society. Brunei aligns itself with a vision of a Drug Free ASEAN — zero tolerance approach to drugs. Working closely with international counterparts to ensure younger generations are safe from the drug menace. 

Guatemala: Treating addiction, rehabilitation, combatting diversion and trafficking of drugs. In keeping with our Pledge4Action, I share the following: inter institutional protocol to control precursors and chemical substances. A milestone in fighting drug trafficking involving the ministry of governance, interior, national defence, social assistance, defense, secretariat on addictions and trafficking of drugs, superintendency of tax. Protocol will monitor and control all areas involved: import, export, marketing — all with strict regulation. Working transparently and efficiently, optimising exchange of information, coordinating with other countries and managing precursor supply. We cannot allow these substances to undermine the safety of our people. This is how we guarantee safety and protect the sovereignty and wellbeing of our people. WE adopted the protocol to implement the Early Warning System, a timely mechanism to respond to NPS which affect our society. Through the EWS we increase monitor capacity like with fentanyl which has become a public safety threat. We operationalise it with other key institutions like the national institute of forensic sciences, the first regular session of this technical subcommittee was held recently . Allowing Guatemala to ensure a timely response to NPS in line with the regional strategy of the OAS and the CICAD. In keeping with our adherence to CHAMPS, we reaffirm our tackling of root causes by strengthening prevention and stronger communities. We ceaselessly trying to curb demand, strengthening rehabilitation, social reintegration in communities across the country. By coordinating public entities, local government, and civil society, we promote the development of our communities. Adopted educational preventative campaign implementing educational prevention programmes: MY FIRST STEPS, GROWING TOGETHER. Comprehensive preventative education: primary pre primary and schools and parents — pedagogical participatory strategies to provide scientific information, develop socioemotional customs and other preventative measures to reduce vulnerability to substance use to ensure a cross cutting approach to this phenomenon. Monitoring students benefiting from this programme. In keeping with the Commission against a¡ddictions of the country, where education is promoted as a key component for prevention. It’s a science based approach including awareness raising campaigns to promote healthy lifestyles hoping to have an impact on the community to strengthen children’s self esteem and a drug free environment. Prevention is the most powerful tool we have to ensure a bright future for Guatemala’s children.

Indonesia: We will prioritise the education around narcotics including prevention, enhancing cooperation, and research. In 2024 we implemented the following programs: on prevention: establishment of 414 narcotics-free villages and prevention programs in schools. 64 community groups in drug-prone areas. We also are pursuing several programs such as provision of community-based intervention facilities, certificate training for rehabilitation officers, and strengthening of rehabilitation programs. We remain committed to continuing our commitments. 

Venezuela: Cordial greetings on behalf of our republic. Strengthening prevention and control capacities and implementing strategies to combat criminal organisations. In 2024 we seized more than 40 tons of drugs, less than 2023 demonstrating the reduction of drugs. The importance of international cooperation from our country is demonstrated by the fact that we seized a lot of drugs in the Caribbean in 2023. In the last several years we have seen the proliferation of a synthetic drug market. The humanistic and multidisciplinary approach has been the basis for reducing the demand. Almost 2 million people are being approached preventatively. As Venezuela is classified as a transit country, we take this seriously. Demand drives trafficking therefore we must address the commitment of consumer countries to reduce demand. We denounce the fact that the imposition by unilateral coercive measures undermine access. Finally, we reiterate our commitment to complying with the international conventions on drugs and we support the promotion of multilateralism, a space where dialogue, recognition, and solidarity guide our actions. We will continue working tirelessly to build peace for all.

