[Joint Meeting 1] CND & CCPCJ 2025 Joint Reconvened Session – 4 December 2025

Distinguished delegates, can I kindly ask you to get seated, please, so that we can start? Thank you. Distinguished delegates, good morning. Can I kindly ask you to get seated, please?

Distinguished delegates, dear friends, welcome all to this reconvened 34th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and the reconvened 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs sessioning jointly. It is a great honor to welcome you to the reconvened session of the 34th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. In accordance with Economic and Social Council Decision 2011/259, our meetings today will be held jointly with the Commission on Narcotic Drugs at its reconvened 67th session. The joint meetings will be chaired by His Excellency Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran from India, the Chair of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and myself, On behalf of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. The session is conducted in an in-person format and broadcasted on United Nations Web TV. Interpretation into the 6 official languages is made available. Let us proceed with consideration of the provisional agenda for the reconvened session. The annotated agenda and proposed organization of work is contained in document E/CN.15/2025/1/add.1. As you can see, it is proposed that the session today will be addressed— will address Item 4, Strategic Management, Budgetary and Administrative Questions, as a joint meeting with the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. Any outstanding elections for the Fingov Bureau for 2025 will happen under that item, as agreed upon by the extended bureaus. Other action under this agenda item will be taken by the commissions at their separate meetings today and tomorrow. The meeting of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs will take place this afternoon and tomorrow from 10 AM to 1 PM, and the meeting For the CCP CJ will be tomorrow from three to six p.m. As also agreed upon the extended bureaus, we will this morning also open the discussion on item on ECOSOC matters this morning. Agenda item nine for the CND. Agenda item ten for CCP CJ to make the best use of our time. These agenda items will remain open and deliberations will continue during the respective separate meetings tomorrow on December fifth. Tomorrow afternoon, the CCP CJ will resume agenda item four to take action on the budget for the biennium 2026-2027 for the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Fund, as well as the Fingov Bureau for 2026. Thereafter, the Commission will continue deliberations on all other agenda items as follows: The CCP CJ will be in. informed about the follow-up to the 14th Crime Congress and its preparations for the 15th Crime Congress, Agenda Item 9. We'll then continue discussions on our contributions to the work of ECOSOC, which is Agenda Item 10, as well as discuss the provisional agenda for the next session, Agenda Item 11, and Agenda Item 10— 12, other business. Following consideration of Agenda Item 12, We will then adopt the report of the reconvened 34th session as agenda item 13. Thereafter, the 34th session will be closed and the 35th session will be opened for the sole purpose of electing the Bureau of the Commission in accordance with the Economic and Social Council Resolution 2003/31 and Rule 15 of the Rules of Procedure of the Functional Commissions. So I ask the commissions if— can we agree on that? Can I ask the CCP/CJA Commission if we agree on the agenda and the proposed organization of work for the reconvened 34th session as contained in the annex to document E/CN.15/2025/1/add.1?

Yes.

Where's the flag? I see the flag from the United States. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. The United States objects to item 10 in the provisional agenda because, as proposed, it contains references to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Development Goals. As we have repeatedly noted, including earlier this year with respect to a similar agenda item at meetings of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, the United States has principled concerns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. Instead of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs, the United States supports focus, follow-up, and review on the core mandates of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to ensure it is delivering on its mission to combat rapidly evolving, complex, and global crime-related threats to the security of our country's communities and citizens. We therefore would like to propose an amendment to the title of Provisional Agenda Item 10 to delete the phrase including follow-up to and review and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We believe this amendment will serve to reaffirm the CCPCJ's 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.

I thank the distinguished delegate from the United States and now give the floor to Argentina, please.

Thank you, Chairman. The Argentine delegation supports the proposal introduced by the U.S. delegation Regarding item 10 of the provisional agenda, the and I will switch to Spanish. I'm so sorry. Para la República Argentina.

For Argentina, Agenda 2030 is composed of aspirations which are exclusively non-binding, and each state is free to use to exercise its sovereignty. In interpreting and pursuing that agenda freely. We have given our opinion on the Pact for the Future and have expressed our opposition to the inclusion in this document regarding Agenda 2030 and in the agenda drafted by the Secretariat and We therefore agree with the United States. Thank you, Ambassador.

It is clear that there are 2 delegations, members of the CCP-CJ, that do not agree with the proposed agenda as originally distributed, and there is a proposal of an amendment by the United States supported by Argentina. So I would kindly ask the Secretariat to project the oral amendment as established by the U.S. delegation on the screen. I request the Commission to take a decision on the amendment as proposed by the United States, supported by Argentina.

There's no objection.

I see no objection to the amendment.

Colombia.

Muchas gracias, señor presidente.

Thank you, Chair, and thank you for convening this meeting. Unfortunately, Colombia cannot support the proposal made by the United States. Thank you.

There is no consensus on the proposed amendment, so I now ask the delegations of the United States and Argentina if they wish to put their amendment to a vote. United States, please.

Thank you, Chair. The United States would like to call a vote on our proposed amendment to the title of Agenda Item 10. Thank you.

Argentina, por favor.

Thank you.

Argentina, you have the floor.

Delegation supports the proposal by the U.S.

delegation to put the agenda item

Since the amendment is still standing as proposed, we need to vote on that. I would then remind that only CCP CJ members can cast a vote on this decision. So, um, the Commission will now commence with the process of voting on the oral amendment to the draft agendas contained in CCPCJ/E/CN.15/2025/1 Addendum.1. And 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 Commission 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. And since the proposal is positive for amendment, those who vote in favor are supporting the amendment. Okay, so I'll now call only on members of the Commission in favor of the amendment to raise their country signs and to keep them raised until their country name is called out.

Argentina and United States. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I now call on the members of the Commission not in favor of the amendment by raising their signs. Please keep them up until your name is called.

Burkina Faso.

Cuba.

Armenia.

Brazil.

Canada.

China.

Colombia.

Finland.

France.

Guatemala.

And Indonesia. Now we will move to the second row. Czechia, Egypt, Germany, Kazakhstan, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, Thailand, United Kingdom. And now we move to the 3rd row: Pakistan and Uruguay.

Thank you.

I thank the Secretariat, and I now request the members of the Commission abstaining to indicate their abstention by raising their country signs. No abstentions in, in this occasion. As soon as I get the tallies, I will make the announcement.

There were—

28 votes cast, and there are 2 votes in favor, 26 not in favor, and no abstentions. Therefore, I declare that the Commission has decided to reject the amendment. Does a member of the Commission wish to make a statement in explanation or vote or any delegation wish to make a general statement? I don't see any. So since the oral amendment submitted by the representative of the United States supported by Argentina has not been adopted, we shall proceed to take a decision on the provisional agendas contained in— 6. E/CN.15/2025/1/addendum 1 as a whole. So I ask the Commission if we are ready to approve and adopt the agenda. I don't see any objection. So, it is so decided. Now that we have adopted the agenda, I would also like to remind you that, as was the case for the regular session in May, this reconvened session will be conducted fully paperless. I now give the floor to my dear friend, distinguished Ambassador Shyamboo Kumaran, to open the reconvened 68th session of the CND. and provide further information on our joint program of work for this morning. Ambassador.

Thank you, Ambassador. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, a very good morning to all of you, and it's a great honor to welcome you to this reconvened 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. We will move to Agenda Item 2, which is the adoption of agenda and other organizational matters. And I would now invite members to turn to the agenda for the reconvened 68th session as contained in document E/CN.7/2025/1/Add1. According to the proposed program of work, the CND will consider this morning jointly with CCPCJ agenda item 4 on strategic management and budget. Any outstanding endorsement for the Fingolf Bureau for 2025 will happen under that item, as has been agreed upon by the respective extended Bureau. Other action under this agenda item will be taken by the CND at its meeting tomorrow from 10 AM to 1 PM. We will also open agenda item 9 on ECOSOC matters this morning, also agreed by the respective extended bureaus. This afternoon, the CND will start consideration of item 5 on the implementation of the International Drug Control Treaty. Under this item, we will have UNODC briefly report on its ongoing work to support evidence-based scheduling decisions, including activities under Resolution 66/3 and the early warning advisory on new psychoactive substances. Thereafter, WHO will provide an oral update on the outcome of the 48th meeting of the Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. In addition, we will take stock of implementation of CND Resolution 68/6 entitled Strengthening the International Drug Control System and establishment of the CND Expert Panel in that regard. Subsequently, we shall consider Item 6, which is follow-up to the implementation at national, regional, and international levels of all commitments as reflected in the Ministerial Declaration of 2019 to address and counter the world drug problem. On this agenda item, I would call on delegations to bear in mind that this is a reconvened session. And that we have limited time at our disposal. I would therefore strongly encourage all of you to refrain from detailed substantive interventions on developments at the national level, which I hope can be fully made at the next regular session of the Commission in March. I would also propose that, time permitting, the Commission opens the other items this afternoon Namely on the provisional agenda for the 69th session, item 10, as well as other business item 11. Tomorrow morning, the CND will resume agenda item 4 to take action on the budget for the biennium 2026-27 for the UN Drugs Fund and the decision tabled by Peru on the Horn of Liars and the INCB. As well as take up the Fingov Bureau for 2026. Thereafter, the CND will continue deliberations on all other agenda items, namely 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11. Following consideration of agenda item 11, other business, we will then adopt the report of the reconvened session, item 12. After the 68th session is Closed, as is customary. The 69th session will be opened solely for the purposes of election of the bureau of that session. I now propose that the CND adopt its agenda and the proposed program of work for this session as contained in E/CN.7/2025/1/Add1. I recognize the United States. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. The United States objects to item 9 in the provisional agenda because, as proposed, it contains references to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. As we have repeatedly noted, including with respect to a similar item at the immediately preceding meeting of the CCP CJ, the United States has principled concerns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. Instead of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs, the United States supports focus, follow-up, and review on the core mandates of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs to ensure it is delivering on its mission to combat rapidly evolving, complex, and global crime-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 will— 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. And shall another delegation oppose this amendment, we call for a vote on this amendment.

Thank you.

I recognize the Permanent Representative for Argentina.

Thank you, Chairman. Argentina fully supports the amendment proposed by the distinguished delegation of the United States. I'm sorry to repeat, but being a different commission, um, for Argentina, the 2030 Agenda, it's composed of aspirations legally not linking for each state, which in the exercise of their own sovereignty, they have the right to interpret and to implement as they wish. Argentina has expressed its, um, disagreement regarding the Pact for the Future and has expressed in many occasions and opportunities our opposition to the inclusion of mentions to these documents in draft projects, resolutions, or agenda items, and in different documents provided by the Secretariat. Because of that, obviously, we support the amendment, but also we want to express our satisfaction that this issue continues to be pressed on us and is not accommodating the interests and the views of all delegations. This is something that we deeply regret. But having said that, we fully support the amendment presented by the U.S. delegation. Thank you.

