CND69: Meeting 1 – 9 March 2026

Distinguished delegates, good morning. Can I kindly ask you that you take your seats, please? We will start very soon now.

Thank you.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honour and pleasure to welcome you to the 69th Session of the Commission. I would like to inform you that the opening session can also be followed in Boardroom A, via video transmission, or online on the UN Web TV. It is a great privilege and honour for me to chair the Commission on Narcotic Drugs at its 69th session. This is the first time that Armenia holds the chair of the CND, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the support and trust placed in me and my country. This responsibility stands as yet another testament to Armenia's steadfast commitment to international cooperation in fostering an effective global drug control regime and to its strong support for the multilateral system. No country can tackle the world drug problem alone. Close international cooperation among all stakeholders, including the Member States, civil society, the scientific community and the private sector, is essential for the success of our joint efforts. For decades, this Commission has served as the central forum within the United Nations system for shaping international drug policy and advancing cooperation in addressing the world drug problem. The present session once again offers an important opportunity to review the progress, exchange experiences, and identify practical responses to the global drug situation, which continues to evolve in complex and challenging ways. In this regard, I look forward to working closely with all Member States and our stakeholders to advance our shared objectives. May the spirit of partnership, cooperation and solidarity guide our work through this session. Ladies and gentlemen, we need to first address some procedural and organisational matters. The Extended Bureau of the Commission held 5 meetings on 16 January, 6 February, 14 February, 27 February, and 6 March to address organizational matters. Organization issues were also discussed during the pre-session consultations held on 6 March 2026. I would like to thank my colleagues in the Extended Bureau, all Permanent Missions in Vienna, and the Secretariat, who have actively participated in the preparation of this session of the Commission. I would like to thank my predecessor, distinguished Ambassador His Excellency Shambhu Kumaran of India, who during the 68th session of the Commission advanced the preparations of this session. Let me now turn to the first item on the provisional agenda. Election of officers. At the end of the 68th reconvened session on 5 December 2025, the Commission opened its 69th session for the sole purpose of electing the new Bureau in accordance with Economic and Social Council Resolution 199/40. The Commission elected its Chair, 3 Vice-Chairs, and their Rapporteurs as follows. First Vice-Chair, His Excellency Pieter Potman, Netherlands, from VEOC; Second Vice Chair, Her Excellency María Eugenia Echevarría, Peru, from GRULAC; Third Vice Chair, Her Excellency Maimounata Outhara, Burkina Faso, from African Group; and Rapporteur, His Excellency Vikramjit Duggal, India, from Asia-Pacific Group; and myself, as Chair of the 69th Session of the Commission. I will chair this session of the Commission in full collaboration with the Bureau and with the support of the Extended Bureau. Now let us turn to Agenda Item 2, adoption of provisional agenda and other organizational matters. The annotated provisional agenda and proposed organization of the work for the 69th session of the Commission are contained in the document As you know, the Council has approved the provisional agenda for the 69th session in its decision 2025/307 on 10 June 2025. Before we move on to the adoption of the agenda, I would like to share the following information. The working times of the Commission will be from 10 AM to 1 PM and from 3 to 6 PM. In accordance with ECOSOC Resolution 1990/40, the agenda is structured into 2 distinct operational and normative segments. The operational segment, Agenda Item 4, will start after the closure of Agenda Item 3, General Debate, and Agenda Item 5, Implementation of International Drug Control Treaties. Under the normative segment, the Commission will discharge its treaty-related functions. Agenda item 5, Changes in the Scope of Control of Substances, is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, 10 March, at 10 AM, first thing in the morning. Voting by the Members of the Commission must be in person. It cannot be done remotely. Under this sub-item, the Commission will consider the recommendations resulting from the 48th meeting of the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence held from 20 to 22 October 2025. After the consideration of Agenda Item 5A, we will tomorrow morning immediately move to Agenda Item 5E, Other Matters Arising from the International Drug Control Treaties. Under this agenda item, the Commission is expected to finalize the membership of the expert panel to be established pursuant to CND Resolution 68/6 entitled Strengthening the International Drug Control System: A Path to Effective Implementation. Namely, consideration of outstanding seats for the Eastern European Group and the Western European Group and others. In line with the resolution and decisions taken by the Commission at its reconvened 68th session. As no consensus has been reached by last Friday, 6 March, the selection will need to happen by secret ballot voting by the 53 members of the Commission, in accordance with Rules 66 and 67 of the Rules of Procedure of the Functional Commission of Economic and Social Council. Furthermore, the Commission is expected to appoint the 2nd Chair of the Expert Panel, which is scheduled to happen on Thursday, 12 March, at 10 AM, first thing in the morning. This election will also happen via secret ballot, in accordance with Rules 66 and 67 of the Rules of Procedure. In line with past practice, the work of the Commission as a whole will be suspended during the consideration by the Commission of Agenda Items 5a and e to allow the delegations to focus on the plenary meeting. After the elections have happened, we will return tomorrow morning to Agenda Item 3 and finish the list of speakers for the general debate and take up the other sub-items under Agenda Item 5. Following Agenda Item 5, we will consider in plenary Agenda Item 4, As well as Agenda Item 6, Follow-up to the Implementation of All Commitments to Address and Counter the World Drug Problem. Agenda Item 7, Interagency Cooperation. Agenda Item 8, Recommendations of the Subsidiary Bodies. Agenda Item 9, Contributions to the Work of the Economic and Social Council. Agenda Item 10, Provisional Agenda of the 17th Session. And Agenda Item 11, Other Business. Thank you, Mr. President. Before we then return on Friday, 13 March, to Agenda Item 12, adoption of a report. I now would like to turn attention to the Committee of the Whole, where draft resolutions will be considered and which is scheduled to hold meetings from this afternoon at 3 to 6 PM until Friday, 13 March. In the morning, in the Boardroom A. The Committee of the Whole will be chaired by His Excellency Ambassador Pieter Potman, Permanent Representative of the Netherlands. By 9 February 2026, the deadline set for the submission of resolutions in accordance with Commission Decision 55/1, 5 proposals were tabled. Sponsoring delegations had the opportunity to present their proposals, during the informal pre-session consultations. Let me say now a few words about the exceptional organizational arrangements that will apply to this session. Due to the liquidity crisis of the UN regular budget, there are big constraints in the availability of interpretation services. As laid out in the exceptional organizational arrangements, which were developed with the support of the Extended Bureau, the work of the Committee of the Whole will need to be held without interpretation. In addition, the plenary proceedings on Wednesday, 10 March, will also need to be conducted without interpretation due to the confirmed unavailability of interpretation services on that day. These proposed arrangements are exceptional and time-bound. They are a direct consequence of the financial constraints affecting the provision of conference services They constitute no precedent for future sessions of the Commission, and they are without prejudice to the application of Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure of the Financial Commissions of ECOSOC, with the Commission reaffirming its commitment to multilingualism. I would like to thank delegations for their kind understanding and support, which has resulted in these extraordinary organisational arrangements. Being agreed through silence procedure on 20 February 2026. Now, we will first move to adoption of the agenda and proposed organisation of work, and then secondly to the formal adoption of the extraordinary organisational arrangements. Hence, first, can I invite the Commission to adopt the provisional agenda and the proposed organization of work. I see United States. Please, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and good morning. Chair, the United States objects to the title of Item 9 in the provisional agenda because, as proposed, it contains an unnecessary and objectionable reference to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As we have repeatedly noted, the United States has principled concerns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and we will no longer affirm it as a matter of course. Instead of the 2030 Agenda, the United States supports focus, follow-up, and review of the core mandates of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs to ensure it's delivering on its mission to combat rapidly evolving, complex, and global counter-narcotics-related threats to the security of our countries, communities, and citizens. We therefore would like to propose an amendment in the title of this agenda item to delete the phrase including follow-up to and review and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We believe this amendment would serve to reaffirm the Commission on Narcotic Drugs' core mandates and priorities. We ask that our statement and position on this agenda item be reflected in the official records of this meeting. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much, United States, and your request will be duly noted. The representative of the United States has made an amendment to draft agenda item contained in CND E/CN.7/2026/1. I kindly ask the Secretariat to project the oral amendment on the screen.

Thank you.

In accordance with Rule 64 of the Rules of Procedure of the Functional Commission of the Economic and Social Council, The Commission will first take a decision on the amendment made. May I take it that the Commission wishes to adopt the oral amendment submitted by the representative of the United States? France, please, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Chair. Good morning, colleagues. I would like to express my view on behalf of the member states of the European Union to underscore that we reiterate our commitment to ensuring the comprehensive implementation of the 2030 Agenda. We are convinced that the CND plays a key role, in particular when it comes to Goal 3, giving individuals safe livelihoods and promoting the well-being of all at all ages. These health goals can be really realized if we set up a prevention system seeking to reduce risky behaviors, in particular through prevention of drug consumption. I would like to add that the— in the point of view of my delegation, we believe there is a continuum between sustainable development and the security and safety of countries, and that is why we would like to retain the reference here to sustainable development. Thank you.

Thank you. Argentina, please.

Buenos días.

Good morning and congratulations to you on your election. Argentina would like to support the proposed amendment to Agenda Item 9 regarding the annotated provisional agenda for this meeting with the— for the same reasons presented by the U.S. delegation. We made the same motion at last year's meeting, and we maintain that position. It is not relevant, and my government has said on many occasions that Agenda 2030 sustainable development is entirely voluntary, and it should not be included in this meeting. Thank you.

Are there any other delegations wishing to take the floor at this point? Colombia, please, you have the floor.

Gracias, Presidente. Simplemente.

Thank you, Chair. Colombia would like to support what France said. We believe that Agenda 2030 is an integral part of CND's own agenda. Thank you.

Brazil, please.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We would like to add our voice to France and Colombia in maintaining this language that refers to Agenda 2030.

Thank you.

South Africa, please.

Good morning, Chair, and thank you very much for giving us the floor.

My delegation would also want to support those delegations that want the retention of the language on SDGs. Thank you.

China, please.

Thank you, Chair.

The Chinese delegation also supports the statements by many delegations just now. We hope to retain the current wording of item 9. Thank you. I also believe that that's the view by the vast majority of member states. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Then there is obviously no agreement in the Commission with regard to the amendment suggested by the distinguished representative of the United I see the United States of America asking for a floor. Please, sir.

Thank you, Chair. We would like to call a vote on our proposed amendment to the title of Agenda Item 9.

Thank you.

Thank you. A vote has been requested on the oral amendment, if I am not wrong. The Commission will now commence with the process of voting on the oral amendment to the draft agenda. as contained in the CND E/CN.7/2026/1. In accordance with Rule 61 of the Rules of Procedure of the Commission, no representative may interrupt the voting except on a point of order in connection with the actual process of voting. Let me remind the Commission that in accordance with Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure of the Functional Commissions of ECOSOC, A simple majority of the Commission members present and voting is required. According to the Rules of Procedure, present and voting means members casting an affirmative or negative vote. Members which abstain from voting are considered as not voting. I now call only on the members of the Commission in favour of the amendment to raise their country signs and keep them raised till their country name is called out.

Argentina. United States.

Bolivia. Thank you.

Argentina I have already seen. Thank you, sir.

Thank you. Now I call only on the members of the Commission not in favour of the amendment by raising their signs, please.

Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kenya, No, Kyrgyzstan, sorry. Lithuania, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe.

Thank you very much.

Thank you. I now request the members of the Commission abstaining to indicate their abstention. by raising their country signs. Please.

Japan.

Thank you.

United Arab Emirates.

Thank you very much. So there is a total of 3 votes in favour, 45 votes against, and 2 abstentions. Therefore, I declare the Commission has decided to reject the amendment. Does a member of the Commission wish to take— to make a statement in explanation of vote, or any delegation wish to make a general statement? I don't see any. So let us go back to the adoption of agenda. And let me once again ask, can I invite the Commission to adopt the provisional agenda and the proposed organisation of work? I see no objection. It is so decided. Secondly, can I now invite the Commission to adopt the organisational arrangements which have been agreed upon through silence procedure on 20 February. I see no objection. It is so decided. Now that we have adopted the agenda and the organizational arrangements, I would also like to remind you that, as was the case for the 68th Session, last May, this session will be conducted fully paperless. Let us continue with the opening of the session. I have the pleasure to introduce His Excellency Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of ECOSOC, who will address the Commission in a video message.