Russian Federation: Chairperson and distinguished delegates. The world is changing fast. New times of narcotics are evolving, trafficking is moving online, criminals are using tech to promote drug use and launder profits. Unfortunately this also affects the Russian Federation. The number of crimes using IT was 60% of the total number of crimes. Three quarters involved illegal drug trafficking. We passed a law establishing criminal liability for promoting drugs online. We continue seeing synthetic drugs supplanting plant drugs. Half of the drugs seized were synthetic drugs. We shut downloads of laboratories producing synthetic drugs. We continue to work scheduling drugs and NOPSs. We scheduled 15 new substances and precursors. We encourage harmonising scheduling decisions. THe global nature of drug trafficking necessities international cooperation between law enforcement bodies. Last year anti-narcotics events were helpd during which we shared experience with counter/trafficking drugs and precursors. Joint statements were adopted in this connection. We also continue cooperation with ASEAN, SO. In conclusion, I would like to emphasise that depoliticized international understanding should be the cornerstone of international cooperation on drugs. We welcome that our approach is shared by most organisations and UN agencies.  I would like to say a few words about money laundering. The use of new IT leads allows for payments to be made anonymously so criminal groups can move money to other countries, and then to move it back or to a third jurisdiction. Our financial intelligence works with other bodies to prevent money laundering in order to detect financial traces of drug traffickers. We work with the banking sector to identify the banking conduct of drug traffickers of cars. And when we identify foreign drug traffickers we identify foreign traffickers. The use of credit cards is the way how common citizens including minors are involved in drug trafficking. In order to prevent this and raise the number of literacy last year we had more than 3 million school children cover this. By order of the president we are carrying out campaigns of financial literacy. Last year 6 million children from many countries were part of this. We are carrying out training events for officials from Russia and from other countries. Last year training was provided to representatives of many countries. There is more detailed information in our detailed training events. The Russian financial intelligence also takes part in the work of other bodies to trace financial transactions and to prevent crime. Last year Russian law enforcement opened more than 300,000 money laundering cases, most of them involved cryptocurrencies. The success was facilitated by issues like – Supreme Court issued a ruling stating that the conversion of proceeds from cryptocurrency is an element of money laundering. This is used by courts across the country. Russian intelligence and law enforcement bodies can use cryptocurrency chains and allow them to identify individuals in transactions. We have shared our tools with financial intelligence of other countries. Digitalization of criminal activities is happening in Western countries – The UK, the EU, etc., – criminals hide there. These countries have ceased collaboration with our financial intelligence. This needs to change so that we can respond to criminal activities and financial money laundering. If we don’t have such cooperation criminals win. We call for cooperation by UNODC or interested countries.

Russian Federation on behalf of 48 countries. I have the honour to read out a statement on behalf of 48 states. Algeria, Angola, Kingdom of Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brunei Darussalam, Burundi, China, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, DPRK, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Niger, Sultanate of Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapur, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkiye, UAE, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. We reaffirm the central role of CND as the sole policymaking body of the United Nations with control over drug-related matters. We underscore that the Single Convention of 1961, the 1971 convention and the 1988 Convention constitute the cornerstone of the international drug control system. We underscore the central role of INCB in monitoring the compliance of Member States with the conventions. We emphasise the importance of INCB adhering to its mandate and not diluting its mandate by commenting on areas that are outside or unrelated to its mandate. The conventions allow flexibility to its signatories to adopt innovative practices taking into consideration national situations. However, flexibility must be restricted to limiting the use of narcotics drugs for scientific and medicinal purposes. At the same time, approaches should not be imposed on other countries that have their own circumstances, needs, and contexts. There is not a one-size fits all approach to countering the world drug problem. Approaches that work in one country are not applicable in other countries. We must respect each countries’ sovereign right to apply drug control policies as it suits them best. We firmly believe that abstinence from illicit drug use should be the ultimate goal of all countries to combat the world drug problem.We urge all Member States to set ambitious objectives to build a society free of drug abuse, not only focusing on reducing harms of drug use, cultivation, manufacturing. Reducing harms does not provide a sustainable solution to reducing the world drug problem. The approach focused on minimising harms implies tolerance with drug use and may lead to legalisation. The international community must not surrender to the scourge of the spread of illicit drugs, but on the contrary focus on harm prevention. We use all Member States to prioritise the prevention efforts to minimise harms, protect children and youth from drug use, education and build their resilience to stay drug-free, to adopt adequate measures for rehabilitation, and to reintegrate former drug users form civil society. We underscore the need for an evidence-based and scientific-based approach to actively promote a society free of drug abuse, ensuring that all people can live in safety and peace with security and prosperity. The challenges derived from policies not in conformity with the drug conventions have intensified, hindering the implementation of drug policy commitments and the achievement of sustainable goals. We are deeply worried about the legalisation of cannabis for non-medical purposes. We agree with INCB that it contravenes the Single Convention and constitutes a challenge to the international community. We underscore the principle of pacta sunt servanda and urge all member states to implement their obligations and ensure effective implementation. We emphasise the detrimental effects of cannabis legalisation on children and youth. The legalisation of drugs poses a threat to the promotion and protection of human rights .The conventions reflected the international communities’ view that the most effective way to protect human rights is to limit the use of drugs to medical and scientific purposes. We emphasise that strengthening cross-border cooperation is essential for our work. To this end, we underline the importance of addressing, tackling and responding to international challenges. In this regard, we urge states to act consistently with their international obligations and refer form legalisation. We underscore the urgent need to take further ambitious and effective actions to promote the implementation of all drug policy commitments, and to ensure the review of all programmes by 2029. In that context, we welcome dialogue amongst member states taking into account contributions from all relevant stakeholders. Thank you for your attention.