Well, as we've heard, the representative of the United States As supported by the representative of Argentina, I have proposed an amendment to the draft agenda. Does the Commission wish to accept the amendment? I recognize Chile Ambassador.

You have the floor.

Buenos días.

Good morning. We cannot accompany the proposal made by the United States supported by Argentina. Thank you.

I now give the floor to Spain. Muchas gracias, señor.

Thank you, Chair. We are grateful for the comments made by the distinguished delegation of the United States and Argentina, and. The same as Chile, we are unable to accompany this amendment proposed. Thank you.

Any other delegations that wish to take the floor? We clearly do not have agreement on the proposed amendment, and therefore, as requested by the United States, we would proceed for a vote. The oral amendment proposed is on your screens, and we will now proceed with the process of voting on the amendment to the draft agenda. In accordance with Rule 61 of the Rules of Procedure, no representative may interrupt the voting except on a point of order in connection with the actual process of voting. Let me also remind the Commission that in accordance with Rule 58, a simple majority of the Commission members present and voting is required. Present and voting means members casting an affirmative or negative vote. Members that abstain are not considered as voting. I now call only on members of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs who are in favor of the amendment to raise their country signs and to kindly keep them raised till their name is called out.

Argentina and the United States.

Thank you.

May I now call on the members of the Commission that are not in favor of the proposed amendment to raise their signs.

I will start with this side because that are the ones that are only belonging to the CND, and then in the middle are the ones belonging— the states members to 2 commissions. So Bangladesh, Austria, Australia, Algeria, Indonesia, Guatemala, France, Finland, Colombia, China, Canada, Brazil, and Armenia. Now coming to the second row: Hungary, Ghana, Dominican Republic, Chile, Belgium, United Kingdom, Thailand, South Africa, Republic of Korea, Nigeria, Morocco, Mexico, Japan, and Italy. Now we come to Côte d'Ivoire. Thank you.

Yeah.

Now coming to the 3rd row. Switzerland, Spain, Slovenia, Singapore, Russian Federation, Portugal, Poland, Peru, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Malta, Lithuania, Kenya, India, Uruguay. No, Pakistan is not a member of— no, thank you.

Just for the sake of clarity, I think the Secretary has done an excellent job today. If you see these 2 aisles here, the aisle here and all the country names in black are the members of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and the ones in the center are both members of CCP CJ and CND, and to the right is the CCP CJ. So those members, I think perhaps there's one country which kind of overlapped a little bit. Okay, that clears the matter. I now request members of the Commission abstaining to indicate their abstentions by raising their country signs. We will now wait for the Secretary to tally the outcome. There is a total of 2 votes in favor of the amendment, 42 votes against, and no abstentions were recorded. Therefore, I declare that the Commission has decided To reject the proposed amendment. Does a member of the Commission wish to make a statement in explanation of the vote, or does any delegation wish to make a general statement? I see none. We now will move to the—

Adoption of the agenda as such.

Adoption of the agenda as such. And we will—

sorry.

I now request the Commission to adopt the agenda as proposed in ECN The agenda is so adopted. Now that we have adopted the agenda, I would also like to remind you that, as was the case for the regular session in March, this reconvened session will be conducted fully paperless. We now move to Agenda Item 4. As already mentioned, we shall now begin the joint consideration of Agenda— of Items 4, which is on the agenda of both Commissions. Agenda Item 4 on Strategic Management, Budgetary and Administrative Questions includes the following sub-items. A, work of the Standing Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group On improving the governance and financial situation of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Directives on policy and budgetary issues for the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme. Working methods of the Commission. Staff composition of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and other related matters. To make efficient use of our time today, we will cover all sub-items together. Speakers are kindly requested to indicate which sub-items they will cover in their statements and to limit their interventions to maximum 5 minutes for statements by regional groups and maximum 3 minutes for statements by individual delegations. Are there any comments or questions? Thank you. It is so decided. The commissions are expected to jointly consider the implementation of the consolidated budget for the biennium 2026-27 for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, as contained in the report of the Executive Director bearing the symbol E/CN.7/2025/14, E/CN.15/2025/17. The Commission also has before it for its consideration a CR paper on the draft proposed program Plan for 2027 and program performance for 2025 for UNODC. I apologize, but there are these formalities: E/CN.7/2025/CRP.13-E/CN.15/2025/CRP.12. Furthermore, the commissions have for consideration the report of the Executive Director on gender balance. And geographical representation within UNODC contained in document E/CN.7/2025/13-E/CN.15/2025/16. At our separate meeting tomorrow, the CND is expected to formally adopt the draft resolution on the budget for the biennium 2026-27 for the fund of the United Nations International Drug Control Programme and a draft decision tabled by Peru on the Hornleas and the INCB, as well as to endorse the members of the Bureau of FINGOF in 2026. With this, I now hand over the floor to my esteemed colleague, Ambassador Zabalgotia.

Yeah.

Thank you, Your Excellency. I would like to recall, as already mentioned, that the CCP CJ will, at its separate meeting tomorrow afternoon, will take formal action on the draft resolution on the budget for the biennium 2026-2027 for the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Fund and endorse the members of the Bureau of INGOV for 2026. I now call on Madam Chaya Kapilasrami, Director for Management of UNODC, to introduce a report on the implementation of the consolidated budget for the biennium 2026-2027 for UNODC, as well as the report of the Executive Director on gender balance and geographical representation within United Nations Office on Drug Control.

Chair of CND, Chair of CCPCJ, distinguished delegates. Under Agenda Item B, I'm pleased to introduce the consolidated budget for 2026-2027 for UNODC and the related report of the Advisory Committee on Administration and Budgetary questions contained in documents E/CN.7/2025/15-E/CN.15/2025/18. UNODC remains committed in its mission to support Member States in addressing the world's most pressing challenges, from combating the global drug problem and transnational organized crime to countering corruption, terrorism, cybercrime, and strengthening the criminal justice systems. The consolidated budget for 2026-27 has been prepared in the context of unprecedented financial pressure. The UN reform agenda, and a complex global landscape. The budget presents information of all 4 funding sources of UNODC, comprising of the General Purpose Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Programme Support Costs, and the Regular Budget. UNODC's total income from for 2026-27 is projected to decrease by USD 707.2 million, a decrease of $191.9 million or 21.3% compared with the revised income of 2024-2025. Overall expenditure is likewise projected to decline to $783.4 million, a decrease of $130.1 million, or 14.2%, reflecting a prudent and realistic approach to financial planning under the challenging conditions. Program delivery, or the Special Purpose Fund, is projected at USD 644.7 million, a decrease of USD 132.2 million, or 17%. More than 70% of UNODC's technical assistance is delivered directly in the field. To adequately support program delivery at headquarters and in the field, the program support cost budget is proposed at $77.6 million, while the general purpose— general purpose budget is set at $9.2 million, representing a balanced approach aligned with projected income levels and the need to maintain essential corporate and normative functions. For the Regular Budget, the revised estimates for 2026 related to the UNAID Initiative are currently under review by the General Assembly. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all delegations for their positive and active engagement in the FinGov informal consultations on the consolidated budget and support during deliberations on the draft budget resolution. Chair of CND and Chair of CCPCJ, let me now turn to Agenda Item D. UNODC continues to promote gender parity and equitable geographic distribution among its staff. The annual report of the Executive Executive Director on Gender Balance and Geographic Representation within UNODC, provides information about the efforts undertaken in these areas. Efforts to sustain gender parity, which was at 49% on October 31st, 2025, require ongoing dedication, particularly in maintaining parity and further enhancing female representation in P5 positions as well as in UNODC field offices. Consistent efforts towards equitable geographic representation, which includes strengthening widespread outreach to attract a wide and diverse pool of applicants, remains a crucial activity in improving workforce diversity. Additionally, ensuring a healthy workforce and a conducive and enabling work environment remains our top priority, along with reinforcing a victim-centered approach and encouraging managers to play a more active role in upholding the organization's zero tolerance policy against any forms of of prohibited conduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as discrimination, harassment, including sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. We thank you for your time and stand ready to respond to your comments and questions.

Thank you, madam, for that A couple of reports. The first one is not encouraging, but thank you anyway. I now call on Ms. Candice Welsh, Director for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs, to introduce the draft proposed program plan for 2027 and the program performance for 2025 for UNODC. Please, Ms. Welsh.

Thank you, Chair. Good morning, Excellencies and delegates. First, allow me to thank the delegations for having taken the time to review the proposed program plan for 2027 and the program performance for 2025 and provide constructive comments and suggestions that have helped us improve the draft plan. The draft document was first presented to FINGOV on the 20th of October, 2025, where delegates had the opportunity to comment. Delegations then had an additional week to submit written comments. The revised version was circulated as a conference room paper, E/CN.7/2025/CRP13 and E/CN.15/2025/CRP12, for discussion by member states today during this reconvened session. After today's session, should you have any further comments, we would be grateful to receive them in writing through the Secretariat for the Governing Bodies or directly to Ms. Nina Grellier, Officer-in-Charge of the Strategic Planning and Interagency Affairs Unit, by Thursday, the 11th of December. Moving forward, once the 2 Commissions have reviewed and provided comments on the document, it will be submitted to UNODC's Acting Executive Director for his approval before submitting it to the Programme Planning and Budget Division, or PPBD, of the Department of Management in New York for formal review. PPBD, in turn, presents it to the Committee on the Program and Coordination, the CPC, in May of next year. In parallel, the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, the ACABQ, meets to consider the 2027 draft budget, which is based on the draft plan. Both the CPC and the ACABQ then provide their recommendations to the 5th Committee, which in turn recommends the consolidated 2027 program plan and budget for adoption by the General Assembly at the end of 2026. As you may recall, the regulations and rules governing program aspects of the budget, the monitoring of implementation, and methods of evaluation— ST/SGB/2018-01— stipulate that the draft document is to be reviewed by the relevant sectoral, functional, and regional intergovernmental bodies if possible during the regular cycle of their meetings and prior to the review by the Committee for Program and Coordination, the Economic and Social Council, and the General Assembly. In addition to the presentation that was made at the October FinGov meeting and today's session, the commissions will receive an updated version of draft of the 2027 program plan ahead of their sessions in March and June in 2026. UNODC continues to engage closely with PPBD to incorporate the outcomes of UN80 into the program plan for 2027. The updated version will reflect word count requirements, the Program Planning and Budget Division's 2027 guidelines and feedback, as well as member states' comments as thoroughly as feasible. I would like to reassure all of you that your valuable comments and suggestions will be incorporated as far as possible within the template and guidelines provided by our colleagues in PPBD in New York. Thank you very much for your attention.

I also thank Ms. Welsh for that explanation. And so now let us turn We now turn to the part of the item in relation to the work of the Working Group on Governance and Finance, and I return the conduction of the meeting to Ambassador Kumaran.