Distinguished Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to address the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. At a time of deep global uncertainty, the world drug problem is becoming more complex and more dangerous, with profound impacts on societies, and individuals. And it cannot be addressed in isolation, as it intersects with health, human rights, education, justice and security, gender equality, poverty eradication, and peacebuilding efforts. Illicit drug markets are becoming more dynamic and adaptable. Synthetic drugs are expanding at an unprecedented speed, with devastating consequences for public health. At the same time, drug trafficking continues to fuel organized crimes, corruption, and violence, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable, including women, youth, and marginalized communities. As the central policymaking body of the United Nations on drug-related matters, the Commission on narcotic drugs plays a more critical role than ever. Through your work, you advance evidence-based, comprehensive, and balanced approaches that are rooted in development and human rights and ensure that drug policies are grounded in data, research, and analysis. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, as ECOSOC marks its 80th anniversary this year. The overall theme of the work is focused on transformative coordinated actions for a sustainable future for all. Your contribution to the 2026 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development will ensure drug-related matters remain integral to implementing the 2030 Agenda. This year's sessions also coincide with the review by the General Assembly of ECOSOC and HLPF, which are opportunities to strengthen and enhance their work and ensure that they remain fit to address current and future challenges. And next year, ECOSOC will review the work of its functional commissions and expert bodies, building on the outcomes of the review that was conducted in 2022 and drawing on the conclusions of the General Assembly's review of ECOSOC and HLPF to ensure full alignment and coherence. ECOSOC stands ready to champion the Commission's work and foster collaborations with other bodies. As we strengthen our architecture, your substantive input remains vital. Communities around the world are counting on your leadership. I wish you fruitful discussions and look forward to actionable outcomes. I thank you.

Thank you. I now have the pleasure to invite Mr. John Brandolino, Acting Executive Director of UNODC, to address the Commission. Mr. Brandolino, please, you have the floor.

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I'm honored to address the 69th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. Allow me to begin by congratulating our new chair, Ambassador Hovhannisyan of Armenia. Thank you, Ambassador. For all your leadership during the preparations of the session, and I know you'll help drive us to a successful conclusion. It is encouraging to see so many people here in this room ready to work together this week towards a common cause: a world that is healthier and safer from illicit drug threats. We have over 2,200 registered participants, including representatives from 127 member states. Close to 200 NGOs are taking part, and there are over 170 side events. This is an incredible turnout, even while we will miss some colleagues who unfortunately are unable to join us due to ongoing global developments. At a time when we face many different crises around the world, your presence sends an important message that we cannot relent in in our efforts to address the challenges and harms posed by illicit drugs. You are demonstrating that the international community remains committed to addressing the world drug problem and that Vienna remains the place where the world comes together to confront it. Excellencies, many of the challenges you will address and discuss this week are familiar: illicit drug markets, are always adapting, and organized crime is always looking to exploit gaps in governance and regulation. What is new, however, is the speed and scale at which these changes are happening, driven in large part by the expansion of synthetic drugs. They can be manufactured anywhere, trafficked almost everywhere, and modified overnight to evade control. UNODC is currently monitoring over 1,400 new psychoactive substances reported by 153 countries and territories. In 2024 alone, 726 unique substances were detected, the highest number ever recorded in a single year. Synthetic opioids, including nitazenes, are intensifying overdose risks. And challenging public health systems, and the synthetic surge affects all regions. At the same time, global cocaine production and trafficking are breaking record ceilings and meeting rising demand. Criminal networks have become more sophisticated, infiltrating supply chains and using new tools like self-propelled submarines and the dark web to move their product and evade detection. And they are exploiting conflicts, instability, and technology to expand their reach globally. Behind all of this lies a profound human cost. Last year's World Drug Report showed that over 316 million people used drugs in 2023, of which 64 million people suffered from drug use disorders. Yet only 1 in 12 of them who are suffering from drug use disorders are in treatment. Women in particular face barriers and stigma, with only 1 in 18 among those with drug use disorders able to access support. People who inject drugs also remain at high risk of HIV. And in many parts of the world, access to controlled medicines for legitimate medical use remains painful. Inadequate. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, in a world crowded with crises, it is easy for our attention to be focused elsewhere. We cannot afford to take our eyes off the world drug problem. As you know, the financial situation is stretching capacities across the UN system, including here at the Commission. And if the financial situation continues to deteriorate, these constraints will only grow. But UNODC is a resilient organization, and I am confident with your continued support it will weather any storm. We are ready to welcome soon a new Executive Director, Ms. Monica Juma from Kenya, whose appointment was just announced by the Secretary-General on Friday. I'm certain she will provide fresh leadership and vision given her notable experience in security, diplomacy, diplomacy and beyond. We are currently looking at different ways that we can work better and deliver our mandates more effectively. As you know, we're developing UNODC's new corporate strategy, which will help sharpen the organization's focus in the next 5 years, and we're engaging actively in the UNAID reform process, including seeing how we can strengthen our administrative platforms and processes. And even in a difficult financial environment, we have continued to deliver results. In 2025, our technical delivery exceeded $380 million, maintaining the strong operational tempo of previous years. That support has translated into tangible impact on the ground, whether it be helping more than 190 border control units facilitate the seizure of 160 58 tons of cocaine and 400 tons of precursor chemicals last year. We're providing technical assistance and coordination to joint operations, a prime example being an operation in West Africa which led to the seizure and stash of drugs valued at more than $20 million, along with nearly 5 million units of counterfeit medicines and the arrest of over 1,000 individuals. We're giving national customs authorities the tools to intercept cocaine flows at major European seaports, or training frontline officers in Latin America and Southeast Asia to shut down clandestine drug labs and dispose of hundreds of tons of dangerous substances. Beyond enforcement, we continue to invest in prevention, health, and alternative livelihoods, all a critical part of addressing the world drug problem in a balanced way. And we continue to support member states with the high-quality evidence and analysis they require through our World Drug Report, Early Warning System, and crop monitoring surveys. An important point to add: all this work addresses the needs and priorities that you identify and is only made possible by your support. The Commission is not UNODC. The Commission is you. This week, we— you have placed important decisions before the Commission. You will consider substantive resolutions in several notable areas: strengthening early warning systems for synthetic substances, enhancing supply chain integrity, supporting alternative development, promoting evidence-based health responses, and preventing diversion of equipment and materials for illicit drug manufacture. You will consider the possible placement of several substances under international control. You will finalize the establishment of a new panel to contribute to preparations for the 2029 review of the Ministerial Declaration. And you will follow up on the national pledges made in the 2024 ministerial segment and beyond. There will be many other activities during the week, including the showcasing of many interesting national, regional, and global efforts in the form of side events and exhibits. Ladies and gentlemen, UNODC remains your trusted partner in these efforts. I can safely say that as I prepare to depart this organization after more than a decade on the inside, that you could not have a better partner. My colleagues at UNODC are a dedicated group of professionals bringing notable expertise and experience in addressing global drug and crime challenges and helping to promote the cooperation and coordination that the world needs to tackle these threats. And I have been— it's been a pleasure and a privilege to serve with them. Because the world drug problem is constantly evolving and we must adapt with it. That is why for this year's World Drug Day in June, we will be focusing on a topic, persisting issues, new challenges, and the need for innovative responses. The Commission is where we come together to hear about those challenges and help shape those responses. In this spirit, I warmly welcome all of you and wish you a productive and successful session. Thank you.

Thank you, I thank Mr. Brandolino and I would like to take this opportunity to express deep gratitude and appreciation for his years of dedicated service to UNOF and UNODC. Thank you very much. We will now turn to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, who will address the Commission in a video message.

Your Excellency Ambassador Jovancian, Acting Executive Director Brandolino, President Professor Atasoy, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues, and friends. The international community faces unprecedented challenges. Funding gaps, aid cuts, conflict, and geopolitical tensions are limiting our ability to meet urgent health and social needs. An estimated 64 million people worldwide live with drug use disorders, and hundreds of thousands die each year from preventable harms linked to drug use. These lives can be saved with evidence-based based measures on prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. But access to these interventions remains very limited. Barriers persist in access to controlled medicines for pain relief, palliative care, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders. WHO provides scientific advice to support decisions on drug control But international scheduling is only one part of our responsibility. Countries must also ensure controlled medicines are available for medical and scientific use. I urge all countries to advance balanced, evidence-based policies that protect health, prevent and reduce harms associated with drug use, and ensure access to essential medicines. At a time when solidarity is critical, multilateral cooperation is indispensable. Thank you all for your partnership on this difficult but important issue. WHO remains committed to working with all of you to advance people-centered approaches grounded in public health and human rights. I thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. I now give the floor to Professor Sevil Atasoy, the President of International Narcotics Control Board, to address the Commission. Please, you have the floor.

Ambassador of Afghanistan, Chair of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Mr. Brandolino, Acting Executive Director of UNODC, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the International Narcotics Control Board, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. Chair, on your election. I wish also to congratulate the new Executive Director of UNODC, Her Excellency Madame Monica Juma. Under item 5, I will be presenting the INCB reports for 2025, a year which saw extensive discussions on how the United Nations can continue delivering for the people it serves. The annual report focuses on international cooperation in drug control. The system of estimates and assessments for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances represents a success story for international cooperation with very low levels of diversion into illicit channels. Despite persistent disputes disparities in the availability of controlled medicines, global supplies are sufficient to meet reported national requirements. INCB learning is building the capacity of national authorities with a view to improving the situation. Another success story is the International Precursor Control System. In March 2025, use of the INCB PEN Online platform prevented the diversion of 3 tons of 1-BOC-4-piperidon, a fentanyl precursor that the Commission included in Table 1 of the 1988 Convention just months earlier. Had the shipment not been stopped, it could have been used to manufacture up to 1.6 billion potentially fatal doses of fentanyl. The final success story that I will highlight is the work of the INCB GRIDS program to strengthen voluntary international cooperation to address trafficking in dangerous non-scheduled substances. Through no-cost access to the IONIX tools, training, and international operations, governments have exchanged information on more than 135,000 seizures, intercepted over 1.5 million lethal doses, and deployed cutting-edge technologies to dismantle illicit supply chains. INCB is proud of these achievements made together with member states, international organizations, and civil society. However, the Board and its Secretariat face a lack of stable and predictable funding. The regular budget liquidity crisis is affecting the implementation of our core treaty-mandated functions. The INCB Precursors Program, the INCB Learning Program, and the INCB Grids Programs rely on voluntary contributions for their operations and outcomes, some of which are based on treaty mandates and should be funded by the regular budget. INCB is grateful for the support of all Member States in the budgetary process and for the support of the Member States that have made voluntary contributions to the projects. To ensure that our work can continue, we have invited Member States to consider providing general-purpose contributions to support key activities. Sustained and predictable resources are necessary to ensure that the international drug control system established by the drug control conventions can continue to safeguard health and welfare worldwide. In closing, 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Special Session of General Assembly on the World Drug Problem. The outcome document of that session remains as relevant today, if not more so, reinforced by the 2019 Ministerial Declaration and the 2024 High-Level Declaration. As the international community advances efforts to implement the shared global drug policy commitments, INCB calls on governments to intensify the application of the international drug control conventions with the overarching goal of safeguarding the health and welfare of humankind. Thank you very much.

Thank you for your statement. Excellencies, distinguished representatives, ladies and gentlemen, we will start now with the consideration of Agenda Item 3, the General Debate. I would like to remind delegations that Commission has agreed on a maximum speaking time of 5 minutes for chairs of regional groups and maximum of 3 minutes for our speakers, including high-level speakers. As we must be very mindful of time, I urge all delegations to respect the agreed speaking time especially in the light of reduced interpretation services. I count on your support. I invite the chairpersons of regional groups to take the floor. I first call on His Excellency Ambassador Shambhu Kamaran, Permanent Representative of India, to deliver a statement on behalf of the Group of G77 and China. Ambassador, please, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Good morning, everyone. I will read out an abbreviated version of the Group of 77 statement. The full statement is on the G77 webpage. The Group of 77 and China thanks India for chairing the 68th session and congratulates His Excellency Andranik Hovhannisyan, Permanent Representative of Armenia, on his election as the Chair of the 69th session, as well as other elected members of the Bureau. The group pledges to the chair its full cooperation. The group expresses its support to the UNODC and reiterates its commitment to continue working with it to address and counter the world drug problem. The group would like to express its appreciation for the dedicated work of the Bureau and the Secretariat for the organization of the session. We reaffirm the role of the CND as the principal policymaking body of the United Nations with prime responsibility for drug control matters and recognize the efforts of the relevant UN entities, in particular those of the UNODC, and the treaty-mandated roles of the INCB and other relevant international organizations for addressing and countering the world drug problem.