Republic of Korea: It is our great honor to be here. Regarding our comprehensive measures to implement the drug policies. We operate the special task force on drug policy. Additionally we have continuously expanded the use of devices for detection. The Korean custom service has enhanced agencies while formulating measures to reduce drug smuggling. By doing so, we contribute to surveillance. In particular by introducing high performance body scanners we have effectively responded to the global threat of drug smuggling by air travelers. We have also deployed drug detection dogs. To combat the increasing spread of drug-related crime in society we have established a cross-collaboration framework for information sharing. Beyond the domestic part, the Korean custom service considers the extension of international collaboration as a key strategy. We are continuously strengthening collaboration and have been conducting joint enforcement operations with partner countries. We have expanded collaboration with countries of ASEAN and the US. We are also working with the WHO to enhance information sharing. We are working on interagency collaboration.

Türkiye: Considering the complexity of supply chains, and the drug trafficking and other crime nexus, cooperation is very important for the functioning and development of the drug control system. To promote collaboration in this field, as a country that is a training hub for officials from the region and beyond, Turkiye pledged to support best practices and training. Customs authorities organised the following meetings and trainings: 6 expert level meeting within the framework of interregional customs authorities and experts in customs of EU countries in Brussels, an export control workshop on sanctions and embargoes on establishment of national licenses systems, delegation of UNODC PCB Port control unit and law enforcement officials from Jordan paid a visit to the customs of our country, and other meetings, visits and events.

Bangladesh: I thank the secretariat for all support and cooperation. We are steadfast in our commitment to the declarations at the national and regional levels guided by shared responsibility, evidence based approaches, and human rights. We have adopted a zero tolerance policy against illicit drug trafficking and abuse including the narcotics control act of 2018. We have enhanced border surveillance and we have prioritised prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs ensuring that those affected by drug addiction receive support to reintegrate into society. We have also launched awareness campaigns to educate youth about the dangers of drug abuse. These efforts are complemented by community-based initiatives. At the regional level we recognize that the drug problem is a transnational challenge and we actively cooperate with others to share intelligence and resources. We have also strengthened bilateral partnerships with neighboring countries to address trafficking. At the international level we remain committed to fulfill our obligations under the conventions. We support the UNODC’s efforts to promote balanced and comprehensive strategies. We also advocate the increased international cooperation to tackle emerging challenges such as NPS and the misuse of tech for illicit drug trafficking. While we have been progressing, challenges remain. The evolving nature of the drug problem including NPS and the increasing use of tech platforms for trafficking requires innovative strategies. We call for capacity building and resource mobilization to address this. In conclusion Bangladesh reaffirms its commitment to address the drug problem. 