Thank you, Ambassador. The Commission has before it for its consideration a note by the Secretariat on the work of the Working Group E/CN.7/2025/3 Before we open discussion on this topic, I'm happy to inform you that following the departure of the ambassadors of Colombia and Sweden, the Regional Group of Latin America and the Caribbean States had nominated Her Excellency Maria Eugenia Echeverría of Peru as the new First Vice Chair for the remainder of 2025, and the Group of Western European and Other States had nominated Her Excellency Annika Bendavid of Sweden for the position of Vice Chair of FinGov for the remaining part of 2025. Can the Commission on Narcotic Drugs endorse these nominations? I see no comments. It is so decided. I congratulate Ambassadors Echeverría and Ben-David with this endorsement, and I now hand it over back to Ambassador Zavelgoyshe.

Thank you very much, Ambassador Kumaran. As was just mentioned by my dear colleague, following the departure of Her Excellency Ambassador Laura Gil from Colombia and Ambassador Annika Markovic from Sweden, the Extended Bureau of the Commission at its 8th meeting on 9 September was informed of the nomination from the Regional Group of Latin America and the Caribbean States of Ambassador María Eugenia Echeverría of Peru for the position of First Vice Chair of INGOV for the remaining part of 2025. And Of the nomination from the Group of Western European and Other States of Ambassador Annika Bendavid of Sweden for the position of Vice Chair of FINGOF for the remaining part of 2025. Can the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice also endorse the 2 nominations as just endorsed by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs? It is so decided. I would now like to invite Her Excellency Ambassador María Eugenia Echeverría of Peru, First Vice Chair of Fingov in 2025, to report on the work of the Working Group. Ambassador, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. On behalf of Ambassador Germaini of Albania, I have the pleasure of informing you about the work of the Standing Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group on Improving the Governance and Financial Situation of UNODC in my capacity as First Vice Chair of the Working Group. Information on the work of the Working Group is included in Document E/CN7/2025/3 Addendum 1 and E/CN15/2025/3 Addendum 1. During the period covered by the report, the Working Group held 3 regular meetings UNODC, the biennial consolidated budget for UNODC 2026-2027, and then UN80 and the UNODC draft program plan for 2027 and program performance for 2025, and then evaluation. We had reports on the liquidity crisis arising from regular budget arrears and significantly affecting UNODC. Fingov was also kept abreast about the UN Secretary-General's ongoing UN80 initiative, which strives to streamline UN operations and enhance impact, and which includes proposals with notable implications for UNODC and its work. A large number of delegations engaged in the Fingov dialogue process held over the summer, conducted by Ambassador Germaini. The dialogue process kicked off on the 28th of May with meetings with regional groups and all interested delegations and ended with a final meeting on the 16th of September. This dialogue process fed into Ambassador Germini's non-paper made available in Conference Room Paper E/CN7/2025/CRP14 and E/CN15/2025/CRP15. The Chair's non-paper aims to reflect insights, ideas, and perspectives of Member States to inform the steps taken by UNODC in the context of addressing acute funding challenges and drafting its strategy for 2026 to 2030. It is meant to act as a resource for UNODC, including for the incoming Executive Director and Member States. Ambassador Germini would like to to use this opportunity to thank everyone who participated actively in this dialogue process. In addition, the Working Group held a number of consultations on the draft resolutions contained in the report of the Executive Director on the implementation of the consolidated budget for the biennium 2026-2027 for UNODC, ECN 7/2025/14. I would like to thank member states for their active and constructive participation in these consultations. I would also like to thank the Secretariat for its support for the work of the Working Group. Please allow me to mention here that the Secretariat has worked on an updated version of the Fingov Guide prepared at the request of the 2023 Fingov Bureau. The guide explains in simple terms the work and structure of Fingov and provides a generic introduction into the substantive elements under the Fingov purview, including the budgeting process of UNODC, with a view to supporting delegates, especially those not familiar with the working group, to obtain a basic overview of its work. The updated version is available online on the secure website for member states. Also, on behalf of Ambassador Germini, Chair of Fingov, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all members of the Fingov Bureau for their instrumental role in steering the work of the working group throughout the year. I am confident that Fingov will continue serving as an essential mechanism to enhance the transparency and accountability of the office, and urge member states to remain actively engaged in the period ahead. Thank you, Chair.

Muchísimas gracias, embajadora, por ese Thank you, Ambassador, for that report.

It is a matter of fairness and of professional compliance with our professional nature to thank Ambassador Germeni as well as the Chair and other members of the 2025 Fingov Bureau for their fantastic work. And commitment, in particular in the context of the UNAT process and financial challenges that UNODC has been facing, as well as thanking all delegations for their active engagement. I want to thank Ambassador Germaine in particular for the FinGov Dialogue process held in the summer, which resulted in her chair's non-paper with recommendations on addressing the financial situation of UNODC and input for the elaboration of the new UNODC Strategy for the period 2026-2030. I am sure that this paper, contained in Conference Room Paper E/CN.7/2025/CRP14-E/CN.15/2025/CRP13, will be a useful useful resource for UNODC, and including the incoming new Executive Director. I would like to recall that the Commissions are expected to endorse at the time of this reconvened session the members of the FINGO Bureau for 2026, following the joint nomination by the Bureaus of the CND and the CCPCJ. This will be carried out in the respective separate meetings of the Commissions tomorrow in the morning for the CND and in the afternoon for the CCPCJ. I am pleased to inform you that the Secretariat has received the following nominations, which have already been before the extended bureaus of CND and CCPCJ and are being jointly nominated pursuant to ECOSOC Decision 2022/316. From the African Group, Mr. Mohamed Amin Boukhris. Councillor of the Permanent Mission of Morocco, as Vice Chair. From the Asia-Pacific Group, Mr. Mostafa Shafizadeh, Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as Vice Chair. And from the Latin American and Caribbean Group, myself, to be the Chair. And both Commissions will be asked to take action on these nominations in their separate meetings tomorrow. The Secretariat has not yet received nominations for the position of First Vice Chair by the Western European and Others Group and for the position of Vice Chair by the Eastern European Group. Once nominations have been received for those 2 groups, they will be brought before the Extended Bureaus of the CND and the CCP. CPCJ respectively, and subsequently in accordance with ECOSOC Decision 2022/316, and they will be acted upon at the time of the regular sessions in March and May respectively. I now hand over the meeting back to Ambassador

Thank you, Ambassador.

May I also place on record appreciation for Ambassador Germany and all the members of the 2025 FinGov Bureau for having steered FinGov this year. I also thank the Ambassador of Peru for reporting on the meetings and the outcomes. The CND is expected to endorse, in accordance with ECOSOC decision during its session tomorrow morning, the nominations for the 2026 FINGOF Bureau, which have already been before the Extended Bureau and are being jointly nominated, as has been just explained by Ambassador Zabalgoitia. So, I think we have come to the point where I can open the floor for comments from member states on agenda item 4. First on my list is Ambassador, my dear brother, Makulu of Kenya, on behalf of G77 and China. You have the floor.

Thank you so much, Mr. Chair. I should say, Mr. Chairs. It is my pleasure to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China at this joint meeting of the reconvened sessions of the CND and CCPCJ. The group appreciates the leadership of the chairs of the CND and CCPCJ in these reconvened sessions. The group also thanks the Secretariat for the arrangements of the meeting. The group reiterates the significance of the Fingov as a principal forum for dialogue between member states and the UNODC on improving the governance and financial situation of the office. The group thanks the Fingov Chair for her open, inclusive, and transparent development of the non-paper, which would inform the UNODC Strategy 2026-2030 and elaborates ideas on UNODC's future in the context of continuing funding challenges. The Group expresses its serious concern over the impact on the predictability of UNODC's work, resources, and planning due to the challenges related to reduced income streams, insufficient and unpredictable funding, greater earmarking of funds, and financial constraints resulting from the liquidity crisis. The group notes the 14% reduction in the overall expenditure projections from all funding sources in the 2026-2027 consolidated budget, mainly due to the projected decrease in income for special purposes funds. The group reiterates the importance of adequate, predictable, stable, and sustainable funding to enable the UNODC to enable— to enhance the provision of technical assistance, capacity building, and needed equipment and technology to developing countries upon their request and according to their priorities. Furthermore, the group emphasizes the need for the efficient utilization of such resources to ensure long-term sustainability. Amidst an environment of funding challenges, the Group stresses the importance of sustaining the UNODC regional and country programs and projects in developing countries. The Group expresses its commitment to support the UNODC in addressing the financial challenges and difficulties in the process of their full implementation. The group emphasizes that projects funded by voluntary contributions should be aligned with UNODC's mandates and member states' priorities, in particular developing countries, to address the main global challenges in the fields of drugs and crime. The group calls upon the UNODC to implement the consolidated budget in a transparent, accessible, and inclusive manner. While welcoming voluntary contributions, the group is concerned over the continuing imbalance between earmarked and unearmarked resources. Resources, which poses significant challenges for the UNODC, affecting its ability to respond to rapidly changing global priorities, to deliver on core mandates, and to strengthen enablers of development. In this regard, the group calls for an increase in contributions to the General Purpose Fund and unearmarked contributions, as well as the diversification of income sources and partnerships. The group looks forward to the UNODC Strategy 2026-2030 and calls on the UNODC Secretariat to closely consult member states during its development. The group would like to see reflected in the next strategy, the important issues for developing countries contained in the non-paper prepared by the Fingov Chair, such as inter alia the continued delivery of technical assistance and capacity building, as well as fostering national ownership during the conception, development, and implementation of projects. The group notes The information regarding the staff composition presented by the Secretariat during the Fingov meetings this year, particularly that gender parity has been achieved at all levels from P1 to D1 within the UNODC. The group further takes note of the UNODC's efforts towards equitable geographical representation. Nonetheless, The group remains concerned that geographical representation in the UNODC continues to be dominated by just one region. The group underlines the importance of respecting and implementing the principle of equitable geographical representation and calls upon the UNODC to take serious and concrete measures to improve the representation of developing countries in the Office at all levels. The Group extends its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the former Executive Director, Madam Ghada Fathi Waly, for her leadership and steadfast dedication to the UNODC. Under her guidance, the Office evolved into a dynamic and forward-looking UN entity. Madame Mwale's commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and innovation has not only strengthened the organization's capacity to deliver on its core mandates but also ensured that the voices and needs of member states, especially those from developing countries, are meaningfully addressed. Thank you, co-chairs.

I thank Ambassador Makulu for that statement on behalf of G77 and China. I now hand the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Angela Villiota, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic, speaking on behalf of GRULAC.

Muy buenos días.