Mr.

Chair, the group takes note of the World Drug Report 2025 and the INCB Annual Report 2025 and is concerned that despite significant efforts made, the challenges posed by the world drug problem persist and continue to evolve. The group reiterates that addressing and countering the world drug problem is a common and shared responsibility that should be undertaken in a multilateral setting based on an integrated, multidisciplinary, mutually reinforcing, balanced, scientific evidence-based, and comprehensive approach with a view to promoting the health, public security, safety, and well-being of all humanity. The group stresses the importance of international cooperation, enhanced capacity-building initiatives, programs, and activities, provision of equipment and technology and technical assistance, particularly for developing countries, The group expresses serious concern over ongoing financial constraints of UNODC and emphasizes that efforts of the ODC to adapt to financial limitations should not negatively affect the provision of technical assistance and capacity building for developing countries. The group remains strongly convinced that upholding multilateralism, including supporting an effective UN development system. And to avoid promulgating and imposing any unilateral coercive measures and actions on developing countries not in accordance with international law and the UN Charter is essential. The group underscores the important role played by all relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement, judicial and healthcare personnel, civil society, the scientific community and academia, as well as the private sector. The group reiterates that the 3 conventions of 1961, as amended by the '72 Protocol, of '71, and of 1988, and other relevant international instruments constitute the cornerstone of the international drug control system. The group reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that all aspects of demand reduction and related measures, supply reduction and related measures, and international cooperation are addressed in full conformity with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The Group reiterates that efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to effectively address the world drug problem are complementary and mutually reinforcing. Mr. Chair, the Group reaffirms its commitment to prevent, reduce, and eliminate illicit cultivation, production, manufacturing, and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the diversion of and illicit trafficking in precursors, and money laundering and illicit financial flows related to illicit drugs, as well as the illicit demand and abuse of drugs by promoting effective and comprehensive scientific evidence-based initiatives and measures. The group notes with great concern the persistent disparities on progress made in ensuring the access, availability, and affordability of substances for medical and scientific purposes. The group notes with great concern that drug use disorders pose multifaceted challenges and that the demand for treating drug-related disorders remains largely unmet. The group recognizes the importance of increased efforts to promote viable economic alternatives to the illicit cultivation, production, manufacturing, and trafficking of drugs, including through long-term long-term comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable alternative development programs. The group acknowledges that the states most affected by the transit of drugs, especially developing countries, have made important contributions to and sacrifices in countering illicit drug trafficking and preventing illicitly trafficked substances from reaching end markets. The group expresses concern regarding the proliferation of and surge in the illicit manufacture of, trafficking in, and use of synthetic drugs. We urge all member states to take concrete actions to tackle this issue. The group reaffirms our commitment based on the principle of common and shared responsibility to implement tangible and efficient measures within our respective means to counter criminal organizations involved in illicit drug trafficking and to address the increasing the links between drug trafficking, corruption, and other forms of organized crime. In this regard, the Group recognizes the importance of appropriately mainstreaming a gender and age perspective into drug-related policies and programs. The Group expresses its serious concern regarding inadequate implementation of the principle of equitable geographical representation and lower level of representation of developing countries in the UNODC. The group notes that the geographical representation within the ODC, as reflected in the report of the Executive Director in October 2025, indicated that over 50.6% of the staff comes from only one regional group. We call on the ODC to take immediate steps to increase the number of personnel from underrepresented and unrepresented member states across all levels, especially at senior levels. The Group looks forward to regular reports from the Secretariat on this matter. The Group emphasizes the need for the international community, in particular developed countries, by providing means of implementation to accelerate and improve the ongoing efforts to address and counter the world drug problem. Finally, the Group expresses deep concern on the prevailing humanitarian emergencies resulting from armed conflicts in member states or territories of the group, including in the Gaza Strip, and recalls the obligation of states to ensure the availability of internationally controlled narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical purposes. I thank you for your attention.

Thank you.

I call on His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Nasser, Permanent Representative of Egypt, to deliver his statement on behalf of African Group. Ambassador, please, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have the honor to deliver the statement on behalf of the African Group. At the outset, the African Group aligns itself with the statement of the Group of G7 and China. Allow me to take this opportunity to congratulate you for your election as the Chair of the 69th Session of the CND, and the Group assures you of its full support to make the present session a success. While continuing to uphold the Vienna spirit of consensus, we also thank the Secretariat for the excellent preparation of this session. Chairperson, the African Group reiterates our resolve to review the N-2020 progress made in implementing all our international drug policy commitments and undertake to accelerate their implementation until 2029. The Group supports the UNODC efforts in continuing and addressing the world drug problem through the effective implementation of the UNODC Strategic Vision for Africa 2030 and calls for sufficient funding for the strategy. We reaffirmed the primary role of the CND as the UN policymaking body in drug control matters, and our support and further reaffirm the treaty-mandated roles of the INCB and the WHO. The group reaffirms that the fight against the world drug problem is a common and a shared responsibility and reiterates its commitment to the 2009 Political Declaration and the Plan of Action. The 2014 Joint Ministerial Declaration, the 2016 UNGASS Outcome Document, and the 2019 Ministerial Declaration and its High-Level Declaration on the 2024 Midterm Review. The group expresses deep concern on the prevailing humanitarian emergencies, including in the Gaza Strip, and recalls the obligations of States to ensure the availability of internationally controlled narcotic drugs and psychoactive substance for medical purposes. The group notes with grave concern the persistent disparities in ensuring the availability and accessibility of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes and urges all member states, the UNODC, and the private sector to take concrete actions to ensure equitable access in this regard. The group welcomes the regional consultations on access and availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes in Africa, convened under the No Patient Left Behind initiative on December 3rd, 2025. The group is deeply concerned that the proliferation of substandard and falsified medical products in the continent poses a real serious threat to the public health and the socioeconomic development and calls upon the UNODC to support member states to strengthen measures to counter this challenge. The Africa Group expresses concern regarding the increasing threats posed by the scourge of synthetic drugs and their impact on illicit drug markets, and urges all Member States to take concrete actions to tackle this challenge. Chairperson, the Group registers its serious concern over the interlinkages between drug trafficking and other forms of transnational organized crime, including corruption, illicit financial flows, cybercrime, and terrorism. The group stresses on the importance of enhancing regional and international cooperation to counter this social affliction. The group underscores the importance of the— of early entry into force of the UN Convention on Cybercrime, which provides a global framework for collecting and sharing of electronic evidence related to serious crimes, including drug-related crimes. The group considers that enhanced technical assistance and capacity building for law enforcement and healthcare agencies are central to ensure the attainment of relevant Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 3, 5, and 16. The group recognizes the importance of appropriately mainstreaming a gender and age perspective into drug-related policies and programs. The African Group continues to note with concern the harmful effects of the increasing non-medical use of pharmaceutical opioids, including tramadol, and invites Member States to collect and share data to prevent its diversion for illicit use while ensuring its access and availability for medical and scientific purposes. The Group calls upon Member States to continue pursuing a mutually reinforcing approach to supply and demand reduction, addressing drug abuse as a health and social issue while upholding the rule of law. The African Group underscores the need for adequate resources to successfully implement the Commission's mandate in pursuance of the SDG Agenda 2030 and the African Union 2063 Agenda. The African Group emphasizes that UNDC efforts to adapt to financial limitations limitations should not negatively affect the provision of technical assistance and capacity building for developing countries upon their request. The African Group expresses a serious concern regarding the inadequate implementation of the principle of equitable geographical representation, and we call on the UNODC to take immediate steps in increasing the number of UNODC personnel from the African continent across all levels. In conclusion, the African Group reiterates its commitment to a balanced, integrated, and comprehensive multidisciplinary and scientific evidence-based approach in addressing and combating the world drug problem based on the principle of common and shared responsibilities. And with these notes, I thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on His Excellency Ambassador Abdullah Khalid Taulah, Permanent Representative of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to address the Commission on behalf of the Asia-Pacific Group. Ambassador, please, you have the floor.

Good morning, Your Excellencies. In respect of the time limitation, I will read a shortened version of the group statement. and a full version can be found online. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, first of all, we would like to align ourselves with the statement made by the G27 and China. On behalf of the member states of the Asia-Pacific Group, I wish to congratulate His Excellency Andrik Hovhannisyan on his election as Chair of the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, CND. Also, I wish to congratulate the other elected members of the Bureau to express the Group's readiness and support in making this session a success. The Asia-Pacific Group extends its full support to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The Group looks forward to continuously working with you to strengthen our collective efforts to combat the spirit illicit drugs use. The Group reaffirmed its position that the UNODC is the leading entity within the UN system to counter the world drugs problem and that the CND has the principal role of providing policymaking guidance to Member States on drug control matters. Mr. Chair, the Asia-Pacific Group reaffirmed its belief that the war drugs problem remains a complex challenge to be effectively addressed in a multilateral setting. In this regard, the Group fully supports the efforts aimed at reinforcing regional and international cooperation and coordination. The Group expresses its firm commitment to ensure that all the efforts to address the counter— the war drugs problem through demand reduction, supply reduction, and related measures. And international cooperation be undertaken with strong alignment with the purpose and principle of the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with full respect for the sovereignty and national integrity of the state, the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of the state, fundamental freedoms, the integral dignity of all individuals, and the principle of equal rights and mutual respect among states. The Group acknowledged the importance of increased efforts to promote valuable economic alternatives to illicit drugs-related activities.

Mr.

Chair, the group reaffirmed that the Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs of 1961, as amended by the 1972 Protocol, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971, and the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988 constitute the cornerstone of the international drug control system. The group underscores the critical importance of complying with these conventions. Furthermore, the group underlines the complementary and mutually reinforcing nature of the 2009 Political Declaration and Plan of Action, the 2014 Joint Ministerial Statement, the outcome document of 2016 United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the World Drugs Problem, the 2019 Ministerial Declaration, and high-level declaration by CND on the 2024 midterm review following up the Ministerial Declaration of 2019. The group fully supports all efforts aimed to reinforce Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to reinforcing regional and international cooperation and coordination to effectively counter cultivation, production, manufacturing, and trafficking in drugs, addressing supply, demand, as well as trafficking in and diversion of scheduled source chemicals. Mr. Chair, the group reaffirmed its determination to address and counter the war drugs problem and committed to work toward universal access to comprehensive prevention programs and treatment care and related support services in full compliance with the International Drug Control Convention and in accordance with national legislation. Finally, we emphasize the need to address the specific needs of the most affected by the world's drugs problem, especially women, children and youth in promoting balanced and integrated drugs-related policies and programmes. I thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you. I now give the floor to His Excellency Ambassador Alejandro Garofalli Acosta, Permanent Representative of Uruguay, to address the Commission on behalf of Latin American and Caribbean states. Ambassador, please, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President.

