Item 9. 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
Secretary: As you were saying, Mr. Chair, the ECOSOC coordination session was held in february and we supported the chair of the CND in his presentation on recent contributions. In particular the outcome of last year’s 67th session, the outcome of the high level segment, as well as the four resolutions adopted. As this year’s team was focused on science and evidence-based solutions the chair also stressed in his contribution the importance of evidence-based approaches and data collection and evidence as important work of the commission. The commission is committed to contribute to the implementation of the 2030 agenda through balanced, integrated, multidisciplinary science and evidence-based drug control policies. This commitment is demonstrated through its yearly contribution. There is a contribution that was submitted this year for the meeting to be held this year. Before I go to provide some of the matters that were included in the contribution I want to mention that the SDGs under in- depth review are SDG3, SDG5, SDG8, SDG14, and SDG17. In its written contribution to the HRPF this year the commission has made reference to its resolutions on preventing and responding to drug overdose, alternative development, access to availability of controlled substance for scientific and medical purposes, promoting recovery for people ith SUDs, international scheduling, and safe handling and disposal of synthetic drugs and precursors. Upcoming events are the economic management segment, and the HRPF.
Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs: Efforts to achieve the SDGs and effectively address the WDP are complementary and mutually reinforcing. UNODC is a custodian of 16 SDG indicators by itself or in cooperation with other agencies including SDG3, 5, 11, 15, and 16. In practice this entails the development of the methodology to measure the indicator, support of the states in measuring, collecting data, and compiling in the global SDG database and secretariat’s report. Availability of data is of utmost importance to make evidence-based decisions. I would like to highlight SDG3: good health and wellbeing. The annual report questionnaire gathers info on a wide range of subjects related to drugs from demand to supply and regulatory issues. The commission on narcotic drugs encourages member states to use the questionnaire. By showcasing collective data on linkages between drug trafficking, organized crime, and illicit flows we can reduce financial and arms flows, strengthen recovery and return of stolen assets, and combat all forms of organised crime. Based on data received, UNODC in consultation with WHO reduces estimates for SDG indicator 3.5.1 measuring the coverage of treatment interventions subject to data availability for over 100 member states. UNODC will continue to work with countries on the use of additional information to report on SD 3.5.1. Fewer than 30 countries have the capacity to monitor treatment indicators. We must enhance coordination to increase data sharing, support regional hubs, and foster data sharing among international organizations. UNODC is promoting better measurement of indicators of SDG16 peace justice and strong institutions. We are working closely with national institutions and experts to develop methodologies and increase the availability of internationally comparable data. Data availability for goals 16 indicators has improved since 2019. As of the 2024 data reporting cycle 51% of countries have reported data for at least one year since 2015 across all targets of goal 16. A considerable increase from the 22.7% in December 2019. However, despite the progress, the persistent lack of data continues to impede the development of evidence-informed policies that could accelerate progress. In 2024 UNODC further continued efforts to strengthen national statistical capacity and increase data coverage by holding capacity building events attended by 450 participants. Also in 2024 UNODC continued to support regional commissions and member states on methodological aspects of measuring and curbing illicit financial flows and the UN development account project. This work will continue through 2026 and will result in additional tools to measure this. UNODC also supported other work on teh measurement of illicit financial flows related to drug trafficking including country level technical support and the development of a new regional study on the Balkan route which was released two days ago. This study highlights trafficking of opiates and methamphetamine on the route. The trafficking of drugs has the potential to develop illicit financial flows. Last year marked the adoption of cybercrime conventions. Cybercrime facilitates crime including drug trafficking and undermines economies. UNODC has been and will continue to support member states in their efforts in responding to cybercrime including drug-related cybercrime. The summit of the future in 2024 created an opportunity to create national mechanisms to respond to current challenges. Member states adopted the act for the future and two other pacts. The pact outlines key avenues related to improving quality and access to health care globally and brings the SDGs back on track with 5 years remaining in the agenda. This year the high level political forum will focus on advancing sustainable inclusive science and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development. The 2025 high level political forum will review SDG3 among others and UNODC is planning to meaningfully contribute. UNODC is ready to support states in implementing the pact for the future. Drug related issues hinder progress towards achieving the 2030 agenda. Addressing these threats is crucial.