Good morning and thank you, co-chairs. Grulac welcomes the Permanent Representative of India, Ambassador Kumaran, and the Permanent Representative of Mexico, Ambassador Zabalgoitia, for leading the deliberations of CND and the CCPCJ during their respective chairmanships. We would like to congratulate Ambassador Zabalgoitia, member of this regional group, on his work. We would also like to thank and acknowledge the outgoing members of the extended bureaus and the Secretariat for preparing and organizing this meeting. We acknowledge the hard work undertaken by the permanent— of FINGOF as the main forum for dialogue between member states and the Secretariat on this subject, highlighting the leadership of its chair. Grulak highlights the need to preserve and guarantee the full and timely implementation of resolutions approved by the commissions, as they are operational tools indispensable for guiding our work, continuing our multilateral commitments, and maintaining the integrity of processes agreed by member states. Grulak highlights the role of both commissions in the comprehensive implementation Implementation of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Convinced that human development, social justice, equity, and inclusion are essential pillars for sustainably attacking the global drug problem and strengthening crime prevention and criminal justice, we reaffirm our commitment to the goals and aims of the 3 international drug control treaties and other relevant international instruments. Which are the cornerstone of the international drug control system. Dealing with the world drug problem is a joint and shared responsibility that requires a multilateral, balanced, and comprehensive approach in line with the proposals— with the goals and principles of the UN Charter and other provisions under international law. Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action on Human Rights, 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 equal rights and mutual respect. Grulak asks UNODC and the Secretariat of the Governing Bodies to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee in 2026 all the meetings of the subsidiary bodies of CND, including the 32nd reconvened session of HONLEERS, in person with interpretation and in suitable conditions for its aims, as well as full compliance with mandates according to international Drug Control Treaties of INCB sessions and missions. GRULAC is extremely concerned by the serious liquidity crisis suffered by UNODC, which is imperiling its programs, projects, and technical assistance activities. We call upon member states and donors to redouble their efforts to guarantee sustainable balanced, non-conditional, predictable, and stable financing in line with the principles of geographic balance and fair representation of priorities of developing countries. We reaffirm the importance of voluntary contributions to strengthen UNODC's operational capacity. In this sense, GRULAC highlights the need to strengthen international cooperation, improve initiatives, programs, and activities for capacity building, and to provide equipment, technology, and technical assistance to developing countries so that states that can have enough resources to deal with the world drug problem and strengthen crime prevention and criminal justice. We highlight the need for equitable geographic distribution distribution of UNODC staff reflecting the diversity of member states. We urge for continued processes for open process— open and transparent processes so we can increase the representation of Latin America and the Caribbean at all levels, including a management level. We would also like to thank Gaudawali Executive Director of UNODC, for her leadership and devotion. Finally, we would like to reaffirm our commitment to continue working with UNODC to effectively tackle the world drug problem and strengthen crime prevention and criminal justice. We highlight the commitment of countries in our region to keep Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace where differences between nations are solved through dialogue and negotiation. and other peaceful solutions established under international law. Thank you.

I thank Ambassador Viotta for her statement and now invite His Excellency Mr. Talal Al-Fassam, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Kuwait, on behalf of the Arab Group.

In the name of God, the most merciful, the most compassionate. Excellencies, co-chairs of this joint meeting, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to make this statement on behalf of the Arab Group in Vienna. The group expresses its appreciation to the co-chairs of the joint meeting for their leadership and for heading the work of both commissions. We convey our thanks to the Secretariat for organizing this meeting and Her Excellency the Chair of the Fingov for her effective leadership of the working group. At the outset, the group recalls the serious and continuing situation in addition to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory owing to the barbaric, systematic practices by Israel, the occupying power. We reiterate our total condemnation of the genocide perpetrated by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip for over 2 years now. We welcome the holding of the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit and draw your attention to the Arab and Islamic plan for early recovery and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. We call on all donor countries and relevant international organizations, including the UNODC, to support this plan and to effectively participate in the conference convened by the Arab Republic of Egypt for this purpose. The group underscores its steadfast position when it comes to the importance of attaining the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the central role of the UNODC in support of states in attaining the goals within the mandate of the UNODC, particularly Goal 3 and Goal 16 on the adoption of a balanced approach to address the world drug program— problem and addressing all forms of crime, corruption, countering terrorism, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring, uh, access to justice for all without discrimination, in addi— in addition to SDG 5 on, uh, gender equality. We value the productive cooperation between the UNODC and our, uh, members and look forward to strengthening this cooperation in priority fields. We draw your attention to a effective coordination when it comes to the holding of 2 milestone meetings, that is the 11th Conference of Parties to the UNCAC in Doha and the 15th Crime Convention in Abu Dhabi. The group underscores its severe concern as to the impact of the liquidity crisis on the performance of the UNODC, particularly in view of a reduction in expenditures from all funding sources in the consolidated budget for the period 2026-2027 by 14%, and the projected decline in total income of the office by 21.3% over the the forthcoming biennium, in addition to the reduction in general purpose funds and special purpose funds, which represent 80% of funding of the UNODC. We underscore the importance of committing to supporting the UNODC in addressing current financial challenges. We welcome any contribution and voluntary contribution, particularly special purpose funds. Nonetheless, we underscore the importance of providing sufficient, assured, and predictable funding to the UNODC through the regular budget and through the provision of general purpose funds, which would allow the UNODC the discharge of its mandate effectively and efficiently. Thank you. We look forward to the 2026-2030 UNODC strategy, thus reflecting member state priorities, particularly when it comes to attaining sustainable development. We call the Secretariat for closely consulting with member states during the preparation of this strategy and underscore the central role of the think of in this particular field. We welcome achievements made particularly in ensuring gender equality at all levels of UNODC staff composition, and we express our severe concern as to shortage in attaining equitable geographical representation within the UNODC staff composition, and we call for all possible efforts to be made to attain equitable geographical representation. To conclude, we express our sincere thanks to the former Executive Director, Ms. Radha Wali, for her sincere efforts and her commitment at the helm of the UNODC, particularly through the expansion of the Office's operations, through the provision of technical support to over 150 countries and territories, in addition to its contribution in alleviating the severity of the funding crisis on the Office. Thank you.

Thank you, Ambassador Al Fassam, for his statement on behalf of the Arab Group. And now I hand the floor to the representative of the European Union. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Mr. Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. Let me start by expressing our gratitude to the chair of the CCP-CJ, Ambassador José Antonio Zalba-Güeita of Mexico, and the chair of the CND, Ambassador Shyam Mukumaran of India, for their leadership. We also extend our appreciation to Ambassador Eglantini Arjemeni of Albania for effectively guiding the work of Fingov by making it a meaningful, transparent, and inclusive process throughout the various steps of the UNHCR initiative. We welcome the series of consultations of UNODC's upcoming strategy and funding challenges that led to the document entitled Outcome of the Consultation Process on the Future of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Mr. Chair, the work of the UNODC remains of crucial importance in the present-day world where cross-border threats stemming from transnational organized crime impacting the health and security of our societies are becoming multifaceted and more pressing. The EU and its member states remain major contributors to UNODC budget, a large part of which is dedicated to technical technical assistance programs. The EU fully supports the UNAT reform initiative to review, restructure, and revitalize the UN system across its 3 pillars. The UNAT initiative must be anchored in shared priorities and translate the Pact for the Future into concrete implementation, including achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. This requires an ambitious and truly system-wide approach across the Secretariat, funds, programmes, specialised agencies, related organisations and Member States to ensure that the reforms lead to more coherent, cost-effective, impactful and field-responsive operations. The work ongoing in the 3 different work streams is interconnected and must mutually inform each other and guide budget discussions. The EU is constructively engaging in the 5th Committee to ensure such positive outcomes. Mr. Chair, allow me to address further the UNODC mandate in connection with the work undertaken by Fingov concerning this year's budget resolution. The priorities in the work of UNODC should encompass its normative role in setting standards, developing policies, and providing guidance to ensure the effective implementation of UN treaties related to drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism prevention. The EU is also committed to the research branch of the UNODC, as its work contributes to informed and evidence-based policymaking by member states. The EU would welcome a revitalization of the research capabilities of the UNODC and the safeguarding of its vital publications such as the World Drug Report. In this regard, we look forward to the recommendations on the potential merger between UNODC and UNICRI. The European Union wishes to see a reformed, leaner, more effective and more impactful UNODC. As part of the UN reform process, we emphasize the importance of safeguarding cross-cutting mandates such as climate change, gender equality and advancing sustainable development. The EU continues to vigorously support the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals as a key priority mandated by the General Assembly and as part of both ECOSOC commissions. Safeguarding the human rights pillar is a priority for the EU. Human rights, gender equality, health, protection of individuals in vulnerable situations provide essential foundations for effective crime prevention, drug control, control and combating corruption and terrorism. This comprehensive approach enhances the UNODC's capability to deliver robust and effective responses to the intricate global challenges we confront. It is therefore crucial that the Office continues to work to strengthen its resource mobilization model to ensure adequate and predictable funding across its mandates. This includes resources for cross-cutting key functions, such as the Gender Team and the Independent Evaluation Office. These functions serve the entire Office to deliver improved outcomes, enhance the impact and sustainability of UNODC's work, and should therefore remain among the priorities. Finally, the EU remains a staunch supporter of multilateral cooperation and the work of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. to address these transnational challenges. We call on every delegation to implement our joint commitments and support the proposed UNODC Programme Plan for 2026, and urge a new Executive Director, once appointed, to develop a new strategy for the Office in an inclusive and transparent manner. Since it is on the CND's agenda this afternoon, allow me to further state that the EU and member states support the establishment of the expert panel as mandated by CND Resolution 68/6. Member states have been committing to the process while providing extra budgetary contributions and submitting panelists' nominations. The panel should start functioning without undue delay, as it is bounded with time constraints to accomplish its work. Mr. Chair, we appreciate the opportunity to engage with you all and wish everyone a productive reconvened session.

Thank you.

I thank the European Union. That concludes our group statements, and I would request all interventions henceforth kindly to be 3 minutes each in view of limited time available. I now first have on my list Councillor El-Meneshawy of Egypt, you have the floor.