The group of—

GRULAC would like to congratulate the Permanent Representative of Armenia, Ambassador Andranik Hoyanisan, on his election as chair of the 69th CND, and we would also like to congratulate the other members of the Bureau. And we are ready to work actively in CND's work. GRULAC would like to greet and express its support for the Acting Executive Director of UNODC, Mr. John Brandolino, and we would also like to thank the Secretariat for preparing the current session under current challenging circumstances. GRULAC reiterates its determination to speed up full fulfillment of the political commitments adopted in 2009, 2014, and 2016 in line with the high-level declaration of the CND and the midterm review 2024. GRULAC acknowledges that there are persistent new and changing challenges which have to be dealt with in line with the 3 drugs treaties, as these provide enough flexibility to states to formulate and implement national drug policies in line with their priorities and needs. We would like to highlight that the world drug problem is a joint and shared responsibility that requires a multilateral framework with a balanced and comprehensive approach and should be carried out in full conformity with the aims and principles of the UN Charter and other provisions of international law, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action on Human Rights, and notably fully respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the principle of non-intervention in domestic affairs, and all human rights and fundamental freedoms, taking as a basis the principles of equality of rights and mutual respect. Gruehler acknowledges that although some progress has been made, The world drug problem continues to have a significant impact on public health, public safety, the well-being of people, and the environment in countries in our region. GRULAC expresses its concern for the expansion and transformation of illicit drug markets boosted by growing demand and the strengthening of transnational organized criminal gangs. We realize that we have to continue to capacity build at national, regional, multilateral level to prevent, detect, and penalize those organizations. We are concerned about the growing link between illicit drug trafficking and other related crimes such as firearms, crimes that affect the environment, and money laundering. These have an impact on public safety and the well-being of our populations. We would also like to highlight the importance of promoting more comprehensive responses to illicit economies linked to drugs. Bearing in mind their social, economic, and environmental impacts, especially for Indigenous Peoples and vulnerable groups. GRULA acknowledges the importance of increasing efforts to promote feasible economic alternatives through alternative development programs which are comprehensive, sustainable, and inclusive. This includes preventive alternative development programs both in rural and urban areas. We're also concerned by the growing production, trafficking, commercialization, and undue use of psychoactive substances and synthetic drugs, and we reiterate the need to progress in the identification and implementation of specific solutions to these emerging challenges. Grillo would like to highlight the importance of strengthening international cooperation, technical assistance, and capacity building, as well as access to suitable resources without restrictions for developing countries in order to deal with the world drug problem in a comprehensive and sustainable way. We welcome the publication of the World Drug Report 2025 and are grateful for the efforts put into it. We believe methodologies could be improved regarding statistics and information in the report to effectively reflect the reality of the phenomenon as well as national and local contexts. We appreciate the progress made in establishing the expert panel anticipated in CND Resolution 6870. The members will act on a personal level to prepare a series of clear, specific, and feasible recommendations to strengthen the international drug control system, ready for review in 2029. We are seriously concerned by the financial limitations facing UNODC, and we hope that efforts to adapt to those restrictions will not have an impact, a negative impact, on its governing bodies, the implementation of its mandates, and the provision of technical assistance and capacity building for developing countries. In this regard, we reiterate the need for meetings of the governing bodies, including subsidiary bodies, to have simultaneous interpretation and the right conditions for achieving their aims. Finally, Chair, We wish to highlight the commitment of countries in our region to maintaining Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace in which the differences between nations will be solved through dialogue and negotiation and other forms of peaceful solutions established according to international law. Thank you.

Thank you. Now I call on Ms. Florian Cipalla, Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission, to address the Commission on Narcotic Drugs on behalf of the European Union. Please, you have the floor.

Distinguished Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it's an honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Republic of Moldova, San Marino, Serbia, and Ukraine aligned themselves with this statement. We wish to congratulate the Ambassador of Armenia for his election as Chair of the 69th Session, and we equally congratulate Mrs. Monica Youma for her nomination as new UNODC Executive Director. We look forward to working closely with her, as we did with Acting Director John Brandolino. This year marks 10 years since the 2016 UNGASS on the World Drug Problem and the adoption of its outcome document. The principle of that document remain fully valid. That milestone is a stark reminder of both the progress achieved and the magnitude of the challenges that we face. The drug phenomenon is increasingly complex, evolving, and interconnected. In this context, multilateralism and international cooperation in the field of drugs are more important than ever. This goes through the central role of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs as the principal UN body and of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. The European Union and its Member States address the world drug situation through an evidence-based, integrated, balanced, multidisciplinary, and human rights centered approach, based on international law, including international human rights law, and in compliance with the 3 drug control conventions. This approach is reflected in the new drug strategy of the European Union. It places particular emphasis on improving preparedness and responses to drug-related health, social, and security challenges. It supports enhancing information exchange, strengthening forensic and investigative capacities, and deepening operational cooperation with partner countries and regions. The new drug strategy places people and public health at the center of drugs policy. It prioritizes evidence-based prevention, early intervention, treatment, care, recovery, social reintegration, and risk and harm reduction, with a strong aim of reducing health, social, and environmental harm, including drug-related death, drug-related violence, and social exclusion. The strategy— the new EU drug strategy promotes gender-responsive responses and improved access to services. Services for vulnerable groups. The new strategy equally reinforces the focus on strengthening security, protecting society and reducing supply. Drug trafficking presents a substantial and persistent threat to security. Over half of the most threatening criminal groups operating in the EU are involved in drug trafficking. Organised crime destabilises society through violence, corruption, and infiltration in the legal economy. The new action plan equally presented aims to address these evolving challenges. Our goals are dismantling organized criminal networks, disrupting trafficking routes and illicit financial flows, preventing criminal infiltration of key logistic hubs notably ports, and addressing threats such as synthetic drugs and the diversion of drugs precursors. We do count on international support in all these endeavours. Mr. Chair, EU action in the field of drugs is firmly grounded in international law, in particular the international drug control conventions and the Charter of the United Nations, and is implemented in in accordance with international human rights law. Respect for the Charter of the UN and for international law is essential, particularly at times of ongoing conflicts and instability. Drug policies must uphold human rights, including the unviolable right to life, human dignity, and the principle of proportionality. The EU and its member states strongly and unequivocally oppose the use of the death penalty in all cases, under all circumstances, including for drug-related offences, and we do call for its universal abolition. Mr. Chair, international cooperation is indispensable. The European Union and its Member States renew its full commitment to strengthen political and operational cooperation with partner countries and regions to address the drug situation globally, as well as moving this issue further in international and multilateral fora to reach the Sustainable Development Goals and key targets. Resolution 686 provides for the establishment of a group of experts in preparation of the 2029 Ministerial Conference. We attach great importance to the quality and the independence of this work, and we are proud to present highly qualified candidates from Belgium, Portugal, Latvia, and Czechia for the upcoming elections. We would greatly appreciate support for their candidatures. To conclude, the European Union and its Member States remain fully committed to a balanced integrated and evidence-based response to the world drug situation, one that places health and security on equal footing, one which is underpinned by human rights, innovation, and international cooperation. We look forward to continuing working together. Thank you.

Thank you very much. This concludes the statements by the representatives of regional groups. But before passing to the list of speakers of high-level representatives, I would like to announce that this afternoon we will be honored by the presence and address of His Excellency Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia. We will now proceed with high-level speakers. I would like to remind speakers to keep their remarks brief and not to exceed 3 minutes, please. It is my pleasure to invite as the first speaker on this list His Excellency Mr. Marco Antonio Oviedo Huerta, Minister of Government from Bolivia. Please, you have the floor.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much, Chair, representatives of member states, ladies and gentlemen. The plurinational state of Bolivia reaffirms its commitment to the international drug control system and with the principle of joint and shared responsibility. The world drug problem cannot be taken as an isolated phenomenon. We are facing a very complex reality that links security, public health, sustainable development, financial stability, and institutional governance. The criminal organizations operate with business logic. They diversify markets. They outsource illicit services. They reinvest capital. And they exploit regulatory loopholes. Drug trafficking works with money laundering, weapons trafficking, trafficking in persons, crimes that affect the environment, and smuggling. We are dealing with criminal economies which converge and therefore We have to provide comprehensive responses. Given this reality, Bolivia has adopted an anti-drug policy based on 5 pillars. First, strengthening institutional capacity and international cooperation. We have consolidated our operational and technological and intelligent capacities to deal with criminal structures which are increasingly sophisticated. Bolivia is currently the pro tempore president of the Latin American Committee for Domestic Security and is promoting greater coordination with regional mechanisms and international agencies for joint investigations and coordinated operations against transnational organized crime. Secondly, we are making progress with the responsible control of coca leaf crops through permanent monitoring, traceability mechanisms, and actions to reduce diversion to illicit economies. And on a parallel basis, we are fostering sustainable alternative development programs in cooperation with UNODC, thus generating new economic opportunities for communities that produce coca leaf. Thirdly, We are strengthening strategic planning and operational efficiency through the use of prospective technology and analysis and regional cooperation to anticipate emerging trends in organized crime. Fourthly, we are promoting prevention and treatment policies from a public health perspective, granting priority to the attention to vulnerable populations, especially young people and women, and progressing towards the update of our National Drug Demand Reduction Plan. And fifth and finally, we are strengthening international cooperation and financial integrity because we understand that dismantling the finances of drug trafficking is just as important as intercepting cargoes. Without having an impact on illicit capital flows, criminal networks just start again. Bolivia believes that international policies should be based on up-to-date scientific evidence, proportionality, and respect for cultural diversity. Always within the framework of the drugs conventions. Recently, we presented technical contributions which should be analyzed with objectivity and rigor. Science should guide our decisions. They should not be replaced by simplified narratives. Today, the most pressing challenge is the expansion of synthetic drugs, the proliferation of chemical precursors, and the exploitation of global supply networks. Bolivia will continue to act with responsibility, strength, and openness to dialogue. We believe in a balanced approach which combines security, public health, sustainable development, and multilateral cooperation. The stability of the international system depends on its capacity to adapt with intelligence to maintain consensus and strengthen cooperation among states. Thank you.

Thank you. It is my pleasure now to invite His Excellency Dr. Michael Falzon, Minister for Social Policy and Children's Rights of Malta through video message. Please.

Mr.

Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates and representatives of civil society. As a country, Malta aligns itself fully with the statement delivered by the European Union. I now have the honour to deliver a few remarks in my national capacity. Mr. Chair, Malta reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the international drug control framework and to the full implementation of our collectively agreed drug policy commitments. Firmly anchored in the duty to safeguard, protect and promote the health and welfare of our societies. This framework continues to serve as the cornerstone of our common efforts to address the world drug situation. This key principle is firmly embedded in our National Drugs Policy, which covers the years 2023-2033, and which seeks to strengthen national efforts through a human rights-balanced, evidence-based, and health-centred approach. Over the past year, we have strengthened our holistic response to drug use disorders through the realignment of the National Drugs and Addiction Unit. This unit brings together expertise in trend monitoring, enhancing national capacities to understand current challenges and to address evolving challenges. Malta also extended its effort in launching the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Framework 2025-2035, a framework which underscores the need to prioritise prevention, early diagnosis and coordinated long-term care, particularly for vulnerable groups. These principles fully align with our national drug policy, recognising that addressing the complex health and social needs of people who use drugs strengthens our societal resilience and overall wellbeing. Our Government has also taken the landmark decision of making PrEP and PEP freely accessible, thus further strengthening our commitment to public health. This measure enhances HIV prevention for vulnerable groups, including people who use drugs, and this by reducing transmission risk and long-term health complications. This complements our efforts to eliminate hepatitis C by the end of the decade. Through oral direct-acting irivirus that can cure over 95% of infected individuals, with cases in Malta now reduced to around 800. Alongside these measures, we continue to provide a spectrum of essential services, including opioid agonist treatment, counselling and rehabilitation services, as well as other services that support recovery. We have also amended our national drug legislation to expand judicial discretion and to reinforce the Drug Offenders Rehabilitation Board, thus prioritizing treatment and rehabilitation over imprisonment for non-violent offenders. In this vein, we want to invite you to our side event this Wednesday, 11 March, at 3 PM, on bringing the social health and justice domains advancing a holistic, people-centered drug policy model. Mr. Chair, I reaffirm Malta's steadfast commitment to the 4-pillar approach to drug policy and to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, which goals highlight the people-centering dimensions of drug policy that must remain central to our collective efforts. In this spirit, I want to now announce our candidature to contest for a seat on the Commission on Narcotic Drugs for the term 2028-2031. This decision reflects our unwavering prioritization of international drug policy and also of our recognition that the challenges posed by an ever-evolving world drug situation demand coordinated, multifaceted responses achievable only through international and multilateral cooperation. Our bid is driven by a commitment to maintain continuity and to further consolidate the substantial work we have undertaken. I sincerely hope we can count on your support as Malta seeks to continue contributing meaningfully to our collective work. Thank you.

Thank you.

It is my pleasure to invite now His Excellency Frank van den Broecke, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health of Belgium, via video message, please.