China: The Outcome Document reaffirms a comprehensive, integrated and balanced strategy reflecting the latest commitments on drug demands, demand reduction, prevention, education, regular anti drug promotional educational activities to carefully plan prevention campaigns with all sections of society various government departments to develop plans to prevent use of drugs and improve abilities to (…) We have strengthened rehabilitation through ahir, drug tests, water analysis, risk analysis, improving risk detection and analysis. Millions have abstained without relapse. Total number of drug users has declined. Hong Kong and Macau have also made great progress through innovative programmes. Macau has a methadone programme, and the percentage of drug users has decreased significantly. No one has been infected by HIV through injection. In supply reduction, China has always maintained enforcement efforts, 30,000 cases and multiple seizures and arrests. Comprehensive measures like monitoring and early warning,m legal regulation., administrative supervision, and control of new substances. They mostly come from the Golden Triangle and overseas. Since 2006, 1.6 billion yen has been spent on alternative development programmes for opium poppy flowers. China continues to pragmatically promote multilateral cooperation; strengthened through CND, UNODC, ASEAN, and other mechanisms. Increasing contributions to UNODC, including through a number of MoUs. Dialogues with Australia, EU, Mexico, among others. We hope countries will actively address the challenges of synthetic drugs and that CND and UNDOC will continue to provide technical assistance in many areas to fulfill our political commitments.

Sri Lanka. The government of Sri Lanka highly appreciates all groups for their support and technical guidance to effectively counter the drug problem. Sri Lanka is committed to responding to the complex challenges with the balanced approach. In this regard, our government is ready to initiate promotion and treatment initiatives through our national program. Sri Lanka strongly believes that everyone with an SUD must have access to treatment services. We are ensuring the right of every citizen to receive necessary care. Sri Lanka is actively working to expand its treatment capacity to ensure evidence-based treatment recognizing the holistic approach. We are providing specialized treatment for counselors. This initiative will ensure early intervention and awareness. In closing, Sri Lanka would like to extend its sincere gratitude. We remain fully committed to our treaty-based obligations and the conventions. Together we can create a healthier and safer world for all.

Ghana: Ghana faces challenges related to synthetic drug trafficking and precursor chemical control. Most synthetic drugs abused in the country are trafficked in, though precursor chemicals for methamphetamine production have been seized at borders. Despite this, clandestine laboratories are not widely reported domestically. To combat this, Ghana utilizes the International Narcotics Control Board’s (INCB) Precursor Incident Communication (PIC) system to identify trends and monitor precursor chemicals. The INCB Pre-Export Notification Online platform also helps track licit trade of these chemicals. However, gaps remain, including inadequate training for enforcement officers, lack of interagency cooperation, and insufficient community education about synthetic drug threats. Mr. Chair, Collaboration between law enforcement, forensic science, criminal justice systems, and the private sector is fostered through information sharing and stakeholder engagement. For example, the Narcotics Control Commission organizes seminars for stakeholders in the precursor distribution chain to improve coordination. Mr. Chair, efforts to strengthen forensic drug testing include participation in the UNODC International Collaborative Exercises (ICE) program, where labs analyse unknown drug samples annually. Legislation under Section 107 of the Narcotics Control Act (2020) mandates the establishment of a forensic lab for testing drugs and precursor chemicals. The Commission is seeking sponsorship to train officers in forensic testing. Mr. Chair, strategic interventions are informed by sharing scientific data with partners for policy dialogues and performance evaluation. However, Ghana has yet to adopt predictive modelling or artificial intelligence for detecting synthetic drug threats. Mr. Chair, while Ghana has made strides in countering synthetic drug trafficking through international collaboration and legislative measures, significant gaps in training, interagency cooperation, and technology adoption hinder its capacity to address emerging threats effectively. I thank you for the opportunity.

Thailand: Good afternoon ladies and gentleman. We are located nearing the golden triangle. The production of crystal methamphetamine has been going on in the golden triangle since 2002. A tablet form of 15-20% of methamphetamine with 70% of caffeine is also produced from the same area. Smuggling in Thailand has led to the spread of yaba. We seized many yaba pills through mail delivery and air cargo. In 2025 we already seized approximately 5.8 million USD in assets. We consider yaba to be our priority concern because it is easily accessible in the community as evidenced in media reports of intoxicated youths attacking others. If we can stop yaba production in the golden triangle area we will decrease other drugs because they are produced in the same area. We are pursuing active international cooperation to do this. We have set up a drug interdiction unit at the border in an area prone to drug trafficking ctiviites. This unit does investigations and arrests, works on interdiction of imports and exports of precursors. Our law enforcement are ready to work with others.