Your Excellency Ambassador Kumaran, Permanent Representative of India, Chairperson of the 68th reconvened session of the CND, Your Excellency Ambassador Zaballo Goitia, Permanent Representative of Mexico, Chairperson of the 34th Reconvened Session of the CCP-CJ. Ladies and gentlemen, at the outset, I wish to thank the co-chairs and the chairs of both commissions for their joint leadership. I equally wish to thank Her Excellency, the Permanent Representative of Albania and Head of I wish to thank her equally for her efforts as I convey my appreciation to the Secretariat for organization of the meeting and documents. We align ourselves to the statements delivered on behalf of the Arab Group and the Group of 77 and China and wish to make the following remarks in our national capacity. We greatly appreciate the fruitful partnership with the UNODC, particularly through technical support programs to build national capacities to counter all forms of crime in line with our priorities. We draw attention to the importance of the current programs, particularly the CHAMPS Initiative, in addition to cooperation in the field of terrorism prevention, extremism prevention, in countering trafficking in cultural property, trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, and bolstering borders. We underscore the central role of the UNODC in support of attaining the 2030 Agenda in priority fields: countering the World Drug Programme, countering transnational crime, terrorism prevention, and countering corruption. We look forward to further cooperation between the UNODC and member states in the upcoming period, particularly in the field of cybercrime, after over 70 states signed this new convention, including Egypt. We take note of documents put to us, particularly the consolidated budget for the biennium 2026-2027. We commend major progress made by the UNODC in 2024 in expanding its operation and in support of technical support program by over €414 million, implemented in over 77% of it in the field in over 150 countries. Country and region. We equally support research within the UNODC and its publications. We express our concern as to unprecedented liquidity crisis and its impact on the UNODC performance, particularly in view of a projected reduction in all funding sources, particularly by 14%, and a reduction in special purpose funds by 24% as compared to the 2024-2025 budget. We greatly appreciate the support by donor states extended to the UNODC, particularly under the leadership of the former executive director. Nonetheless, we express our concern as to the limited funding— general purpose funds, the availability of general purpose funds by a mere 1.2%, knowing that they cover over 80% of the funding of the consolidated budget in 2026-2027. We underscore the importance of providing sufficient, assured, and predictable funding to the UNODC. To conclude, we underscore the importance of supporting the UNODC as it supports countries in attaining sustainable development, countering crime, and this moreover in view of geopolitical tensions and crisis, particularly the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. We call on the UNODC to enhancing support extended to the State of Palestine through all fields of work in order to support the institutions and the society and to respond to urgent needs in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and and East Jerusalem. Thank you.

I want to invite my dear friend, Ambassador Deborah Lepre of Italy. You have the floor, Ambassador.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, Chairs, my dear friends as well. Thank you for giving me the floor. Italy aligns with the EU statement, and I would like to add the following remarks in my national capacity. As this is the first official meeting after the end of her mandate, let me start by expressing once again our appreciation to Executive Director Agatha Wally for her leadership. And at the same time, I would like to wish the Acting ED, John Brandolino— you will come back— all the best in his new role. And that's for sure to thank the CCPCJ and CND chairs for their leadership and commitment. So Ambassador José Antonio Zabalgotia— sorry, Antonio, I always stumble on your name, that's my fault— and Ambassador Shambhu Kumarano-Vindya. We also extend our appreciation to the Secretariat and to Ambassador Eglentina Shurmeni of Albania for effectively guiding the work of INGOV. We appreciate the opportunity to engage in this EAR's reconvene session of the Commission on Narcotics— on Narcotic Drugs and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. This discussion comes at a moment when the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is facing, and has been said already, both heightened global demand for its expertise and significant financial pressure. That threaten its ability to deliver on its mandate. Over the past months, the FinGov consultation process and the discussion in New York within the framework of the UNH Initiative have made one point clear: UNODC work remains indispensable, yet the sustainability of that work is increasingly at risk. Projected income for 2026 2027 is expected to fall sharply, largely due to declining voluntary— to the declining voluntary contribution, while core and in-mark funding continues to represent barely 1% of the Office's total resources. We all know that. At the same time, Eurojust's normative, analytical, and technical assistance functions remain key, central to international efforts to address drugs, crime, corruption, terrorism, and the fast-evolving challenges posed by cybercrime and new technologies. Member States have spoken with remarkable convergence on several priorities. We value UNODC's role as a custodian of the UN's key treaty framework— UNCTAD, the Drug Control Conventions, and now the new Convention Against Cybercrime. We rely on the Office's research, its operational platforms, its field presence, and its support for intergovernmental processes. And we recognise that without predictable resources, the Office cannot maintain these essential functions. The FIGOV consultations have underscored the need for a more sustainable and balanced funding model, and that expands— one that expands flexible contributions, strengthens transnational co-funding and explores partnerships with regional organizations, development banks, the private sector, while always safeguarding the integrity and impartiality of the Office's work. We also heard a strong call for efficiencies— reducing duplication, enhancing coordination across the UN system, and ensuring that field operations are strategically aligned, cost-effective, and fully transparent to Member States. At the same time, we welcome UNODC's continuing efforts to improve results-based management. We also value the role of ThinkGov as a platform for constructive dialogue, where Member States can receive detailed financial information, raise concerns, and contribute to shaping the Office's future direction. Chair, Thank you, Chair. As UNODC develops its new Next Strategy and as Member States navigate significant global challenges— we do it together, by the way— we must ensure that the Office is equipped with the mandate clarity, resources, and operational flexibility it needs. The consultations have shown that the path forward requires a sharper focus on core mandates, strengthen partnerships, improve transparency, and a serious collective effort to mobilize sustainable funding. We as Italy definitely— we strongly— we are strongly committed to support a UNODC that is coherent internally, credible externally, and relevant globally. We stand ready to work with all delegations, UNODC see leadership and partners across the UN system to ensure that the Office can continue delivering the service upon which not so many countries, but all— we all rely on. Thank you very much.

I thank Ambassador Lepre and now invite Mr. Petr Ilyichev, Director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. You have the floor.

Thank you very much. Chairs, colleagues, the UN 80th anniversary is a time for us to take an objective look at what our organization has done and assess its effectiveness in contributing to the challenges before states to strengthen global security and development. On the other hand, it is also a time to discuss the strategy for rationalizing expenditures against backdrop of the financial crisis facing the organization. As transborder crime increases, we think it of utmost importance of the UNODC, based on specialized conventions, in combating global issues of narcotics, transnational organized crime, corruption, preventing terrorism, and strengthening the criminal justice system. Russia has always— has consistently broadened its donor participation in UNODC projects. We increased our contribution this year by 50%, $2 to $3 million. An additional million dollars will be used to counter the use of ICT for criminal purposes. This includes implementing the UN Convention on Cybercrime signed in Hanoi in October of this year. The innovative UNAID reforms launched by the SG are supposed to optimize the Office's financial model. Unfortunately, though, many problems remain and are even worsening. This situation is exacerbated by a chronic shortfall in the General Purpose Fund, as well as measures taken by the Secretariat, often not agreed upon by Member States, to We were interested to study the Secretariat's proposals for adapting the Consolidated Budget 2026-2027, and that is adapting it to new realities. We note the Office's measures taken to ensure predictability and sustainability in its activities, even with waning donor contributions and a liquidity crisis.

Thank you.

It is seriously of worry, though, that first in line for cuts are the basic functions of the UNODC stemming from the specialized conventions and ECOSOC resolutions. In the report of the Executive Director on the consolidated budget, paragraph 61, amongst the areas of activity that will be most heavily impacted by the cash shortfalls, We see meetings of CND sub-bodies, the Honlija meeting, the work of the INCB, and also the promotion, ratification, and implementation of the UN Convention on Cybercrime. These bodies are established either by the conventions or high-level ECOSOC itself, and we do not have a right to take decisions to curtail their work. I would like to especially touch upon the financing of the INCB. Here, the UNODC, we think, is being too optimistic and is presenting an unrealistic forecast. Supposedly, there would be an expected increase in financing, 13.1%, With respect to the last biennium, however, the Secretariat of the INCB itself in meetings with donors is raising the alarms regarding a critical shortfall of funds from the regular budget for the regular functioning of the Secretariat. This year we took an unprecedented step and upon request of the committee operatively prepared— provided US dollars from a Russian contribution, of them so as to ensure the November session could take place. However, the financing of the work of the Board from donor contributions should not be the norm. This would run counter to the independent status of the Board as well as ensuring its sustainability and long-term functioning— planning, rather, in its work. In this context, we think it extremely timely the tabling of a CND draft resolution to ensure that next year there are 4 in-person meetings of Honlia and that the INCB carries out its convention functions. We support the activities of Fingov and see it as an important format for regular dialogue with states and the office, as well as oversight on implementation of the budget. Russia has consistently defended the principle of multilingualism in the work of VBOs. We are worried to see recently difficulties which led to restrictions on interpretation and translation for certain meetings of the Commission. We also note measures to optimize staffing under UNAID. The reduction by 26 posts from the regular financing should be carried out with agreement— in agreement with member states and taking into account the functionalities of the specialized divisions. We are worried by the ongoing cuts in P-level posts in the INCB Secretariat, which can jeopardize the board carrying out its mandate effectively. We hope that the optimization process for staff will be used to address geographical imbalances in the UNODC. More than 50% of posts are currently held by representatives from just one regional group. It follows then that cuts should touch this group first and foremost. I would like to point out that in recruitment of staff, we should be guided by the 101st Article of the UN Charter, that is professionalism and equitable geographical representation. Thank you.

I now invite Mr. Dong Song, Consular of China, to take the floor.

Thank you, co-chairs. We associate ourselves With the statement made by Kenya on behalf of G77 and China, China appreciates the efforts made by the two commissions and also the chairs of those two commissions, as well as Fingav and UNODC for their work carried out in the past year. Particularly in view of the progress which has been achieved under the background of multiple challenges, China firmly supports multilateralism and supports the UN80 initiative. China actively implements the global governance initiative proposed. Thank you very much. We welcome the initiative taken by President Xi Jinping, and we fully support the strengthening of the role of the UNODC. In the future, we will continue to actively support and participate actively in the activities of the aforementioned organizations so as to contribute to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. Now, I would like to talk about several points in terms of drug control. At present, the drug situation in Asia-Pacific region remains complex and severe. Trafficking in and manufacture of synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine are particularly prominent, and the cultivation of opium poppy remains at a high level, and heroin trafficking is still rampant. Precursor chemicals, especially down-scheduled chemicals, are diverted for drug manufacture and also the continued emergence of NPS. All these have become common challenges for all countries. To address the increasingly serious drug problem, China together with Cambodia, Laos PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and the UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific has strengthened cooperation under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on Drug Control in the Greater Mekong Subregion in promoting regional capacity building and jointly enhancing drug governance capabilities. We hope that CND and UNODC would play even greater role By providing more support to Southeast Asia in terms of technology, human resources, financing, and policy to provide more support to developing countries in general, we also call on the international community to pay more attention to the drug problem in Southeast Asia, allocate more resources, and provide more project support. support and to adopt comprehensive measures to jointly address the drug problem so as to safeguard regional security and protect the well-being of our peoples. In terms of crime prevention and criminal justice, we attach great importance to the cooperation with the CCPCHA and also with the Office Every year, China has contributed— made contributions to the UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Fund and have been actively implementing the plan of action signed between China and UNODC, which cover the areas of legal aid, mutual legal assistance, and prison management. Producing very fruitful results. We have taken note of the efforts undertaken by UNODC to improve gender balance and geographical representation amongst its staff. At the same time, we also note that progress in enhancing geographical representation has fallen short of expectations and there remains considerable room for improvement. We hope UNODC would give higher importance to broad geographical distribution amongst its staff and take effective measures to increase the proportion of staff, particularly at the professional and higher levels, from underrepresented countries, especially the developing countries. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I now invite Minister-Counselor Germán Calderón Velásquez of Colombia. You have the floor.