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Belgium aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. We gather at a moment when the global drugs crisis is rapidly deepening and placing unprecedented pressure on our societies. Confronting a crisis that continues to grow in complexity requires a comprehensive, an integrated, balanced, and coherent response. Belgium's new Interfederal Drugs Strategy fully embodies this approach. As Minister of Public Health, I would like to underscore that Belgium firmly believes that drug policies must be grounded in public health and human rights. Intersectoral cooperation and evidence-based practice are at the core of our person-centered approach. We are advancing coordinated initiatives for people who use drugs, including stronger healthcare in prisons, enhanced collaboration between police and healthcare providers, and reinforced addiction care, particularly for young people. Belgium is increasingly concerned about the use of illegal vapes among youth. During our side event later this week, we aim to deepen our understanding of this rapidly emerging My country also remains committed to improving international access to controlled medicines.

While public health measures are essential, such measures must be complemented with sustained efforts to surmount security challenges posed by drug-related crime. As a major logistic transshipment point, Belgium continues to come under significant pressure from international drug trafficking. Over recent months, Belgian authorities have intercepted significant cocaine shipments and have observed an increase in marijuana seizures. In this context, the new Belgian drug control strategy prioritizes the following actions. First, we will invest heavily in strengthening the protection of all points of entry and logistics hubs through integrated security plans drawn up with public and private partners. Second, Belgium is determined to dismantle the criminal economic model which fuels drug markets. We intend to do so by disrupting their financial structures. Third, our country undertakes to enhance data sharing and analysis. Meanwhile, Belgium is upgrading its legal framework. The new penal code introduces more severe penalties for organized crime. Furthermore, we remain firmly committed to restorative justice for vulnerable minors and young adults recruited by criminal organizations.

National efforts alone cannot dismantle criminal networks that operate across borders. That is why Belgium is intensifying cooperation with key partner countries, particularly in Central and Latin America. We have contributed €500,000 to a UNODC project aimed at supporting legal reforms against drug trafficking and organized crime in Latin America. To conclude, let me reaffirm our strong support for the central role of this Commission in shaping global drug policy and advancing our shared commitments, including those under the 2030 Agenda. In this spirit, we have nominated Mr. Alexis Horsdale to serve as an expert on the multidisciplinary expert panel established last year. We believe that his extensive experience is an asset to the panel's work, and we encourage delegations to support his candidacy as we work together to ensure the panel delivers concrete, actionable outcomes. I wish you a fruitful debate. Thank you very much.

Thank you. It is my pleasure now to invite His Excellency Alfredo Montovano, Secretary of the Council of Ministers of Italy. Please, you have the floor.

Honourable Chair, distinguished authorities and delegates, Italy fully aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union. I would like to add a few remarks in our national capacity. Allow me to wish the newly appointed Executive Director of the UNODC, Monica Juma, every success and assure her our full support. The international market for synthetic drugs continues to expand with the emergence of psychoactive substances that are increasingly dangerous to public health. Their production is simple, their distribution is rapid, and their marketing increasingly takes place online. The devastating effects of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids in countries where these substances have flooded the market have prompted to strengthen our prevention efforts through an anticipatory strategy based on constant monitoring and early warning mechanisms. 2 years ago, the Italian government launched the National Prevention Plan against the diverted use of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. At the same time, we reinforce international cooperation to counter the spread of these substances. Between 2024 and 2025, Italy organizes specialized training activities in Trinidad and Tobago and Argentina for law enforcement agencies from Central and South America, in cooperation with the International Italo-Latin American Organization, COPOLAD, and Interpol. For Italy, 2025 was also a pivotal year domestically. On the 7th and the 8th November, we held in Rome the 7th National Conference on Addictions. Significant milestone in strengthening prevention, treatment, and recovery policies since the current government took office. The conference created an important opportunity for dialogue among practitioners from both the public and the private sectors, together with representatives of national institutional at the highest level. The event was also enriched by video messages from Pope Leo XIV, from the former ED of UNODC, Ghada Waly. Italy remains firmly opposed to the use of narcotic drugs for non-medical and non-scientific purpose. We do, we do not believe that any legal system should recognize a right to use drugs. Our commitment is to act before the spread of these substances causes irreversible harm. Our goal is to expand spaces free from drugs and addition, guided by our responsibility towards future generations. We draw strength from the encouragement of Pope Leo XIV. On the 26th of June, 2026, on the occasion of the United States International Day Against Drug Abuse, Illness, welcomed around 4,000 public and private service workers and residents of therapeutic communities at the Vatican. Many of them were engaged in recovery programs, including individuals in detention. The fight against drugs must be grounded in the conviction that that we cannot remain silent in the face of the emptiness that leads many young people toward drugs— drug use, and in the face of the deep human need for hope and meaning. Italy remains fully committed to this global effort. Thank you.

Thank you. It is my pleasure to invite now Ms. Sarah Carter, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, United States of America. Please.

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Good morning. First, Mr. Chair, allow me to congratulate you on your appointment and assure you of our full cooperation to work with you to have a successful session. So thank you very much. I join you all today not only to speak for the United States of America, but to give a voice to the mothers and fathers of murdered children, the families torn apart, the communities ravaged, and the millions of Americans who cannot join us today because their lives were cut short by illicit drugs. But now, under President Donald J. Trump's leadership, we are saving lives and driving a stronger global response against the terror of drugs. For example, Operation Southern Spear in the Caribbean Sea and the successful apprehension of the dictator Maduro has brought the world's attention to the Western Hemisphere. And we are not alone in our strengthened efforts. Our neighbors and allies are joining us to banish these poisons from our streets, our communities, and our homes. We are working together to protect our children from those who value profit over their lives. I have recently participated in an event in Florida that is evidence of this renewed cooperation. In Miami, our Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, convened a meeting with military and security leaders of the Western Hemisphere to discuss how we can further our work together to take down the cartels. Our reinvigorated collaboration also comes on the heels of Mexico's elimination of El Mencho, a notorious cartel leader. Despite their successes, our friends and neighbors took significant losses. I join the government of Mexico and their families of the fallen in their grief.

Thank you.

And my heart weeps for the families of those across the region whose lives were taken far too soon by cartel violence. But now we must double down. We must bring the fight to where these criminal networks stash their poisons, store their money, ship their deadly inventory, and feel the safest. Last year, We seized over 47 million fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills and nearly 100,000 pounds of fentanyl powder coming into our country, representing almost 369 million lethal doses of fentanyl. Yet almost 80,000 American lives were lost to drug overdoses and poisonings. This includes cocaine and methamphetamine laced with illicit fentanyl. In response, the U.S. has recently designated fentanyl and its precursors weapons of mass destruction. Cartels and dealers see fentanyl as another way to boost their profits, even at the risk of some of their customers dropping dead because adulteration with this substance enhances addiction. These bad actors, and we know there are many, are waging a chemical war, a war they can easily fight by putting in minimal effort to skirt still nascent regulations on fentanyl and other deadly precursor chemicals. But we know where the chemical precursors are coming from. They are manufactured by the millions of tons in China. We know they move through the global supply chain. We know that China's weak export controls and lax enforcement allow its chemical industry to foster friendships with the cartels. At the same time, China's overly effective controls over rare earth minerals wreak havoc on legitimate industries. And we are working tirelessly to halt the trade of precursors at its source, not only to protect American lives, but to protect the lives of the citizens of the world. This forum is an opportunity for the nations of the world to band together and to combat not only narcotics, but criminal enterprises and their funding mechanisms, their allies in places of power, their disrespect for the law, and their terror over our citizens. Their advantage is that they do not have to play by any rules And they don't have anyone to answer to. But our advantage is our ability to work together, to respect the law, to leverage the talents and good character of all of our citizens, and to pool our might to target those bringing about this deadly destruction. If our joint goal is truly a peaceful peaceful world and thriving, healthy citizenry, then we cannot let the cancers that aim to destroy us continue to prosper. Thank you.

Thank you. Now I have a pleasure to invite His Excellency Berik Asyllov, Prosecutor General of Republic of Kazakhstan.

Please.

Distinguished Chair, dear delegates. First, allow me to congratulate the Ambassador of Armenia, Mr. Hovhannisyan, upon his election as Chair, and we convey our gratitude to the Secretariat for organizing this session. It is a tremendous honor for me to take the floor before such a reputable assembly, an assembly united by a shared goal to combat drug trafficking. Kazakhstan shares the concerns of the international community and restates its commitment to the objectives and principles of the UN Drug Control Conventions. For our country, eliminating drug trafficking is crucial to upholding public safety, legality, and law and order. Geographically, Kazakhstan is located on the intersection of transit routes between Asia and Europe. Moreover, there are vast territories in Kazakhstan where cannabis grows naturally. Therefore, with coordination by the Prosecutor General's Office of Kazakhstan, we've pooled the efforts of all our law enforcement agencies. We are actively developing international cooperation. We are rolling out digital tools to detect drug trafficking online. In line with the principle of following the money, we have established an effective system for seizing assets from drug trafficking. Last year alone, over $32 million were confiscated. $6 million worth of cryptocurrency was frozen. And 29,000 drug trafficking accounts containing $5.3 million USD were frozen. Having placed restrictions on 260,000 foreign bank accounts, we requested our partners abroad to provide us with legal assistance. Over the course of 5 years, we have dismantled over 400 drug laboratories and we have thwarted the activities of 75 organized criminal groups, 12 of which were engaged in transnational We have shut down 720 drug trafficking routes, including over 150 international ones. We have removed from circulation over 147 tonnes of drugs, including around 5 tonnes of synthetic drugs and 1 tonne of heroin. Last year, as part of one operation, over 13 tonnes of cocaine were seized. In the campaign against international drug trafficking, what is especially important is a high level of coordination. cooperation and mutual understanding. As a member of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Kazakhstan fully supports strengthening our cooperation and enhancing the international drug control system. We endorse all initiatives aimed at detecting and eliminating new threats, and we support the use of modern technology to combat this global scourge. I wish you all fruitful work and may we all continue to develop new effective approaches. Thank you.

Thank you. It is my pleasure now to invite His Excellency Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Acting Minister in Charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State Ministry of Home Affairs of Singapore. Please.

Mr. Chair, thank you and congratulations on your appointment as Chair of the 69th CND. Excellencies, the global drug problem is worsening. The number of people who use drugs in 2023 was estimated at 316 million globally, an 8% increase from the previous year. Methamphetamine abuse remains a serious concern for East and Southeast Asia, accounting for about 70% of all individuals undergoing treatment for drug use disorder. No country can tackle the world drug problem alone, and Singapore is committed to working with the international community to address the issue. Singapore underscores the importance of the 3 international drug conventions as well as the mandates of the CND, the International Narcotics Control Board, and the UNODC. We support the World Health Organization's mandate in reviewing substances and providing recommendations on international control. Last year, Singapore announced our candidature for a second term on the Commission for the period 2028 to 2031. We want to continue contributing constructively through evidence-informed policies in close cooperation with UNODC and fellow CND member states. In line with this commitment, Singapore sponsored a chapter in the World Drug Report 2025 and will sponsor the 2nd thematic chapter in this year's World Drug Report, examining the impact of drug use on public safety. We invite delegations to attend our side event tomorrow at 1 PM, co-organised with UNODC, to discuss the adverse health impact of drug use. Singapore also works closely with our neighbours, in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, we reaffirm our vision towards a drug-free ASEAN and our zero tolerance approach to illicit drugs. ASEAN will be commemorating the ASEAN Drug Victim Remembrance Day annually on 26 June alongside the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to raise public awareness and strengthen community resilience against the harms caused by drugs. Excellencies, addressing the world drug problem requires our unwavering resolve. Singapore stands ready to play a constructive role, collaborating with Member States to catalyze action and protect the health, safety, and well-being of all peoples.

Thank you.

Thank you. I have a pleasure now to invite Mr. Armen Ghazaryan, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia. Please, you have the floor.