Morocco: We tackle and combat the world drug problem to contribute to international efforts. With regard to our pledge, we have trained and built capacity. Organised training in investigative techniques and on the exchange of criminal information (…) Trainees from 6 African countries have received training on forensic techniques and related treatment. Exchanging information, analysis on drug trafficking and crime, exchanging and sharing reports and analytics with african countries. On the modus operandi and  structures of criminal groups. Cooperation with Sahel countries is paramount and we will continue to strengthen an effective and coordinated response to common challenges. Sharing experiences and expertise at meetings, continental and regional events on combating drugs. We participated in a number of meetings, including ministerial meetings with Atlantic African states which led to the Rabat Declaration on political dialogue in the fight against transnational organised crime and terrorism, and many more. Enhancing judicial cooperation with other African countries, including through agreements with more than 20 African countries — a bedrock for our cooperation to enhance the fight against organised crime by building capacity, sharing information. Actions to ensure access to medical, psychological, psychosocial care — committed to share our experience in implementing national drug prevention strategy,. Launched cooperation programmes with African countries in providing training for medical care, psychological support. Bilateral and cooperation with UNODC is essential to tackle the world drug problem.

India. India has to share the first points. Implementations of commitments are very closely addressing the drug problem. India emphasizes the need for international collaboration for access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes. We ensure these things while preventing diversion. India understands the need for capacity building and technical assistance. The country recognizes the importance of evidence-based decision making to have a well-informed drug control policy. We emphasize the needs to address risk factors for drug abuse and to adopt a human approach to eradicate addiction. We support a balanced approach with both law enforcement and public health. 

Zambia. Allow me to share evidence-based strategies that Zambia is putting into place to address the world drug problem. Among many illicit drugs, cultivation and abuse of cannabis remains a concerning problem for us. In the past three years we have seen an issue with process cannabis going from the southern tip through the north, with high potency and street value. Cannabis is used as a substitute for heroin or in communication leading to bad SUDs. Concerning treatment, data shows a gradual increase in the number of persons afflicted with SUDs seeking services. This includes more females and more juveniles under the juvenile diversion program. Zambia’s strategies to combat the complex issues includes the launch of the national drug policy to enhance cooperation. Beyond policy for holistic drug prevention and treatment, we are taking a human rights based approach including abolition of the death penalty. Zambia is progressively committing more resources to control and mitigate the impact of drug trafficking and abuse by integrating prevention education in the school program. To strengthen zambia’s commitments Zambia is working to develop joint action plans with clear targets. We are also increasing funding towards alternative livelihood programs. These are addressing the core challenges which explain reasons for drug cultivation. We are resolute and committed to our shared commitment to our plan of action on international cooperation towards a balanced strategy to counter the drug problem. Thank you.

Germany:  (…)

Antigua and Barbuda: We congratulate the CND and the secretariat for the preparation of this session. We wish you success during your tenure. We applaud the commitment of the CND. We know that the challenges related to substance use, misuse, trafficking, and all its attendant issues affect all of our countries differently. We are all called upon to respond locally while thinking and acting globally. As a small developing island state we take our responsibilities very seriously. We use our resources toa address not just substance use, traffic gin and its impact, but als against gun violence, money laundering and violent crime. Treatment is a priority for us as we understand that this disease needs to be managed to bring healing and social integration.We have redoubled our integration efforts and strengthened our anti money laundering laws. Despite our best effects, cooperation with other countries, and the support and guidance of international agencies such as the org of american states, the drug control commision, and others, we continue to see the evolution of the drug problem with the introduction of synthetic cannabis, NPS including fentanyl and clandestine laboratories. It is against this background that we are encouraged by the activities detailed in the areas of cooperation at all levels. Data collection and analysis, technological innovations are outlined as the way forward in the high level commitments in the 2024 midterm review. I want to assure this body that as we continue to develop our projects and programs in the area of drug control these issues will be considered to ensure that we are better prepared to address the issues that confront us. We stand ready to address all issues associated with drug and reaffirm our commitment to address the WDP.