Thailand: The success of the royal project for over 55 years has been recognized globally leading to the UN guiding principles on united development and fostering international alliance. Now alternative development faces new challenges that require adaptable strategies and collaborative knowledge exchange. To reinforce these commitments we recently organized a conference. The conference fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange empowering alternative development’s capacity to address global challenges. Key strategies from the gathering included: 1) enhance capacity for recovery supports; 2) advocate transformative reforms to strengthen national and global governance that strives to foster a more equitable world; 3)) encourage the full participation of local communities, relevant orgs, and civil society in designing and implementing alternative development strategies to ensure ownership and long term sustainability; 4) promote inclusive leadership that engages all stakeholders by empowering individuals; 5) foster alternative development programs as a key component of development agendas values nobody left behind. This conference strengthened collaboration and supported our 2030 agenda.
Argentina. We want to say for the record that regarding the word gender we want to be clear that gender refers to the two sexes masculine and feminine has no other meaning according to international law and the Rome statute. The commitment of Argentina to the rights of the women is longstanding. However, implementing sectionalised perspectives for human rights generates inequities that are contrary to the goal of non-discrimination. Agenda 2030 is not legally binding and each state has the right to pursue them individually. We express our disagreement with the pact of the future because it won’t be accompanied by any substantive policies. And we would like this to be in the record.
India. We take this opportunity to gather attention to this August gathering to the decisions that declared 21st December World Meditation Day. The resolution recalled the right of everyone to health. We were amongst the co sponsors to this resolution. There is a body of research that suggests that regular practice of meditation leads to reduction of stress, and has a positive impact on those with traumatic experiences. This means that this is a promising modality that must be explored as a preventative strategy. We urge agencies like WHO and UNODC to consider reviewing the available evidence conducting more research if required and provide their own research on using meditation as a preventive and treatment strategy.
Colombia. There is a close link between drug policy and the comprehensive balance and implementation of agenda 2030. Implementing agenda 2030 and its sustainable development goals is necessary to counter the negative impact of climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity as well as threats to peace and coexistence. We need to continue to focus on achieving development that is fair, equitable, and truly equitable. We are working on development towards a clean energy transition. The model needs to be focused on sustainability. We need to have a sustainable relationship with nature. This year the High Level Political Forum has a focus on sustainable solutions and the goals to leave no one behind. This leaves us to wonder about the contributions of CND to this. Are we evidence based? Are they inclusive? Are we trying to leave no-one behind? Are we denying harm reduction measures when there are people in pain. Are we here to overcome these barriers? Are we contributing to peace building, placing people and the environment at its heart? The promises and aspirations of Agenda 2030 if we are flexible and coherent to correct the failure of the war on drugs and make drug policies into a tool to achieve wider objectives such as promoting human rights, environmental rights, and gender equality.
United States: The US took the floor so that we could express our views. The US opposes the link between the work of the commission on narcotic drugs and the agenda 2030 and the SDGs. agenda 2030 and the SDGs advance soft global governance that is inconsistent with US sovereignty. This agenda should instead advance UNODC’s core purpose of advancing the core’s strategies. We regret not bringing this up earlier but this is our clear position.
OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS (OHCHR): (…)
International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL): with regards to view on how the CND can contribute to the accelerated implementation of the 2030 agenda and in particular SDG 16 and 17, INTERPOL offers three main recommendations: 1) the CND can further highlight the connections between transnational crime and international development, underscoring the negative roles of drug trafficking and organized crime. This approach reinforces the need for cross-sectoral policies that address the root causes.; 2) the CND can advocate for thematic priorities aligned with emerging crime trends identified by relevant organizations. To disrupt financial networks the CND could encourage ECOSOC to enhance collaboration between law enforcement, financial institutions, and policies. INTERPOL’s expertise in tracking financial flows can help shape targeted policies. In this regard our silver notice program allows member states to request information about offenses. Thes helps locate laundered assets including properties, vehicles, and financial accounts facilitating financial cooperation. Launched in Jan 2025 with 51 countries currently engaged, the first silver notice was issued by Italy to trace the assets of a financial member. 3) strengthening cooperation with governments beyond the UN system can enhance synergies and reduce duplication of efforts. INTERPOL remains confident that integrating global law enforcement views can enhance the UNODC’s work.