Thank you. Honourable Mr. Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. It is a great honor for me to address the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and it is a particular privilege for my country to see its distinguished representative entrusted with steering the work of the Commission. Your leadership, Mr. Chair, reflects Armenia's commitment to multilateral cooperation and to advancing our collective response to the world drug problem. The illicit production and trafficking of narcotic drugs continue to pose a serious and complex threat to public health and safety, security and stability of states, and to overall sustainable development. In a rapidly shifting landscape, the proliferation of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances coupled with the expanding exploitations of digital platforms and emerging financial technologies, continue to outpace law enforcement and regulatory responses. This scourge cannot be effectively addressed within a mandate or capacity of any individual law enforcement agency or any individual state. As a country located at the crossroads roads of Europe and Asia, Armenia recognizes its particular responsibility to contribute to the global fight against drug trafficking and underscores the importance of enhanced international cooperation and concerted efforts. Towards this objective, Armenia closely collaborates within several international and intergovernmental frameworks. As part of its efforts, Armenia has joined in particular the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats. Distinguished delegates, Mr. Chair, the world drug problem is deeply a human one, with heaviest consequences for the societies, families, youth, communities in fragile settings. Therefore, responses to illicit drug use need to be comprehensive, balanced, and humane. An effective drug policy must recognize that behind every statistic there are real people who need support, treatment, and the chance for recovery. With this understanding, and within its pledge for implementation of the 2019 2019 Ministerial Declaration, the Government of Armenia adopted a new strategy on combating the non-medical use and illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, along with its action plan. This, alongside law enforcement, prioritizes prevention, rehabilitation, and social reintegration, as well as provides gender and age-responsive perspectives. Armenia, as a landlocked developing country, places special emphasis on international cooperation to support building institutional and professional capacities, facilitating the exchange of best practices and further strengthening technical and operational capabilities. In this regard, we emphasize the the vital role of UNODC for member states as well as the INCB and WHO. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm Armenia's unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles of international drug control framework anchored in 3 drug control conventions and other relevant instruments and its readiness to contribute to global efforts in addressing the world drug problem. I thank you. Thank you.

Now I have the pleasure to invite Mr. Wei Gao, Deputy Secretary-General of China National Narcotic Control Commission and Deputy Director-General of Narcotics Control Bureau, Minister of Public Security of China. Please, you have the floor.

Mr. Chair, ladies and gentlemen, illicit drugs are a common scourge of human society. Over the years, China has worked hand in hand with the international community to continuously advance global governance of the drug problem and highly appreciates the tremendous contributions made by CND, UNODC, INCB, and all parties in effectively responding to the global drug menace. The Chinese government has always maintained a zero tolerance attitude towards illicit drugs, unremittingly advancing its anti-illicit drug battle and persevering in resolving the drug problem. In 2025, China conducted in-depth crackdown and rectification operations, resulting in a year-on-year decrease of 27.6% in drug-related crimes. We scheduled 2 precursor chemicals and added 13 precursor chemicals to the export control list, bringing the total number of scheduled precursor chemicals to 47. Over 200,000 preventive education events on the drug problem were organized, achieving full coverage of anti-illicit drug publicity and education. Innovative service and management models for illicit drug users were implemented, effectively consolidating and enhancing the outcomes of drug rehabilitation. We comprehensively strengthened the monitoring of the abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and the control of such circumstances— such substances, adding 6 psychotropic substances and 12 new psychoactive substances to the schedule, and was among the first countries to schedule the entire class of nitrazines, effectively preventing abuse risk. We continue to advance the application of technological innovation in drug control, further refining the drug testing technology system. At the same time, China steadfastly fulfills its responsibilities as a major country, taking the lead in upholding the rule of law and adhering to rules. China remains committed to earnestly fulfilling its international drug control obligations, working with international organizations and other countries to jointly combat transnational drug crimes, seeking all possible ways to collectively address new challenges posed by synthetic drugs, actively offering Chinese solutions, and contributing China's efforts to the global governance of the drug problem. Currently, a certain country using the drug problem as a pretext has resorted to unilateral bullying and even interfered in the internal affairs of other countries. Which severely undermines international drug control rules and gravely harms global cooperation in drug control. China advocates that the international community practice true multilateralism and uphold equality, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation. Each country's domestic drug problem should be addressed by improving its own drug control measures and engaging in international cooperation on an equal footing Rather than through abusing sanctions, tariffs, or other means to erect barriers, shift blame, or impose the responsibilities of domestic drug governance onto other countries. It is regrettable that just now U.S. delegate again made remarks that are not reflecting the reality. These remarks are irresponsible and are not constructive at all. China categorically rejects such remarks. Our joint goal is to crack down on drug trafficking activities and criminals instead of pointing fingers at each other. We hope that China— that U.S. can have self-reflections and stop shifting blame to other countries. China suggests that we should adopt a comprehensive and balanced approach integrating prevention, education, rehabilitation, law enforcement, substance scheduling, and international cooperation to minimize illicit drug supply, demand, and harm. We should uphold diversity, harmony, and shared efforts and benefits, fully respecting the right of each country to explore drug control models suited to its national context. We should promote the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits in global drug governance, striving unremittingly to build a community with a shared future for humankind free from the harm of illicit drugs. Mr. Chair, ladies and gentlemen, during this session, China will host a side event whose theme is Protecting the Future: Understanding and Addressing the Risks of Non-Scheduled Synthetic Drugs and Non-Medical Use of Pharmaceuticals Among Adolescents, slated for March 10th, 1:00 to 2:00 PM, Conference Room We will also have an exhibition in the rotunda whose theme is From Prevention to Reintegration. We welcome your participation and visit. China will continue to work with countries around the world to advance global cooperation in drug control to new heights and make new and greater contributions to the noble cause of a world free from illicit drugs. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Thank you. And now I have the pleasure to invite Mr. Jorge Diaz, Presecretario de la Presidencia Uruguay.

Please, señor presidente.

Chair, please allow me to congratulate you, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Armenia, on your election to chair this 69th CND. I would also like to congratulate members of the Bureau and greet everyone there present. CND is a necessary forum to draw up our responses to the evolution of the drugs market and international transnational organized crime that we are facing. The transformation of the drugs markets and their links to transnational organized crime generate a serious impact on security, social cohesion, and the rule of law. That reality requires innovative, strong, evidence-based responses. We should also be frank and accept that prohibition and prohibition policies applied for decades have not worked. They have led to an overload of our legal systems, social— and social injustice. When things don't work, we have to review them with responsibility. We believe we need a comprehensive approach with people at the center, a human rights-based approach. We have to manage risk, reduce harm, and not promote consumption and use scientific evidence. We reaffirm our commitment to prevailing international instruments and our international commitments, and we believe that all of this has to be in line with Agenda 2030. 2030 and the SDGs. A coherent drug policy with sustainable development should strengthen the rule of law, reduce violence, and increase possibilities, especially for the most vulnerable members of society. We believe we have to reduce the stigmatization and sanctions against people who use drugs. And we should not use prison for minor offenses. We are against the death penalty for drug-related crimes. We want to combat organized crime, drug trafficking, and money laundering. These undermine democratic institutions and require effective international cooperation, exchange of information, and coordinated action. Always with full respect of human rights. We would like to highlight the importance of the panel of experts established by CND as an independent technical forum which uses evidence to draw up actions. We believe that we need to build consensus to have more humane, effective drugs policies in line with international law. Thank you.

Thank you. I have a pleasure to invite His Excellency Mr. Sang-woo Kang, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Chair. I would like to warmly congratulate you on your assumption of the chairmanship of the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. My delegation further acknowledged the indispensable contribution of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in responding to the multifaceted nature of the world drug problem through evidence-based policymaking, technical support, and capacity-building initiatives. Despite global efforts to tackle it, The world drug situation is becoming more difficult to contain. Organized criminal networks continue to evolve, taking advantage of global disruptions and driving drug use to unprecedented levels. According to the UNODC World Drug Report 2025, the number of drug users worldwide reached 360 million in 2023. Marking an increase of more than 8% in just one year. Especially, it is noteworthy that synthetic drugs are spreading rapidly, posing new challenges to international drug control efforts. While Korea was once regarded as a drug-free country, the rapid expansion of online transactions through social media and the dark dark web has led to a sharp rise in drug trafficking and distribution. It is estimated that the number of illicit drug users has risen to over 400,000 in recent years. Chair, recognizing the urgency of these challenges, the Republic of Korea adopted the National Plan for the Control of Drugs and Substances in 2025. This plan is guided by a balanced and integrated approach that addresses both supply and demand, combining robust law enforcement with sustained investment in prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and social integration, with a view to reducing both the availability of and demand for illicit drugs in a sustainable manner. Placing particular importance on international cooperation in addressing the drug problem, Korea has taken a leading role in global and regional drug responses through the operation of the Anti-Drug Liaison Officers Meeting for International Cooperation, Asia-Pacific Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Drug Crimes, and the Asian Narcotics Crime Response Alliance. These platforms have facilitated information sharing, capacity building, and joint investigations. Furthermore, in order to promote resilient and sustainable development for drug-affected communities, Korea has partnered with the UNODC to implement alternative development programs in Colombia, Bolivia, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. In addition, committed to enhancing technical capacity and evidence-based policymaking, Korea and the UNODC have continued their joint work to support the Center of Excellence for Statistics on Crime and Criminal Justice in Asia and the Pacific. I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight the successful convening of the ROK-UNODC Strategic Dialogue in Seoul this past January. It provided a valuable opportunity to align our strategies and strengthen our efforts to address transnational crime and drugs, with a focus on the Asian region. Chair, I would like to close my statement I would like to conclude by reiterating that the Republic of Korea remains firmly committed to working with the international community to address the increasingly complex and evolving challenges posed by the world drug problem. We will continue to support collective efforts and uphold our obligations under the 3 international drug control conventions in close cooperation with the UNODC. I thank you very much.

Thank you. It is my pleasure to invite Her Excellency Ms. María Sebastián de Erice, Ambassador Permanent Representative of Spain. I'm sorry for the confusion. The list of speakers seems to be different from what— but please, please go ahead.

Well, I'm the Federal Commissioner of Drug and Addiction in Germany, so close to Spain. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Executive Director, ladies and gentlemen, the world is moving fast, and the pressure for quick solutions is growing. Success, however, is not determined by speed, but by precision. Impact is not created by volume, but by clarity. And clarity is exactly what our institutions need today. The UNAD Initiative seeks to ensure that our institutions remain fit for the challenges ahead. And in the fields of drug and organized crime, this means that UNODC must also continue to evolve. Germany stands firmly with UNODC, but support does not mean standing still. It means improving together. The same clarity is needed in the debate on drug policy. Questioning assumptions is legitimate. Science thrives on doubt. Politics demands scrutiny. But doubt must not lead to relativism. Debate must never replace evidence, and evidence must remain the foundation of drug policy. As a scientist, I say this clearly: addiction is a severe chronic disease. It will not be solved by moral appeals, but by prevention treatment, and pathways to recovery. And as a politician, I say this just as clearly: organised drug crimes undermines the rule of law, fuels violence, and threatens our security and social cohesion. Neither a one-dimensional war on drugs nor unregulated liberalisation will succeed. Repression alone cannot solve a health problem, And liberalization without safeguards creates new and unpredictable risks. What we need is a balanced but also determined approach addressing supply and demand alike, strengthening law enforcement while expanding prevention, treatment, and working in strategic partnership. Human rights are not an obstacle here. They are and have to be our benchmark. Germany is taking action. We support the European Action Plan against organised crime and have launched a national programme against criminal networks. At the same time, we are nationally strengthening prevention, treatment and harm reduction, broadening substitution therapy, enabling drug checking and making naloxone widely available. This is evidence-based policy. This is responsible action and it saves lives. Ladies and gentlemen, drugs are becoming more potent. Markets are becoming more digital. Criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated. Our response must be just as clear: reform, focus, and shared responsibility. Let us strengthen UNODC and let us pursue a drug policy that is comprehensive, balanced, and science-based, but also resolute in its implementation.

Thank you.

Thank you very much, and once again, apologies for the confusion. Apparently, the list of speakers was not updated timely. Now, I hope I will announce in a correct manner, the next speaker, Mofid Fawzi, Brigadier General, Vice Minister of Interior, Head of Anti-Narcotics Central Administration of Egypt. Please, you have the floor.