Honduras: Restates its commitment to staunchly comply with the Conventions and the 2009 and 2019 documents. Drug trafficking has infiltrated multiple areas of our country. It requires a common and shared commitment. Not just resources but focusing on other key areas such as education and health. It is essential to optimise available resources to tackle these multidimensional challenges. We want to shape a more equitable country based on lawfulness and inclusion. Political resolve for the resources to combat organised crime make progress. Our government is working on a security strategy adopting a preventative approach to prosecution and punishment of crime. Our government is committed and aware of this global challenge and working together with growing international partnership, particularly for information exchange. Trafficking and production have a deep impact on our region while cartels gain ground our communities flee. Challenges of organised crime at the highest level have led to years of darkness with trafficking infiltrating the state, destroying institutions, undermining democracy, and tens of thousands of deaths in the civilian population. Honduras moved from a country of transit to a production country — including coca plants. Committed to combating organised crime and highlight actions to keep with commitments: historic reduction of 26% — partial state of exemption. As for seizures. 2.4 million coca plants eradicated, thousands of tons of cocaine and marihuana plants. These actions reflect our commitment to protect our population. Only through coordinated various stakeholders we engage in an effective strategy to curb the WDP and prompt safe societies. 

Malaysia: (…)

Poland: I would like to refer to last year’s pledge for action. We committed to increase financial support and access to treatment programs for war refugees. We have increased this by over 40% for substance use treatment providing research-based programs OAT and harm reduction. Regardless of increasing funding for the healthcare of war refugees, there is still more that needs to be done.

Kuwait: We reaffirm all drug policy international commitments. Appreciate the role of UNODC. Adopt a measure of legislative measures, prevention, education, addressing transnational challenges. Best practices and applications make the methodology guiding competent agencies. Discharging duties with tracking and detecting dealers and traffickers Efforts that reflect an upward trend in statistics and the number of cases, seizures and arrests. Ensures the provision of care and psychological care, appropriate treatment plans. Kuwait inaugurated an addiction treatment centre with a capacity of 2o000 beds, reflecting our commitment against the scourge and caring for civilians and social reintegration treatment and all relevant programmes. Invest in prevention, including at schools focusing on the threat and impact of drugs through partnerships between civil society, educational institutions and government bodies.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Thank you for giving me the floor. Last year at the high level segment we pledged to work with global partners to strengthen the evidence base. Today we are pleased to share the progress made. Our agencies continue to develop projects to enhance intelligence sharing and cooperation to target organized crimes groups. At the same time we have continued to develop our understanding of threats. Our council has been told to review the harms of ketamine use. Since our pledge we have made great strides in advancing innovations in addiction treatment which is a reflection of our long term ambition. We have 15 projects. These projects bring together interventions including AI tools and virtual reality treatments. Finally we have taken steps to strengthen the evidence based for alcohol and drug treatment and we continue to test approaches recognizing the importance of lived experiences. We have launched two projects ensuring their valuable insights. We continue to strive to help people to sustain recovery long term and I’m proud to highlight our program which is helping people in recovery find and keep a paid job.

Namibia: We are called upon to align our efforts and discussion of this goal to forging pathways that are innovative and inclusive and also deploy rooted in evidence and science. Recognizing our pledge for action, we are completing the construction of a rehab and resource center for children by the end of 2025. This will ensure that children are not left behind. We have also invested 14,000 USD in the universal training curriculum for SUDs for people working with people with SUDs through visits to other countries. In the coming financial year we are budgeting 100,000 USD for vocational training for people in recovery and social contracting for other organizations working in the SUD field. We want to align our perspectives, let us work together to prioritize solutions that are balanced and affirm our shared resolve to ensure that nobody is left behind.