EURASIAN HARM REDUCTION ASSOCIATION Distinguished Chair, esteemed delegates, I speak today on behalf of the Eurasian Harm Reduction Association, its members, and partners across Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia (CEECA), to address an urgent concern: the alarming shrinkage of civil society space and its detrimental impact on public health, human rights, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In recent years, governments in the CEECA region have increasingly adopted restrictive legislation and policies (such as foreign agent laws) severely limiting the operational capacity of civil society organizations, especially those working with vulnerable populations, including LGBTQI+ individuals, people living with HIV, people who use drugs, and sex workers, migrants and mobile populations. These repressive measures, intensified by geopolitical conflicts such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, USAID stop-work order, have resulted in reduced access to vital healthcare services, heightened vulnerabilities to HIV and other health threats, and increased human rights violations. Civil society and community-led organizations are crucial partners in delivering essential health services, promoting evidence-based policy reforms, and advocating for human rights. However, restrictive laws—such as those targeting organizations through labels like “foreign agents” or “undesirable,” and legislation criminalizing “propaganda” related to sexuality or drug use—pose direct threats to the existence, safety, and effectiveness of these vital groups. To uphold commitments under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 16 on peaceful, inclusive societies and SDG 3 on health and well-being, we urgently call on the international community, member states, donor governments, and philanthropic entities to: 1) Recognize shrinking civil society space in the CEECA region as a critical barrier to achieving public health and human rights goals, and proactively work to protect and expand these spaces. 2) Ensure sustained and flexible funding for community-led responses, prioritizing support for civil society and human rights defenders facing increased risks due to restrictive policies and political instability. Governments must step up and use domestic budgets to close service gaps and support community-led and civil society-led harm reduction. 3) Adopt intersectional approaches to advocacy and programming that recognize the interconnected nature of public health, human rights, and civic freedoms. 4) Actively support efforts toward decriminalization and removal of punitive policies targeting marginalized communities, thereby reducing stigma and discrimination. 5) Facilitate international dialogue and coordination to uphold the safety, security, and sustainability of civil society and community-led initiatives in the region. Only by protecting and expanding civic spaces can we effectively pursue health, dignity, and human rights, ensuring no one is left behind.
SLUM CHILD FOUNDATION: As a grassroots organization in the informal settlements of Nairobi, we recognize the interconnectedness of the world drug problem with economic challenges. We have emphasized an inclusive people-centered approach. We believe that tackling drug related challenges requires a method that supports vulnerable populations. We highlight: 1) strengthen prevention strategies aligned with SDG3 good health and wellbeing as outlined in the UNODC prevention standards; 2) addressing the socio economic drivers of drug use; 3) upholding child protection in drug policy in line with SDG 16 peace justice and strong institutions as enshrined in the UNCRC framework with a child-centred approach. Much has been done but more can be done; 4) strengthening international cooperation for SDG17 and as The Slum Child Foundation we must acknowledge the support received by UNODC for the establishment of the African forum on drugs. In conclusion, slum child foundation reaffirms its commitment to supporting global efforts to address drug-related issues. We urge member states to: 1) strengthen child protection; 2) invest in education and prevention initiatives to address root causes of substance abuse; and 3) Promote international partnerships to achieve a drug free and sustainable future for all.’
Youth Rise: Thank you Mr. Chair and esteemed delegates, I am speaking on behalf of Youth RISE, a global youth-led network that advocates for the rights, well-being, and inclusion of YWPUD in policies and programs that impact them. Drug control intersects with much of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Our statement today aims to highlight the intersection between the achievement of the SDGs and a comprehensive and balanced response to drug-related challenges, that adopts a full spectrum approach to harm reduction. It is crucial to acknowledge how prevention and harm reduction are complementary and not mutually exclusive responses to the world drug situation. Both should respect, protect, and promote the human rights and well-being of all people, including key populations. As we look ahead to the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), where SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being will be a main focus, we seek to work with member states and other international bodies to align drug policies with complementary and evidence-based prevention and harm reduction approaches that uphold human rights, public health, and social justice. Member States have pledged to leave no one behind, and this commitment must be at the center of all drug-related policies. The UN common position on drug-related matters outlined a blueprint for action, charting a path that promotes effective and humane drug control policies. In line with inter-agency efforts of collaboration, UNDP has elaborated the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy, which provides clear guidance for governments. Last year, the CND made a huge step by introducing the harm reduction concept in a resolution. Similarly, recent recommendations from the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to health call for the implementation of “the full measures of drug harm reduction policies”. In 2024, Youth RISE conducted research with practitioners, peers, researchers, social workers, and people who use drugs to understand the role of social determinants on health outcomes. It also maps innovative approaches aimed at reducing the harms related to drug use, drug control policies, and contextual socioeconomic inequalities. Our report emphasizes the need to strengthen and integrate services such as healthcare, evidence-based prevention, harm reduction, and systems of legal and social support, among