Gracias, señores presidentes.

Thank you, Vice Chairs. Our work is taking place when multilateralism and Agenda 2030 and the SDGs are being questioned. This leads us to wonder about— well, which is what the Secretary-General is doing with his UN80 initiative to carry out a serious review of structures and processes to make sure that the UN system will be more efficient, coherent, and results-focused while keeping up its presence on the ground. Therefore, we would like to highlight several elements that require priority attention. We believe we have to strengthen the quality and depth and methodology of our— of UNODC's reports. As We have said in previous years, products such as the National Drugs Report and national reports continue to provide limited analysis focused on facts without talking about technical progress and regulatory progress from the UN on sustainable development, public health, the environment, and human rights and do not really represent the progress made by states. For Colombia, it is worrying that the report presents the driving force of coca leaf growth as the direct driving force of the world cocaine supply with an unbalanced approach regarding inelastic and constant demand and consumption. The report is based on estimates of potential of cocaine production as acknowledged by UNODC itself. It has notable methodological limitations and these are not referred to when the information is published. This supports biased, limited, and out-of-context interpretations which exaggerate the role of Colombia in the expansion of the cocaine market. And do not take into account the efforts underway in Colombia to combat drug trafficking, even when we have reached historic milestones in terms of seizures, interdictions, destruction of laboratories, and we have invested billions of our own resources in crop substitution. Let's be clear: cocaine production based on limited methodology, a methodology which has significant room for improvement, cannot be understood as the calculation of cocaine available on the market. Cocaine is scarcely the 4th most used illicit drug, and yet the analysis continues to focus on cocaine. We have to pay attention to this problem, obviously, but we cannot base our analysis and actions without taking into account that opioids and amphetamines are consumed more and are just as dangerous. The report offers a general description which insinuates key questions but which does not clarify them, leaving key questions without a response and omitting essential information for the understanding of this complex subject. This lack of clarity could lead to misinterpretations. That's what we are seeing now. And is strengthening the idea of continuing to implement drugs policies which have already proven to be inefficient and counterproductive, which then continues to lead to this analysis and data collection and cloaks it in uncertainty. Chair, with regards to the consolidated budget for 2026-2027, We see that there is a structural imbalance between the contributions for specific aims and resources for the general budget. We know that this limits the program flexibility of UNODC and has an impact on its strategic long-term actions. Financial limitations and significant reduction in international Cooperation is the result of this. We must extend sources of financing with the private sector and the possible use of digital fundraising platforms. We welcome this initiative as a complement to the general contributions, but not as a replacement, but as an additional way of obtaining resources. But we need detailed information on the criteria, standards, and safeguards that will be used in order to avoid conflict of interest and to guarantee the independence of UNODC. And these must be in line with the values of the United Nations and cannot upset its independence and institutional integrity. We reiterate the need to review support. Support costs, which are very high, sometimes duplicated. The consolidated presence of UNODC in countries such as Colombia should mean efficiency gains in project management, contributing to reduce these percentages and optimizing available resources. On UNODC strategy 2026-2030, it should be realistic, in line with national ownership and the product of an extensive consultation process with member states. As we are waiting for a new executive director for UNODC, we need to know the vision, expectations, and orientation of the UNODC for UN80. To conclude, regarding human resources, Colombia reiterates the need for UNODC to fully comply with the obligations of equitable geographic representation and gender balance. We would like to highlight that geographic diversity does not mean equitable geographic representation. The UN Charter mandate is clear, and we hope that UNODC will adopt specific measures to correct these inequalities in a verifiable way, especially in management posts where there is nobody from Latin America and the Caribbean. Thank you.

I thank Colombia and may I request again your kind indulgence in sticking as close as possible to our 3-minute limit. I now invite Mr. Nobuyuki Kikuchi, Minister-Councillor of Japan.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I would like to join all the previous speakers in appreciating and praising all the chairs and the Secretariat for your devoted work. Mr. Chairs, at the moment when the free and open international order is tested on the many fronts, a lot of UNODC an institution bound to the rule of law, has grown ever more vital. As strategic partners, Japan holds regular strategic policy dialogues with the Executive Director, and we remain firmly committed to advancing the goals and the priority areas of the Japan-UN strategic cooperation framework for 2024-2026. Through this partnership, we seek to help safeguard a stable international order grounded in law. Under the new executive directive, Japan urges that next UNRWA strategy for 2026 to 2030 be prepared without delay, guided by the non-paper thought review complied by the Chair of Fingav. A clear strategic compass is indispensable if UNODC is to meet the rising expectations priced upon it. In 2024, Japan contributes— contributed $33 million, supporting the strength of the law enforcement capacities in border management, drug control, maritime rule of law, counterterrorism, and responsible mineral supply chains. We have also sought to heighten the visibility of these efforts through expanded outreach on social media and through the active engagement of Japanese embassies in the project locations. For a free and stable international order, the rule of law, the UN High Commissioner's core mandate, must remain the anchor of all activities. Japan therefore expects that in shaping projects, the Secretariat will ensure open and inclusive discussion that reflects both local needs and donor perspectives, while remaining faithful To this core mandate, to fulfill its missions strategically, strategically, the UNODC must uphold efficiency, transparency, and above all accountability to its donors. We call on the Secretariat to provide the timely financial statement and the reports for each project in accordance with agreed deadlines. Strengthening public communications is likewise essential for sustaining the trust of taxpayers and the Parliament who support these efforts. Japan recognizes UNODC's financial challenges. While ensuring sound and effective use of Programme Support Costs, we believe that exploring innovative funding model is intrinsically important. We expect the Secretariat to craft such models with the highest degree of transparency. Finally, we note persistent regional imbalance in staffing, particularly at the senior levels. As an international organization, UNODC should reflect equitable geographical representation in its recruitment processes. Japan also attaches great importance to the gender balance and welcomes the Secretariat's continued efforts in this regard. I also welcome the world made by the Director of Management, Ms. Kappari-Surami, for your no tolerance with sexual harassment, both in the organization and in the BIC. Japan stands ready to work with all member states and with the Secretariat so that UNODC may rise to its full potential as a guardian of the rule of law in these unsettled times. Thank you very much.

Thank Japan for a statement. And now invite Her Excellency Maria Muñoz Mera of Ecuador. Ambassador, you have the floor.

Buenos días.

Good morning. I would like to acknowledge the Permanent Representative of Mexico, Ambassador José Antonio Zabal Goitia, and the Permanent Representative of India, Ambassador Kumarán, for the way they are guiding our work on CND and CCPCJ. Ecuador fully associates itself with the statements made by G77 and China in GRULAC. I would like to refer to the following in our national capacity. First of all, my country highlights the importance of maintaining the consistency of our work efforts and achievements made by both commissions. It is essential to guarantee the full and timely implementation of resolutions adopted and therefore fulfilling their mandates in order to make progress towards an international policy which is harmonized on the drug problem and which enables us to control production, trafficking, and guaranteeing its medical and scientific use, prevent abuse, and strengthen international cooperation whilst strengthening the global crime prevention system and criminal justice which is more coordinated, effective, and respectful of human rights, able to to criminal threats that go beyond borders. We also believe we have to deal with the financial situation of UNODC and the continuity of its programs, projects, and technical assistance activities. My country reiterates the importance of supporting FINNGOV to this end. Ecuador will continue to promote and support initiatives that contribute to overcoming the serious liquidity crisis affecting UNODC, and we ask member states and donors to sustain their support through sustainable— through sufficient, assured, and predictable financing. That way, we can guarantee that the CND subsidiary bodies will be able to hold their meetings and comply effectively with their objectives. I would like to highlight the reconvening session of the 32nd Honliya because the established format this year did not guarantee the right conditions for the work and the goals of that body. We would also like to join together efforts to strengthen international cooperation for national capacity Building and extending technical support to developing countries, especially those of us who are dealing with the collateral effects of the plague of drug trafficking and transnational organized crime. And that brings me to my third point, and that is the government of Ecuador's. Its steadfast willingness to continue working closely with UNODC to effectively and comprehensively deal with the world drug problem and to strengthen crime prevention, criminal justice. Ecuador reaffirms with renewed conviction its commitment to working constructively in a coordinated fashion within multilateralism. We believe it is only through collective efforts that we can move towards a safer world fully respectful of human dignity. Please count on the active participation of my country. Thank you.

Thank you, Ambassador. I now invite Mr. Lekie Osiemo of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse of Kenya. You have the floor.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, thank you, Chair, for giving me the floor. It is my pleasure It is my pleasure to speak on behalf of the Kenyan delegation on the occasion of the joint meetings of the reconvened sessions of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. We do appreciate the excellent work by the Secretariat in preparation for this session and look forward to fruitful deliberations. The challenges of illicit drug trafficking and abuse poses a serious threat to national security, safety, health, and general well-being of our people, in particular children, youth, and women. We therefore commend the work of the Standing Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group and its efforts in improving the governance and financial situation of the UNODC. This is not an easy task in light of the budget crisis that has affected operations of the United Nations and global humanitarian aid. We therefore appreciate members of the Working Group for their efforts and commitment to addressing the world drug problem. Chair, Kenya can attest to the support given to the member state by the UNDC in furthering national response to the world drug problem. We have immensely benefited from the vast knowledge, expertise, and experience, particularly in the development of the national policies and standards relating to, one, prevention, treatment of substance use disorders, harm reduction, supply reduction, effective law enforcement responses to drug-related crime, data and trends, and finally promoting judicial cooperation in the drug control. It is therefore imperative that the UNDC is well financed to effectively carry out its treaty-mandated role as imprinted in the UNDC's strategy for 2021 to 2025. Chair, as you are aware, the challenge of illicit drug trafficking and abuse is growing by the day. We are now live to the manufacture and use of the synthetic drugs that have caused major health and economic, social, economic effects on the people. It is therefore critical that the Commission drives a concerted global campaign aimed at reducing the harmful use of illicit drugs and controlled substances, as prescribed by the three international conventions on drug control. We call upon the UNDC to continue. continue engaging member states on thematic issues related to the world drug problem, including capacity building for improved national response. Recalling that illicit drug trafficking and abuse is a common and a shared problem, we encourage enhanced international collaboration as well as national engagement with all key stakeholders, including civil society organizations. Thank you, Chair, for giving me the floor, and we look forward to engaging further during the regular in 2026. I thank you.

I thank Kenya also for sticking to the time limit. I now invite the representative of Morocco, Councillor Boukris.

You have the floor.