Good morning, everyone. In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful, Chair of the 69th session of CND and Acting Executive Director. I would like to greet you all, and I'm happy to see you all at this 69th session of CND, this very important body that reflects the reality of international cooperation to combat the scourge of the world drug problem. One of the greatest challenges we face today. We are here to talk about our efforts to deal with this challenge and the new chemical precursors and synthetic drugs as used by organized criminal groups. And we see that their methods are in constant evolution and are increasingly sophisticated. We support the statement made by G77 and China and the African group, and we have an integrated national strategy under the President of the Republic and different bodies, including the Minister of the Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Housing, and the Council to Combat Drug Addiction. We work with CND and other bodies, all of that in line with the relevant international conventions. And that strategy is based on 2 main lines: reducing supply— that covers several aspects, and the Ministry of the Interior is responsible for that alongside security and combating illicit drug trafficking, including online. And this would also cover money laundering. So we are involved in capacity building for analysis and to strengthen the work of the Egyptian Anti-Drug Bureau, and this will— this is based in Cairo, and it will provide a platform for training for different countries. Secondly, we work on demand reduction. There are different authorities involved, and we have awareness campaigns Treatment, reinsertion, and we believe that we provide treatment through specific centers. And we also have campaigns, public awareness campaigns, including with schools, school. Bus drivers and many others. I have the pleasure to announce that we have a general who is now standing for election to CND. And he has spent his whole professional career up to his retirement to combating drug trafficking and has participated in many international conferences. And we would like to support our candidate to reinforce international cooperation against drug trafficking. We would like to appeal to everyone to protect our societies from the danger of drugs. May God the Compassionate and Merciful accompany you.

Thank you very much. Now I have a pleasure to invite Mr. Oscar Valenzuela, Secretary of Dangerous Drug Board of Philippines, who will speak also on behalf of ASEAN and its member states. Please, you have the floor.

His Excellency Andronic Hobhanisian, on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, I would like to congratulate and welcome Your Excellency as the Chair of the 69th Commission on Narcotic Drugs. The Philippines is delivering this statement on behalf of ASEAN and its member states. In the light of growing challenges posed by the world drug problem, we reaffirm our resolute commitment to achieving a drug-free Free ASEAN. We recognize the serious and long-lasting harm that illicit drugs cause to the society at large. ASEAN is consistently guided by the 3 international world drug conventions. ASEAN also remains committed to controlling precursor chemicals to prevent their diversion into illicit drug manufacturing. ASEAN also reiterates strong support to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and ASEAN will continue to actively participate in the work of the CND and contribute to its efforts in fostering dialogue, building consensus, and promoting effective implementation of international drug control commitments. These global commitments are reflected in ASEAN's zero tolerance stance against drugs and tangible progress made toward our eventual goal of a safer ASEAN. ASEAN actively coordinates regional drug policy through ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters and its subsidiary mechanisms, including the ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters. Through these meetings, ASEAN member states collaborate to address illicit drug activities and its challenges across 5 key areas, which are preventive education, treatment and rehabilitation, law enforcement, research, and alternative development. ASEAN continues to closely monitor the implementation of the ASEAN Work Plan on Securing Communities Against Illegal Drugs 2016 to 2025. Through this, ASEAN member states remain committed to identifying areas to effectively address illicit drug activities. Illicit drugs do not respect borders. Their manufacture, distribution, and trafficking are challenges that require a coordinated response. To this end, ASEAN also operationalized mechanisms such as the ASEAN Airport Interdiction Task Force and ASEAN Seaport Interdiction Task Force, established to enhance joint operations, training, and intelligence sharing among relevant drug law enforcement agencies and address drug trafficking through international airports and seaports. In 2023, the AITF Information System was also launched to facilitate intelligence sharing, enabling stronger cooperation among ASEAN member states. We also established the ASEAN Narcotics Cooperation Center, under which the ASEAN Drug Monitoring Network was created to facilitate the sharing of information and experience related to illicit drugs monitoring and the development of the ASEAN Drug Monitoring Report. ASEAN recognizes the deep and lasting harm that drugs inflict across our region. Drug abuse continues to destroy many lives, leading many down a path of addiction, poor health, and loss of opportunity. To remember the lives lost to drug abuse, the ASEAN member states will observe the ASEAN Drug Victims Remembrance Day On 26 June, in conjunction with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Through this initiative, we have to send a sobering message to society on the harm of drugs and countless lives lost to drug abuse. This annual observance underscores ASEAN's ongoing effort to strengthening community resilience and raising public awareness about the devastating, devastating impact of illicit drugs. There is a growing momentum towards liberalized drug policies. This dynamic calls for a balanced, evidence-informed, science-based response that tackles the demand and supply of illicit drugs while protecting the rights of individuals and society to a safe, drug-free environment in accordance with international human rights while respecting each other's national legislation and context. We affirm the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 as a cornerstone of our national and regional drug policies. Substances are placed under the various schedules based on scientific assessments of their potential for abuse, dependence, and harm to public health. We believe that substances such as coca leaf should remain in Schedule I of the Convention unless there are clear evidence-based justifications for reclassification. Any such reassessment must be grounded in rigorous evidence-based analysis and undertaken within the framework of a consistent global approach. Allowing reclassification based solely on individual national preferences risks undermining the integrity of the international drug control system. While the conventions grant countries a limited flexibility in implementation, this should not be misconstrued as a need to revise the the conventions themselves. Rather, our priority should be to uphold and apply these global norms while respecting national sovereignty in the implementation where the convention permits. As new threats emerge with shifting drug landscape, ASEAN will stand united in our resolve to combat drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking. This concludes the statement which I delivered on behalf of the ASEAN member states. Mr. Chair, I will now deliver the Philippine country statement.

Thank you very much. I would highly appreciate if you can limit your statement within 3 minutes. Thank you very much.

The Philippines utilizes a comprehensive and balanced approach to address the drug problem uncored and drug supply reduction, drug demand reduction, and the President's Priority Trust, which encompasses health, social, and developmental services. These pillars reinforce one another and reflect our commitment to a strategy that is firm and humane. Local action is essential in the campaign to address the drug situation in our country. Communities are the center of all our anti-drug efforts. Interventions start at the grassroots level, empowering citizens and local government units by providing them opportunities to implement efforts alongside the national government. From a policy perspective, the Dangerous Drugs Board has developed guidelines on community-based interventions. These are implemented through local facilities in collaboration with the Department of Health and the Department of Interior and Local Government. Through this framework, individuals affected by drug use are provided voluntary access to appropriate health, social, and developmental services within their own communities. Mr. Chair, while we acknowledge that the demand reduction ensures balance in the implementation of our domestic strategy, drug supply reduction efforts are being sustained to prevent illicit drugs from reaching our communities. In 2025, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and other law enforcement agencies conducted 39,000 anti-drug operations, resulting in the seizure of ₱48 billion, or approximately $816 million, worth of dangerous drugs, controlled precursors, and essential chemicals. We remain resolute in sustaining and strengthening these efforts. As the drug problem is without borders, the Philippines underscores the importance of enhanced bilateral, regional, and international cooperation. Information sharing, joint operations, capacity-building initiatives, and technical assistance are crucial, particularly in light of increased mobility and rapid technological advancements that are exploited by transnational crime networks. Mr. Chair, the pervasiveness of the drug problem cannot be denied. Our goal is to ensure that our people live in communities that are safe and free from harmful effects of illegal drugs. We are also concerned of the emerging threats of new psychoactive substances, which is why we are serious in our pursuit to implement a balanced drug control policy with intention to establish an early warning system framework which the Philippines can benefit from. The Philippine government is mindful that efforts to address the drug problem must uphold the rule of law. All law enforcement operations are conducted in accordance with established procedures and applicable laws. Our actions are guided by state policy enshrined in our institution, which upholds the dignity of every person and guarantees full respect for human rights. Thank you very much.

Thank you.

I have a pleasure to invite Her Excellency Excellency Ms. Gabriella Zellner, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Austria. Please, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair.

Chair, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, dear delegates and members of civil society. Austria is fully aligned with the EU statement delivered by Ms. Floriana Sipala. First, I would like to thank you, Mr. Chair, and all Bureau members for leading our session, and I assure you of our full support. Let me also take this opportunity to congratulate Ms. Monica Katina Juma on her appointment as new Executive Director of UNODC and Director-General of UNOF. I wish her the best of success. I also express Austria's sincere gratitude to Mr. John Brandolino, Acting Executive Director, for his excellent leadership over the past months and his many years of dedicated and outstanding service to UNODC. I also thank the Secretariat for organizing this session of the CND. I would like to share a few thoughts about the status quo on drugs. We live in a time of record-breaking highs, an upward trend shared across the entire drug chain. The difficult reality presented in the World Drug Report 2025 should serve as an important reminder that constructive active conversation and effective cooperation are needed to combat the growing sophistication of drug-related crime. The 3 international drug control conventions offer a solid foundation for action. From an EU member perspective, allow me to voice Austria's strong support for the new EU drug strategic framework addressing all aspects of the drug phenomenon through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, reflecting a shared commitment to the reduction of drug supply, drug demand, and drug-related harm in accordance with the 3 international drug conventions, and without stigmatization, discrimination, or marginalization. Austria's national approach to drug policy stems from a deep conviction that effective and balanced efforts in combating the world drug problem require a people-centred, evidence-based, and health-oriented perspective. While treatment, social inclusion, and harm reduction in compliance with the conventions All comprise cornerstones of Austria's addiction policy. I want to particularly highlight a 4th aspect, and that is prevention. Awareness-raising prevention projects in Austria start as early as in kindergarten and continue throughout and beyond school settings. In this regard, we commend the CHAMPS initiative for strengthening the resilience of children and moving developmental needs to the centre of attention. Austria actively supports UNODC CHAMPS initiative, and we also organise an event, a side event with UNODC this Thursday, showcasing what early prevention looks like in practice in different countries and regions. I invite you all to join us in the discussion. To conclude, Austria remains a proud host of UNODC and reiterates its longstanding commitment to diplomacy and the international multilateral system. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I have the pleasure to invite His Excellency Mr. Abdul Kader Tahan, Vice Minister of Interior in the Syrian Arab Republic. Please, you have the floor.

Sayyid al-Ra'is, chair, first of all, I would like to congratulate Ms. Zuma and wish her every success. I would also like to praise you and congratulate you, Ambassador, on your election as Chair, as well as other members of the Bureau. We believe that your experience and knowledge will contribute to the success of this CND meeting. We support the statement made by G77 and China, as well as that of the Asia-Pacific region. On the 8th of December 2024 is a critical date in the history of my country. What has happened is not just a political regime change. We have returned the rule of law and will now be combating drug— drugs. We have inherited a very difficult situation regarding infrastructure for the production of industrial narcotics and their distribution. Following, following the fall of the Assad regime, we have adopted measures to dismantle the empire of Captagon based on the principles of joint and shared responsibility, and in a very short time we have been able to dismantle that network and maintain our efforts to combat this illegal trafficking. We, as you can see from the UNODC drug reform, we have achieved a lot in a very short time, especially regarding Captagon, especially when you consider how serious the situation is and how we are harnessing everyone in society to deal with this. We have not limited our efforts to the situation we have inherited. We have adopted new comprehensive strategies to deal with drugs, especially synthetic drugs. We have paid attention to those who are suffering too. We have identified cooperation with countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye, and we have been able to dismantle a group of criminal networks. In fact, we have worked on 41 joint operations with those countries. We have used the Arab League's mechanisms and the Council of Ministers of the Interior. At international level, we have adopted a new policy based on transparency and cooperation to combat the drug problem. We are willing to work towards all the goals of the 3 conventions and of course to work with the international community and with our regional and international partners. I would like to invite you to the meeting we have organized tomorrow at 3 PM in Room M6. To conclude, Chair, our battle against drugs is not one of security. It is for the future of our young people and children and to ensure that Syria becomes a responsible international partner in dealing with a drug problem. Thank you.

Thank you.

Now I have a pleasure to invite His Excellency Mr. José Antonio Zabalgoíta, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Mexico. Please, Ambassador, you have the floor.

Muchísimas gracias, señor presidente.