Colombia:  we are aware of the complex challenges that we face including rising producing and trafficking and their impact on public health. Unfortunately we continue to see how the international drug control system increasingly distances itself from its own objectives. We recognize the work of the commission on narcotic drugs in following up on international commitments made as is reflected in the chair’s report. Among the discussions, elements of particular interest were underscored as implemented by several countries such as the  need to offer a balanced approach to attain commitments. Moreover, we have underscored the need to develop an international cooperation based approach that not only prioritised interdiction and control but also prioritises commitment to communities that are disproportionately affected. It is essential for global approaches to move beyond punitive approaches and generate opportunities to address structural weaknesses of this approach. Is is essential that policies are scientific based and highlight a public health approach. In Colombia, a country which has historically been affected by drug trafficking and the war on drugs, we have adopted a comprehensive approach tackling the structural causes of drug trafficking through alternative development and socioeconomic circumstances. Based on our country we see a growing need to strengthen systems for treatment and harm reduction ensuring that treatment programs do not perpetuate inequalities. My delegation calls upon the countries and stakeholders present here to harness efforts and ensure that drug policies are an actionable item for dignity for all. As we continue to look at the weaknesses of the current system we need to ensure that everyone can benefit from policies and thus we call on the CND to accept and continue promoting inclusive spaces for dialogue where the voices of our experts can be heard and where international organizations and other groups can participate as well as a more diverse representation from civil society so that the views of all stakeholders are taken into account in developing solutions. 

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights: Thank you, Chair. In the 2019 Ministerial Declaration, and in the 2024 High Level Declaration, All Member States of the UN committed to respecting, protecting and promoting all human rights, fundamental freedoms and the inherent dignity of all individuals and the rule of law in the development and implementation of drug policies. These commitments are further reaffirmed in the recent UN General Assembly Resolution 79/191. UNGA resolution also recognised the role of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, within its mandate, in addressing the world drug problem. OHCHR continues to support national authorities, civil society, and other stake holders to advance human rights-based drug policies. The Human Rights Council resolution 52/24 of 2023 o and this Commission in its resolution 67/4 Preventing and responding to drug overdose affirmed the role of harm reduction in mitigating health risks. These align with our Office 2023 report (A/HRC/54/53)’s recommendation to “incorporate and fund harm reduction services, and support community-led advocacy and harm reduction services” as integral to the right to health”. Within the UN system, various human rights bodies also continue to highlight the importance of harm reduction. For example, in 2024, the Special Rapporteur on the right to health issued two reports on harm reduction. In her report to the General Assembly (A/79/177), the Special Rapporteur emphasized that punitive drug laws perpetuate stigma and hinder access to lifesaving care, recommending decriminalization and integration of harm reduction with health systems. To operationalize these commitments, the Special Rapporteur further recommend that Member States must prioritize sustainable funding for evidence-based programs, such as harm reduction measures, ensuring alignment with the 2030 Agenda’s pledge to leave no one behind. In the last week, at the Panel on HIV response and leaving no one behind, organised at 58th session of the Human Rights Council, OHCHR highlighted around one in ten new cases of HIV is caused by drug use. Laws that criminalize HIV and drug use prevent people from accessing prevention and treatment. OHCHR also highlight that cutting funding at this fragile moment is tantamount to cutting off the future for so many people around the world. Dear Chair, As condemned in UN General Assembly resolution 79/19, systemic racism in drug enforcement, contributes to marginalization through disproportionate policing and incarceration of racialized communities. The UN Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement (EMLER) documented how punitive drug policies deepen inequalities; and recommended that Member States should redirect enforcement resources toward community-based health initiatives, mandate racial equity audits of drug laws, repeal mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenses, and prioritize harm reduction, alternatives to incarceration, and independent oversight mechanisms to combat profiling and dismantle systemic racism. Mr. Chair, OHCHR emphasizes the importance of the participation of civil society, local community and people who use drugs in the drug policy works. Conducive environment must be ensured, where CSOs, people who use drugs and all other stakeholders can work without fear, harassment and intimidation. Building on the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy, OHCHR stands ready to continue supporting national authorities and all other stakeholders to advance the implementation of human rights commitments including the mainstreaming of age and gender perspectives, and to the health of individuals, families and communities, as noted in the 2019 Ministerial Declaration and the 2024 High Level Declaration.

UNAIDS:

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