Thank you. At the outset, on behalf of my delegation, I would like to commend the chairs of the CND and the CCPGJ for their able leadership in conducting the joint reconvening session My delegation takes note of the proposed program budget and the performance report. We welcome the strategic direction outlined in the document, which builds on the UN strategy— UNODC strategy for 2021-2025 and paves the way for the new UNODC strategy for the period 2026-2030. We also acknowledge the Office's continued efforts to integrate cross-cutting priorities such such as gender equality, youth engagement, disability inclusion, and human rights across all sub-programmes. My delegation reiterates its full support to the UNODC in fulfilling its mandate and delivering its programme of work, particularly in the areas of drug control, crime prevention, counter-terrorism, and criminal justice reform, as outlined in Section 16 of the proposed budget. In this context, we note with appreciation the emphasis placed on strengthening international cooperation through the implementation of new legal instruments such as the UN Convention Against Cybercrime, enhancing evidence-based policymaking through research, trend analysis, and forensic support, expanding technical cooperation and field support to address emerging threats including synthetic drugs, cyber-enabled crimes and environmental crimes, and promoting inclusive approaches that engage women, youth, persons with disabilities, and local communities. Co-chairs, my delegation continues to support the work of the Standing Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group on Improving the Governance and Financial Situation of the UNODC, FINGOFF. Our commitment, further demonstrated by Morocco's election as Vice- President of Fingro for 2026. We commend the office, the office's effort to enhance risk management, accountability, and programmatic efficiency as reflected in the proposed program plan. However, we wish to emphasize the following points. Morocco believes that the restructuring of the funding model remains a top priority to ensure more flexible, predictable, and efficient effective use of resources. This is essential for the Office to remain agile and responsive to the evolving challenges in its mandate area. On the need of sustainable financing, my delegation insists that adequate, predictable, and sustainable funding is vital to enable UNODC to continue providing technical assistance and capacity building to Member States in line with their national priorities and upon their requests. Regarding resource mobilization, we encourage UNODC to intensify its effort to diversify its donor base and explore innovative resource mobilization mechanisms. We also call international partners to increase their general purpose and earmarked contribution to enhance the Office's operational flexibility. Finally, on geographical representation, my delegation urges UNODC to strengthen its recruitment practices to ensure fair and equitable geographical representation in accordance with Article 101 of the UN Charter, and to continue efforts to achieve gender parity at all levels. We request regular updates on— of this new— of these ongoing measures. In closing, the Kingdom of Morocco remains committed to working closely with UNODC and other member states to address the global challenges of drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism, and to advance on justice, security, and sustainable development for all. I thank you.

I thank Morocco, and next on my list is the very articulate Ambassador of Argentina, Ambassador Gustavo Zlavin, and you have the floor.

Thank you. Articulate. Well, I leave that up to your criteria. First of all, I would like to thank you and highlight the excellent work of the two chairs, the permanent representatives of Mexico and India, in the way you are leading our work. Of course, you certainly met my expectations. Argentina would like to align itself with the. Statements made by GRULAC and G77 and China on the substantive issues under this agenda item. And in our national capacity, we would like to take the floor to reiterate the request that UNODC focus its work on its central mandates, that is combating transnational organized crime, dealing with the world drug problem, combating corruption, terrorism prevention, and strengthening justice systems. Those are so important for our countries. But we would also like to reiterate our country's position with regards to some of the issues contained in the documents under analysis According to Agenda Item 4, Argentina would like to say for the record on the subject of the word gender understands that the international treaty law is that gender refers to the two sexes male and female in the context of society. In that regard, the term gender has no other meaning. Than that. Regarding the gender perspective, the commitment of Argentina with women's rights has been sustained over time. It is covered in our legislation and in domestic practices that go beyond international standards. However, Argentina states that applying a sectorized perspective in the understanding of human rights generates inequalities which are contrary to the aim of non-discrimination. For Argentina, Agenda 2030 is composed of legally non-binding aspirations that each state, in the exercise of its sovereignty, has the right to interpret and pursue freely. Our country expressed our disagreement with the Pact of the Future, and we have expressed our opposition to this document being mentioned in the Secretariat documents. By virtue of this, Argentina requests that for future reports, a wording is used that takes on board the interest and— of all delegations, and we would like to request this be recorded. in the sessions report. Thank you.

Thank you, Ambassador Slovin. I now invite Mr. Michael Davidson, Councillor of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

You have the floor.

Thank you very much, Chair, and let me say good morning to colleagues, and let me thank both ambassadors for chairing this session but also for the work in between. with CND and CCPCJ. We know it's not a simple affair. And let me also thank the Chair of Fingov, the distinguished Ambassador from Albania, for her great work, but also the distinguished Ambassador from Peru for chairing our sessions on negotiations for the resolution of Fingov. Again, not easy work. And let me also thank at the same time the entire leadership of UNODC who we see in front of us. thank you for attending. I know it's difficult times at UNODC, and really the UK wants to pledge its support, continue to support UNODC, but also to the work that you carry out. And we know that the staff at UNODC are under incredible hard conditions at the moment, and that their work is very pressurized, but also that the working conditions are very tough at the moment. So we want to pledge our support because I think it's important to note that the UNODC at this moment is at crisis. We believe the budgetary situation has reached a critical point where core functions, as noted by other speakers, are not able to be fulfilled. That means that we need to really look again at the work that the Office does, but also as member states at the demands that we place upon the office. I've been in many meetings here in Vienna where we've placed new mandates, new work on the Secretariat of the UNODC, and it's clear that they don't have the resources to cover. So we need to think again about how we conduct ourselves, about the demands that we put on UNODC. But at the same time, we hope that the new Executive Director, whoever that may be, will come in and take a fresh look at the organization. The UK has proposed under this agenda item a conference room paper which talks about how the UNODC could restructure and reform. It's just a straw man, as we call in the UK, ideas to start a conversation, and we look forward to that conversation taking place under your chairmanship, Ambassador of Mexico, in off in the following year, and we will be an active participant in that. It's a starting point, and we hope it will include conversations with the new executive director as well, because if the UNODC doesn't change, we will start to lose the momentum. And the momentum exists because we all agree when it comes to crime that we should be tackling it, that we should be doing more, and we want to work together. So there is a consensus behind the mandates of UNODC. I think what we need is new ideas, fresh impetus, so that we can come together and tackle these issues, these important issues together. So we look forward to the coming year. We hope the new Executive Director comes in running with momentum, and we will be there to support, and we hope that all other member states will join that conversation.

Too.

Thank you.

Thank you. And next on my list is the representative of France.

Thank you very much, Chairs. Allow me to begin by aligning myself with the statement made by the European Union. In my statement, I will be focusing on budgetary issues. We take note of UNODC's 2026-2027 budget, as well as changes in the CND's budget, up 5%, and that of the CCP CJ, down 20— 23%. There is a budget crisis which impacts the entire UN system, as we all know. My delegation would like to here recall the importance of preventing and combating drugs trafficking. This is a priority of UNODC's. We're pleased to see the increase At the same time, though, we recall that the function of the CCP CJ is essential in ensuring an international response to the threat of transnational organized crime groups. Enhancing criminal justice and measures for prevention and access to justice are key thrusts in the vision of the CCP CJ. view of my country, which will be advocated for in— during the Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi. By way of conclusion, allow me to indicate that France supports the UNODC and the soon-to-be Executive Director so as to develop in an inclusive and transparent manner the new 2026-2030 strategy. Thank you.

I thank France and now hand floor to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

We would like to seize this opportunity to thank the Chair of the CND and the CCPCJ for the leadership of this, this joint meeting of the 2 commissions. We also appreciate the Secretariat for its efforts in facilitating this important gathering. We extend our gratitude and appreciation to the former Executive Director Madam Wally for her leadership and steadfast dedication to the UNODC. We align ourselves with the statement of the G77 and China, and we would like to present the following points in our national capacity. We underscore the prominence and active role of Fingov and consider it a valuable framework for promoting mutual understanding between member states and the Secretariat. On matters related to the UNODC. We express our deep concern over the financial challenges faced by the UNODC due to the liquidity crisis and shortfall in general-purpose funding and underlying funding trends that affect the Office's ability to effectively uphold its core programmatic functions in support of developing countries. These challenges Mandates in assisting Member States. In this regard, it is highly expected that the Office enhances its efforts to ensure that adequate financial and logistical resources are allocated. We are of the view that international cooperation is a cornerstone of all relevant international conventions. Accordingly, we emphasize the crucial role of UNODC in strengthening and facilitating facilitating such cooperation. In this context, we reiterate the importance of addressing the challenges and removing the obstacles that, that hinder countries' ability to meet their international obligations in combating illicit drugs and crime. In this regard, we welcome the adoption of Peru's decision to highlight the importance of CONDEA and the Subcommission as a vehicle for information exchange among law enforcement officers. Among the primary obstacles are unilateral coercive measures which contravene international law and the UN Charter. These measures are further compounded by the politically motivated approach of certain donor countries that channel financial support to select projects and programs. This has resulted in systemic discrimination against several developing Distinguished co-chairs, we would like to recall that Iran's partnership program with UNODC was signed on the margins of the 66th CND. However, the level of support and the projects provided do not correspond to the country's needs and priorities. Iran remains at the forefront of the fight against drugs, yet the support extended to us, whether pledged or delivered, falls short. And contradicts the principle of deference. Despite the unfair and politicized measures imposed against us, Iran has steadfastly continued its efforts in combating drugs, consistently defending the interests of the national community— international community. Iran further underscores that UNODC's research work must be based on clear and prior mandates and on policy guidance provided by the governing bodies. We emphasize the importance of transparency, regular dialogue, and close coordination between all member states and UNODC concerning ongoing and planned publication and research activities at all stages. In this regard, we stress that UNODC publication must be impartial and fully respect the cultural diversity of the member states. Finally, with regard to human resources, we reiterate our position that further efforts with tangible outcomes are still needed to achieve equitable geographical representation in the Office. In this context, FINGOF should continue under its standing agenda item to evaluate the progress made by the Office in improving representation from developing countries. Thank you, Mr. Kochos.

I thank Third Secretary Mohammad Neshat Sazan for his statement and hand the floor to Mr. Issa Abdullahi, First Secretary of Nigeria.