others. It also mentions the benefits of regional and global exchange of knowledge, experience, and cross-learning between organizations working in harm reduction to advance best and innovative practices. This exchange among global partners represents a means to respond to adversities. and can only happen when our work is valued, acknowledged and not criminalized or curbed by local policies that focus on punitive paradigms to respond to drug-related challenges. One of the most pressing barriers to expanding harm reduction services is the lack of adequate funding. The global state of harm reduction shows a trend of consistent underfunding – with only 4% of estimated resources needed being covered. This picture is likely to get worse. A recent assessment conducted by Harm Reduction International indicates that the cut of PEPFAR funding has caused harm reduction service closures in many countries, posing an immediate threat to life and paving the way for increases in new HIV and HCV infections. Community organisations and peer workers – the backbone of harm reduction services – are hardest hit. Without investment in inclusive harm reduction strategies, we will fail to meet SDG 3’s vision of health for all. Our research shows that innovative harm reduction practices have emerged from resource-constrained settings, and these models offer valuable insights for scaling up effective services. With adequate investment, we can achieve much more for positive health-related outcomes. Governments, international organizations, and philanthropic bodies must prioritize financial resources to continue supporting harm reduction efforts, particularly those that target marginalized and key populations. Today, we urge all governments to: 1. Recognize the integration of evidence-based prevention, including harm reduction as a core element of it. 2. Stop spending vast amounts on punitive approaches and instead, step up and use domestic budgets to close the gaps in services that help us achieve the SDGs 3. Prioritize strong pledges to the Global Fund, the largest donor for harm reduction. 4. Finally, decriminalize drug use and reform legal frameworks that criminalize and curb the work of community-led and civil society-led harm reduction, particularly those providing life-saving care to key populations Thank you!
Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs: Excellencies, distinguished delegates, and esteemed colleagues, I am Matej Košir, Chair of the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs, and I am speaking on behalf of both the Vienna and New York NGO Committees on Drugs. As we approach the tenth anniversary of the 2016 UNGASS, we must reaffirm the fundamental role of civil society in shaping effective, balanced, and evidence-based drug policies. Civil society organizations (CSOs) are essential partners in implementing the international drug control conventions, advancing public health, and protecting human rights. They bridge the gap between policymakers and affected communities, ensuring that those most impacted by drug policies have a voice in decision-making. We are deeply concerned about the shrinking space for civil society engagement in international drug policy discussions. Recent shifts in funding priorities have led to reduced financial support for CSOs, weakening their capacity to deliver services and advocate for meaningful and evidence-based changes. Without sustained support and inclusion, we risk losing critical perspectives and innovative solutions that CSOs bring to the table. This year’s High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) will review SDG 3 on good health and well-being as well as other SDGs crucial for drug policy, including SDG 5 on gender equality, SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, and SDG 17 on partnerships. The success of these goals depends on a strong, engaged civil society, including people with lived and living experience. Looking ahead, we urge Member States and international bodies to: 1) Ensure long-term financial and institutional support for CSOs; 2) Guarantee inclusive and meaningful civil society participation in policy processes, including the upcoming HLPF, Second World Summit for Social Development, and beyond; 3) Protect the operational space of CSOs, upholding fundamental freedoms; and; 4) Strengthen partnerships that leverage the unique expertise of CSOs. Honorable delegates, inclusive, public health, and human rights-based approaches are the most effective path forward. Let us reaffirm our commitment to working together – governments, international organizations, and civil society – to ensure drug policies truly leave no one behind. Thank you.
Item 10: Provisional agenda for the sixty-ninth session of the Commission
United States of America: The US has a proposal for item 9 contributions by the commission to the work of the ECOSOC. We believe that the agenda item should stop there and delete the phrase that follows from it which would just delete that phrase.
Argentina: With regards to the inclusion of item 9 on the provisional agenda on the 69th agenda of the CND and referring to the mention to the implementation of 2030 we would like to state that for argentina agenda 2030 is composed of aspirations which are not legally binding and each state has the right to interpret and pursue them freely. Therefore we support what the US just said and would suggest deleting item 9 from the provisional agenda. Deleting the sentence.
Finland: We disagree with the suggestion just made.
The Netherlands: We have carefully listened to the proposal and the agenda and the SDGs have been agreed by all of us. The agenda has been agreed. We want to underscore the importance that this agenda has for us. If some countries disagree then we hear this and appreciate their concern but we think this is important. We see this as being about the common interests of everyone in the room. My delegation is of the opinion that it deserves a place in the draft opinion of the next CND. We object to this change.
Austria: I want to echo Finland and the Netherlands. We disagree with this change.
Belgium: Just like my colleagues we would like to maintain this point.
France: We also oppose this deletion.
United Kingdom: Let’s start by thinking about this in slightly more logical terms. We have an agenda that’s been put before us for a year’s time. So maybe we have time to overcome these differences. So maybe what we could do is move forward and work on a solution to the language because it’s clear that there are divisions and maybe we could overcome with time given that we all generally agree on the need to tackle these important issues. So is the question really if we can postpone this discussion and think about it another time?