Thank you, Chair. Mexico would like to congratulate you on your election and offers all its support. Distinguished delegates, Mexico has proactive and constructive attitude within the international drug control regime, and we encourage reviews and updating of existing mechanisms to identify common priorities and to deal more effectively with current challenges. New challenges require new responses from everyone. Especially given the exponential growth of synthetic drugs. As far as Mexico is concerned, this challenge is more pressing for the trends which result from our geographic position. To deal with this particular challenge, Mexico submitted a draft resolution to CND for the application of Article 13 of the 1988 Convention, including for the use or misuse of drugs and medicines and the adaptation that we are seeing in the production, manufacturing, trafficking, and commercialization of synthetic drugs and precursors. In my country, consumption rates have not yet reached alarming levels, but we are not ignoring the warning bells from the number of— the increase in the number of treatment cases, nor can we ignore that some criminals are using experience and knowledge developed during decades of being close to the main world markets to increase manufacturing trafficking in other parts of the world. Mexico is promoting a comprehensive and balanced debate on the world drug problem. This includes public health, mental health, gender development, and human rights. Currently, Mexico's main response to reduce domestic demand is, on the one hand, an intersectoral strategy to foster prevention and mental health, granting priority to the structural causes, and Excuse me, says the speaker. And we grant priority to structural causes. And community-based responses. Mexico prioritizes the integral well-being of people, starting with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, social reintegration, and non-stigmatization. At the same time, we have a security policy to deal with transnational organized crime based on reciprocity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, joint and differentiated responsibility, and mutual confidence. The most recent operation against the most powerful cartel in the country, when its leader ended up dead, is an example of our endeavors to combat this scourge and to involve our partners in this struggle. The division between producing, consumer, and trafficking countries is not just artificial and limited, it is obsolete. Today, the so-called fields in distant rural areas have become laboratories all over the world. The raw materials are now processed chemicals. With design precursors. New drugs are produced closer to consumers. They are transported in smaller volumes. They are more difficult to detect, and they generate more margins. Their name and their color is more important than their origin, and they are increasingly potent, addictive, and lethal. There are praiseworthy efforts underway by many countries to reduce consumption. We hear about them at CND. We are encouraged by actions applied in the world's main market. However, we need to direct our efforts at the abuse or misuse of drugs, especially the overprescription of drugs, not against science, medicine, or health. We would like to make our experience available, as Mexico has traditionally had very low levels of addiction and consumption. Thank you.

Thank you. I have a pleasure to invite His Excellency Mr. Reza Najafi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Islamic Republic of Iran. Please, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Secretary-General of the Drug Control Headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who couldn't join us today due to the heinous acts of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The ongoing atrocities, including killing more than 180 elementary schoolgirls and destruction of 14 hospitals by American and Israeli bombs cannot be justified under any circumstances. Mr. Chairman, let me begin by congratulating Your Excellency on your election as the Chair and assure you of our full support. We also thank the Secretariat for ongoing— for organizing this session. My delegation aligns itself with the statements of the G77 and China, as well as the ASEAN and Pacific Group. We wish to provide the following observations in national capacity. Excellencies, the world drug problem is evolving in increasingly complex and in alarming ways. Despite sustained efforts, we continue to witness rapid proliferation of new psychoactive substances, synthetic drugs, and their precursor chemicals. Also, trafficking networks are employing ever more sophisticated methods, posing challenges to national monitoring and control systems, as as to the international drug control framework. To address this problem, promotion of international cooperation is of paramount importance. Enhancing operational collaborations, reinforcing intelligence-sharing mechanisms, promoting the exchange of best practices, improving early warning systems, expanding technical assistance and provision of equipment and advanced technologies are essential elements of such cooperation. Moreover, balanced preventive and health-oriented strategies must be encouraged. Improving access to controlled substances for scientific and medical purposes while effectively preventing diversion should remain a priority. In this regard, exchange of latest research findings and practical experiences shall be facilitated. In recent years, successful regional mechanisms such as HONELA, Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries, and Triangular Initiative have been constrained or only partially operational. Such initiatives need to be supported through predictable, and adequate funding. Impediments in addressing world drug problems, including unilateral coercive measures, have to be swiftly removed. Such unlawful measures increase financial and operational burden associated with implementing drug-related programs and undermine the capacity of frontline states to effectively combat drug trafficking. Mr. Chairman, the Islamic Republic of Iran has adopted a balanced, comprehensive approach to drug control that gives equal weight to supply and demand sides. It also includes special programs for harm reduction and primary prevention. For instance, in 2025, A total of 356 tons of illicit drugs were seized. 1,850 drug trafficking networks were dismantled, and 8,600 addiction treatment and harm reduction centers were operated. My delegation planned to share a successful experience through the side event titled Experience of Iran in Harm Reduction and Hope and the Hope and Life Village Model, which unfortunately was cancelled due to the current unlawful war imposed on my country. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate that addressing the world drug problem is a shared responsibility. Only through genuine multilateralism, solidarity, and sustained commitment can we ensure a more secure, healthy, and resilient future for our society. I thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you. I have the pleasure to invite His Excellency Mr. Dmitry Lyubinsky, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Please, you have the floor.

Distinguished Chair, colleagues, Ambassador of Hanyisyan, the ever more complex drug situation jeopardizes international stability, economic development, and human rights. The synthetic drug threat across all regions hampers the forming of a drug-free society. Our country faces a rapid rise in the illicit production of synthetic drugs based on chemical raw materials which were imported from abroad. To counteract this negative trend, in early March Russia reached out to the UN Secretary-General proposing that 4 precursors of methadone and 1 precursor of homemade methadone be placed under international control. We call members of the Commission to support this initiative at the 70th session. The Commission possesses all requisite tools to combat the global drug problem. The international legal regime for drug control has proven its effectiveness, and that regime is turning 65 this year. Any steps involving a deliberate refusal to implement obligations under the 3 conventions or to permit the non-medical use and circulation of drugs in practice end up being harmful for public safety and health and undermine international dialogue. What are also counterproductive are the attempts of a number of countries to impose their own interpretation of certain provisions of the conventions. We call on all to refrain from imposing the tendentious techniques of the so-called harm reduction, which are not applied or which are prohibited at the legislative level in over half of the countries around the world. Cooperation among law enforcement agencies is impeded by a high degree of politicization, which goes as far as deliberately rejecting dialogue. It's important to return to in-person format of Honlio drug control meetings as soon as possible. A successful example of coordination of regional efforts includes such organizations as the CSTO, the SCO, and the CIS, which is the subject of the Russian thematic event to be held today. We welcome honest and open discussion on strengthening the international drug control system, including as part of the interdisciplinary panel of experts experts to be created. The prominent Russian specialist and health professional, Oksana Guseva, has been nominated to that panel. Russia contributes substantially to the global campaign against drug— against drugs through the provision of technical assistance. As part of our voluntary contribution, which has gone up to $3 million jointly with UNODC, we are carrying out projects to train anti-narcotics officers in Central Asia, Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, and also we are carrying out projects in this area of drug prevention, rehabilitation, promoting a healthy lifestyle among the youth. We're grateful to the INCB for their cooperation in enhancing the potential of states of the Global South in implementing the UN Drug Control Conventions and in ensuring the accessibility of narcotic drugs. In 2025, specialized training sessions were provided to African countries. The streamlined actions, integrity, and good faith of countries in implementing their obligations will determine whether lives are saved and whether the public safety and health will be upheld. Russia unwaveringly will continue to take measures to achieve that goal. Thank you.

Thank you. And at this point, I would also I would like to thank the interpreters who agreed to work a little bit more than allotted time to accommodate a couple of more speakers. And it is my pleasure now to invite Mr. Dante Delgado, CEO of the National Commission for Development and Life Without Drugs of Peru. Please. Excuse me. Excuse me. Agnes Aye-Mahmooda, Public Health Advisor, Office of the President and Cabinet of Zimbabwe. Please, you have the floor.

Thank you. Chairperson, Acting Executive Director of the UNODC, honorable ministers, distinguished delegates, let me take this opportunity to congratulate you, Chairperson, and your bureau on your election to preside over the 69th Commission on Narcotic Drugs. Zimbabwe would like to assure you of its support and cooperation for the success of this meeting. Zimbabwe aligns itself with the G77 and China and Africa Group statements. Zimbabwe is fully committed to the implementation of the international drug control treaties and to coordinating international cooperation and collaboration towards strengthening all multilateral efforts to overcome the world drug problem. Over the past year, Zimbabwe continued to take a comprehensive multi-sectoral approach aimed at reducing both the supply and demand of illicit drugs, providing treatment and rehabilitation services, and ensuring successful reintegration of drug and substance abuse survivors into society. Zimbabwe intensified its efforts towards combating drug trafficking. This included anti-drug trafficking operations that resulted in the destruction, rather, of illegal drug bases, the confiscation of sizable quantities of illegal drugs and the arrest of over 3,000 suspected drug suppliers each quarter. Collaboration with regional international law enforcement agencies has proven crucial in inception— intercepting cross-border drug traffickers and enhancing enforcement measures. The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe strengthened its compliance inspections that resulted in a reduced availability of illicit drugs and substances within our country. Chairperson, Zimbabwe has intensified demand reduction efforts, particularly targeting young people, working in collaboration with religious and private voluntary organizations. This is being done through educational programs, at every level, from primary school to tertiary institutions, and of course in the communities. Millions of people, including the marginalized, have therefore been reached. Further, the country has continued to harness the power of the media to reach a wider audience. The provision of treatment and rehabilitation services is being strengthened, with a total of 14 rehabilitation centers being fully operational. Furthermore, a whole-of-government and society approach has remained the cornerstone of the country's program. This has resulted in enhanced treatment programs in both the public and the private sector that include incarcerated individuals. The National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, alongside with its partners, supported victims in reintegration. Integrating back into communities, offering psychosocial support, and empowering families to assist in the recovery journey of their loved ones. Chairperson, to further strengthen the country's legal framework to combat drugs abuse, the Zimbabwe cabinet approved a draft bill for the establishment of the Drug and Substance Abuse Control Agency. This draft bill was gazetted by Parliament in October 2025. Nationwide stakeholder consultations are now in progress with the aim of finalizing the bill before the end of the year. As I conclude, let me reiterate that Zimbabwe remains committed to playing its part, cooperating with the international community in confronting drug and substance abuse while striking a balance between control, availability, and accessibility of controlled drugs for medical and scientific purposes. Our ongoing efforts demonstrate the nation's commitment to addressing the drug problem at every level of the society, leaving no one and no place behind. I thank you.

Thank you very much. And the last speaker of this morning session on our list is distinguished representative of Peru, Mr. Dante Delgado, CEO of National Commission for Development and Life Without Drugs. Please, you have the floor.

Thank you.

Chair, congratulations on your election, and I wish you every success. Distinguished delegates, combating the world drug problem is a priority for Peru. We are the 2nd global producer of cocaine, and my country has been seriously affected by a scourge that has an impact on public safety, the environment, and the most vulnerable populations. For Peru, Dealing with this challenge requires dynamic responses based on the principle of joint and shared responsibility. We are aware that there is no one-stop solution for this problem. We have to consider the different realities, interests, and needs in each context, and therefore we need a solid pillar— the 3 UN drug conventions, and Peru reaffirms its steadfast commitment to them and implements them in a comprehensive way. Our national policy includes decisive supply reduction, public health, and alternative development projects together, also considering gender equality, the empowerment of women, and the protection of vulnerable communities as well as caring for the environment. I would like to acknowledge a very valuable cooperation with strategic allies such as UNODC. Their integrated illicit crop monitoring system has enabled Peru to better understand the dynamics of illegal coca leaf crops and to better target its resources for eradication. Thanks to those efforts, our country has managed to reduce for the second year in a row the surface area of illicit coca crops, going from 92,784 hectares in 2023 to 89,755 in 2024. Moreover, in 2023, We eradicated more than 36,000 hectares, which will be seen in this year's report and which consolidate this downward trend. I'd like to point out that Peru provides reliable data based on UNODC's quality assurance system. Peru's progress has been based on eradication of illicit crops and supply control, and we are countering drugs with alternative development crops. We are following the United Nations guidelines which were adopted in Lima in 2013. Together with Thailand and Germany, we have presented a draft resolution for an additional document to strengthen implementation vis-à-vis new challenges, reducing illicit crops through sustainable economic opportunities. Our experience shows that with political will and a consistent implementation of the 3 conventions in the framework of a comprehensive public policy, it is possible possible to achieve results. I would like to reaffirm that this forum is of huge priority for us in Peru. We believe in commitment building. We believe in comprehensive policies to deal with the world drug problem, and we would like to express our confidence in seeing great steps forward in our joint fight against the world drug problem. Thank you.

Thank you. And we have reached the end of the first meeting. We have one more plenary meeting today from 3 PM to 6 PM to continue with a list of speakers under the general debate. We will start at 3 PM sharp as we want to conclude by 6 PM today. Thank you, and this meeting is adjourned.