The 65th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in a hybrid format was held in Vienna from March 14th to 18th. Member States and Observers States had the opportunity to attend the plenary session live in person, as well as via the Internet platform at CND side events. The delegation of the Republic of Serbia at the plenary session in Vienna consisted of representatives of the Office for Combating Drugs. Also, delegates from the Office attended the side events of the Commission which were held via internet platform.
The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) was established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1946, to assist the Council in monitoring and implementing international drug control conventions. The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs is closely cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).
The CND convenes every year and is the foremost drug-policymaking body in the United Nations system. It is responsible for monitoring the world drug situation, developing evidence-based drug control strategies, and recommending measures to address the world drug problem. The representative of the Office for Combating Drugs of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Branislava Cincarević, participated in a side event called “Early Prevention – Development of a New Paradigm”, organized in cooperation with Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France and Serbia. After an introductory speech on the competencies and future activities of the Office for Combating Drugs, the participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with the UNODC global campaign called “Listen first”, which the Office conducted in cooperation with government officials and competent organizations in the field of drug abuse.
The side events aimed at strengthening international cooperation in the field of drug control, prevention education, youth perspectives in drug policy, as well as adjusting aspects of the global drug problem with the Covid 19 pandemic. From 14 to 18 March, of which “South Africa’s Cannabis Policy Approach”, “Collaboration with Civil Society and Governments”, ” The Death Penalty for Drug Offences” , and “Let’s talk about drugs”.
The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) opened its 65th session with some 1,400 participants from 128 countries, 19 inter-governmental organizations and 72 non-governmental organizations coming together both online and in-person to discuss emerging drug control issues and the implementation of international drug policy commitments.