Spain: Very briefly we are also opposed to deleting this reference.
Portugal: Portugal also opposes the deletion of this topic on the SDGs as proposed by the US.
Mexico the delegation of Mexico understands the position taken because ECOSOC cannot change this agenda.
Algeria: we are interested to hear the proposal of the secretariat in response to the UK but we put forward our support for maintaining the reference to the SDGs
Colombia: Given the suggestion of excluding that part of the item, we are opposed to that too because of what we said under the previous agenda item and because we consider the SDGs to be the result of big multilateral efforts and a part of ECOSOC therefore should be kept on the CND agenda especially now we are close to the deadline
South Africa: Like the other speakers that have taken the floor to oppose the deletion, we feel that agenda item 9 should remain as it is but would also like to hear from the Chair if there is a way to resolve the impasse.
Chile: Chile would prefer to keep the original wording and would like to hear from the Secretary if there is a way to resolve this situation.
Australia: We would like to add our name to the list of people who oppose the deletion and look forward to hearing from the Chair
Malta: I would also like to echo our support for retention of the SDGs in the agenda
Lithuania: Lithuania supports the maintenance of the SDGs in the document
Slovenia: Slovenia also supports the retention of the original agenda item
Canada: We also support maintaining the agenda item as is.
Poland: We support retaining the original agenda item.
Switzerland: Switzerland would also like to oppose deletion of the SDGs.
United Kingdom: Of course the position of the UK is to support these important agendas but the issue is one of practicality but the question is that given there is one more year before we address the agenda. When do we need to have this agreed and why? I heard that this needs to be decided by ECOSOC and if some information can be shared on the legal issues, it would be appreciated.
Secretary Jo Dedeyne: The report is considered by ECOSOC in June or July depending on the agenda so it is up to the Commission what it decides to do but there is a process of decision-making by ECOSOC on this and you have to see this issue as critical and call on the delegates to prepare for the session. It is not possible to agree on this shortly before because it would hamper preparations so that is why it is included in the agenda. It is the prerogative of the Commission to decide how it wishes to organise its work.
Chair: This item was to be discussed tomorrow. I propose that we suspend our consideration of this agenda item until tomorrow so that we have time to think about it and we can deal with it tomorrow morning but this is a proposal. I hope I will have your support. Would any delegation like to take the floor or not agree with this proposal?
Argentina: My delegation has no objection to suspending consideration of this item for the time being to give time to the Secretariat to consider the options. But we request the Secretariat to prepare for discussion tomorrow whether there is a specific mandate from ECOSOC to the CND, and when was that, so delegations have a clear idea.
Mexico: I listened to some of the Secretariat’s explanations but we still have a doubt and we are grateful to the question asked by Argentina and the answer we get this afternoon or tomorrow morning will be good. This is a functional commission of ECOSOC and we reflect the work of ECOSOC with every single one of its commissions, we can’t pick or choose. As some other delegations have said, if this is on the agenda it is because we accepted it and we received an instruction from ECOSOC because we are one of its commissions. Therefore we await your instructions on why this was put on the agenda. I’m sure it was part of health and well-being just as drug treatment is in a commission that is part of ECOSOC. It is on ECOSOC’s agenda as part of the concept of health.
Secretariat Jo Dedeyne: I refer to the annotated agenda for this meeting which gives reference to a number of resolutions where the subsidiary bodies of the ECOSOC are expected to contribute to the work of the ECOSOC.
Mexico: Thank you to the Secretary for this information which confirms that this is a mandate from ECOSOC and we would have to receive a review of that mandate from ECOSOC. It is not a decision that we as a subsidiary body can make.
Argentina: Our question is: what are the specific paragraphs of the resolution that is included in the annotated agenda. Where is the specific mandate to CND to include this specific subject of the review of 2030. Is it compulsory?
Chair: There’s not enough information to deal with this quickly there’s no precedent so we need time for the secretariat to take a look and then we can work on it. So I would like to reiterate my proposal to suspend this agenda item now until tomorrow because as I said we were meant to deal with it tomorrow and then we can make a decision. Does any delegation have a different opinion? I see none therefore thank you. And we will suspend this agenda item until tomorrow thank you.
Item 11: Other business
Chair: Does any person wish to bring items to the attention of the commission? I see no requests for the floor. So the only outstanding item is agenda item 12. Adoption of the report of the commission on its 68th session. So if there is nothing else for now this meeting is adjourned. Thank you.