Nigeria thanks the chair of both commissions for their leadership. We also align ourselves with the statement by the G77-China. I wish to add the following in our national capacity. My delegation appreciates the work of UNODC, whose mandate continues lead global efforts against drugs, organized crime, corruption, terrorism, and now cybercrime. We are, however, concerned by the projected 14% reduction in UNODC's expenditure for 2026-2027, driven largely by declining special proposed income and persistent liquidity pressure. For Nigeria, the implication of this cut will affect the very areas most crucial to African countries, including drug control. Mr. Chair, we are particularly concerned that such reduction risks undermining mechanisms such as UNLEA, which remains a vital platform for countries to analyze drug trafficking trends, strengthen law enforcement capacity, and coordinate operational responses. In this regard, Nigeria reiterates the importance of maintaining ONLEA regular meetings. At a time when synthetic drugs, polycrime networks, and shifting trafficking routes threaten regional stability, it is essential that engagement under ONLEA not be diminished by resource constraints. We therefore echo the G77 call for adequate, predictable, and sustainable funding, including increase on earmarked contribution. Mr. Chair, Nigeria attaches great importance to the work of INGOV. We appreciate the inclusive non-paper developed this year reflecting issues critical to developing countries such as national ownership, strengthening field delivery, and enhanced evaluation and research capacity. We also note the Secretariat's update on UNODC Strategy 2026-2030. Nigeria welcomes the renewed prioritization of emerging threats including synthetic drugs, cybercrime, environmental crime, illicit financial flow, and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, all of which have— all of which have direct implications for our national and regional security. At the same time, we therefore reiterate once again the urgency of addressing the persistent imbalances in geographical representation within the UNODC. Mr. Chair, finally, Nigeria underscores that the impact of UNODC's work is felt most tangibly in the field. Sustaining country and regional programs in West Africa is not merely a budgetary exercise. It is an investment in public health, stability, justice, and collective security architecture of our region. Any reduction in UNODC's footprint risks reversing significant gains in drug control, law enforcement, cooperation in intelligence sharing and momentum achieved through platforms such as ONLIAR. I thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank Nigeria. Now we have the last person, last on the list for this agenda item, Chargé d'Affaires Jason Mack of the United States.

You have the floor.

Thank you, Chairs, additionally for your work and leadership of the commissions that you lead, and thank you to the Acting Executive Director and the staff of UNODC, the Secretariat, for the work you do in supporting us as governments in our efforts. My statement contains elements relevant to each of the sub-items under this agenda item. The UN has grown bloated, unfocused, too often ineffective, and sometimes even part of the problem. The United States will continue to press for the decisions and actions needed to ensure this institution institution is leaner, more focused, and more effective. We underscore that the United States supports merit-based hiring and equal consideration. The United States does not and will not support any program which uses any form of diversity, equity, or inclusion, or DEI precepts, programs, or initiatives, and will oppose any policy or program that includes any form of or to gender ideology. Our laws focus on rewarding hard work. DEI programs violate the text and spirit of our laws by replacing hard work, merit, and equality with a divisive and dangerous preferential hierarchy. The United States cannot support political and cultural causes that are divisive at home and deeply unpopular abroad. In addition, the United States has made clear that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals impinge upon states— state sovereignty as a soft form of global governance, and we will no longer reaffirm them as a matter of course. Instead, the United States urges the UNODC to return to core mandates and focus on mission delivery to tackle the quickly evolving, complex, and global threats we face. With regard to some reports referenced under this agenda item, we ask that our statement be reflected in the, in the record. Regarding the note by the Secretariat on the draft proposed program plan for 2027 and performance for 2025, we remain concerned that the UNODC program plan for 2027 foresees programmatic activities that fall outside of UNODC's mandate. Thank you. UNODC's treaty-based core mandates. At a time of growing global threats and constrained resources, UNODC must remain focused on its primary responsibilities to effectively combat drugs, crime, and corruption. We appreciate the mention of the UNAD reform process, given the significant implications of work— Workstream 3 for Secretariat structure, management, and prioritization. We would encourage UNODC to further ensure that its planning is fully aligned with this system-wide reform effort. We therefore request that the Secretariat revise the 2027 program plan to remove all references to SDGs and programmatic elements outside its mandate, and to reflect more clearly how the office intends to implement its treaty-based mandates and align with the UN reforms. With regard to the report of the Executive Director on gender balance and geographic representation within UNODC, we stress that the UN system's recruitment of personnel must be strictly merit-based, as defined to be the securement of the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, while thereafter permitting due consideration to representation of women. However, we firmly reject the establishment of gender-based quotas in UN hiring and insist UNODC remove this language from its HR documents going forward. Additionally, it is the policy of the United States to recognize 2 sexes, male and female. We request that UNODC use clear and accurate language that recognizes women are biologically female and men are biologically male, and that avoids initiatives that promote gender identity. With regard to the report of the Executive Director on the consolidated budget for the biennium 2026-2027 for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the United States has reviewed the Executive Director's report on the consolidated budget. We cannot accept the inclusion of SDG-related or other cross-cutting agendas in this document. The elements fall outside UNODC's core mandates and have no place in a budget report that is meant to guide the office's operational and financial discretion— direction. For that reason, we firmly reject those portions of the report. On the matter of endorsing the Fingov Bureau for 2026, the United States objects to the nomination of the 2nd Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Iran for the position of Vice Chair and will call for a vote on his election at tomorrow's sessions. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its Quds Force, both terrorist organizations, oversee and enable terror attacks, weapons smuggling, and narcotics trafficking through a network of militant proxies such as Hezbollah— conduct, conduct that is fundamentally incompatible with service on any UNODC body. Moreover, a country that implements mass execution should have no bearing to inform global criminal justice norms. Iran has furthermore pursued an escalatory path of defiance against its international obligations, most notably those pertaining to its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The commissions must not normalize these destabilizing transgressions against the core mandates of the CND and CCPD— CCPJ by recognizing Iran as a responsible actor entitled to participation in such leadership roles. Iran's inclusion in FINGOV undermines that body's very integrity. The United States urges all members to refrain from supporting the Iranian candidate. And to conclude, regarding concerns raised about the situation in Gaza, what is needed now is action, not more politically divisive statements which could hinder progress. The United States, under President Trump's leadership, has been leading efforts to bring this conflict to an end. I further note that allegations of genocide are unfounded and untethered from reality. Using politically divisive rhetoric only distracts and deter— distracts and detracts from our ability to focus on the crucial work of the CND and CCPC.

I thank the United States for its statement, and with this we have exhausted the list of speakers for Agenda Item 4. As was already mentioned, this item will be resumed tomorrow in the respective commissions for taking actions as needed. We now move to Agenda Item 9 and 10. Sorry.

Okay.

I recognize the representative of Israel. Is that a statement?

A right of reply.

A right of reply. I think since we are at the end of the item, I give the floor to you, Israel.

You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. As it is our first intervention, I would like to thank the chairs and the Secretariat for the organization of this reconvened session. Chair, I must use our right of reply to the statement of the Arab Group, since apparently some in the Arab Group are so dedicated to their 80-year-long anti-Israel agenda that they cannot avoid politicizing even this conference and choose to embolden Hamas not only by parroting the lies and blood libels that Hamas spews, but make sure to add lie upon lie. That is because, as we said many times, some in the Arab Group in the Arab group don't really care about Arab lives. Not the Arab Israelis who were brutally butchered by Hamas on October 7th, which they did not condemn here today. Not the Arabs who were kidnapped and held in the tunnels of Gaza for months and months. And not for the Arabs living in Gaza who are being held hostage by Hamas, used as human shields, and have their food and humanitarian assistance stolen from them. Humanitarian system, I might add, that other member states here today are the ones who pay for. Some in the Arab Group don't care about that and don't care that Hamas is killing Gazans who defy them, because for them it's all for the goal, the anti-Israel goal. Genocide, Chair, is what Hamas's charter calls for. Genocide is what Hamas tried to do on October 7th and failed, and it's what Hamas said it will try to do again and again and again. Hamas is directly responsible for all suffering in Gaza. Israel is acting to defend itself and its citizens in accordance with international law and welcomes the American plan for Gaza, which includes demilitarization and deradicalization in Gaza. The international community should not and must not accept any violations of the ceasefire by Hamas and must demand their complete disarmament, as well as the full implementation of the Hostage Return Framework. Thank you, Chair.

That concludes our consideration of Agenda Item 4. We now move to Agenda Items 9 and 10, Contributions by the Commission to the Work of the ECOSOC, including Follow-up to and Review and Implementation. Sorry, can we check whether Prana I recognize the Permanent Representative of Ghana. Did you wish to make a statement under Agenda Item 4? Okay, please.

Yeah, I think so.

I think there was some inadvertent omission. You have the floor, Madam Ambassador.

Thank you so much. Thanks for giving me the floor. I recognize the co-chairs and thanks for your hard work, and Ghana aligns itself with the statement made by the G7 and China. We are pleased to participate in the reconvened 68th session of the CND, and we thank the Secretariat for the clear organization of work and express our support for the joint meetings held with the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice pursuant to ECOSOC Decision 2011/259. These joint deliberations collaborations remain essential to ensuring coherent and integrated guidance to UNODC on strategic management, budgetary, and administrative matters. Ghana attaches great importance to the ongoing discussions on the governance and financial situation of the UNODC. As a country working to strengthen our national systems against trafficking in persons, corruption, cybercrime, and drug-related challenges, we see a direct link between UNODC's financial stability and the level of support provided to member states. For this reason, Ghana strongly supports efforts to secure predictable and sustainable funding for the office alongside greater investments in regional and field-based programs, particularly in West Africa, where the complexity and urgency of the drug situation continues to grow. Chairs, recent trends including the rise in cocaine trafficking, the expansion of synthetic opioids such as nitrazines, and the increasing local consumption of these substances have deepened health, security, and governance risks across our region. These substances have contributed to public health emergencies within West Africa, as highlighted in our recent national and regional assessments. Enhanced forensic capacity, stronger early warning systems, and real-time intelligence sharing are indispensable to addressing these threats effectively. Ghana reiterates the importance of UNODC's role in advancing evidence-based responses to the world drug problem. We welcome the work undertaken under the Drug Control treaties, including WHO's scientific reviews and the early warning advisory on new psychoactive substances. At the same time, we acknowledge that access to internationally recognized medicines for medical and scientific purposes must be improved while preventing diversion. We also underline the need for equitable geographical representation and improved gender balance. Within the UNODC in accordance with Article 101 of the Charter. Diversity in staffing reinforces the legitimacy and effectiveness of the office's work. Regarding follow-up to the 2019 Ministerial Declaration and the 2024 midterm review, Ghana supports the call for accelerated evidence-informed action, strengthening data systems research capacity, and regional cooperation, including within ECOWAS and the African Union, remain essential. Ghana stands ready to contribute to the Pledge for Action initiative by advancing youth protection, public health responses, and enhanced law enforcement cooperation. Finally, Chairs, Ghana reaffirms the strong link between drug policy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, SDG 13 and SDG 16 remain central to our national and regional priorities, and we welcome ongoing efforts to deepen ECOSOC-CND synergies. Ghana remains fully committed to working with all member states and partners to strengthen collective action against the world drug problem and to promote health, security, and sustainable development for all. I thank you, Chairs.

Thank you. Are there any other speakers under Agenda Item 4? Okay, that means we have, for the third time lucky, exhausted the list of speakers for Agenda Item 4, and as already mentioned, this item will be resumed tomorrow in the respective commissions. We will now turn to Agenda Items 9 and 10. To Agenda Item 9 on the agenda of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs entitled Contributions by the Commission to the Work of the ECOSOC, including Follow-up to and Review and Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As agreed by the Extended Bureau, this agenda item is opened during the joint session and will remain open until I now have the pleasure to hand over to Ambassador Zabalgotia.

Thank you, dear Ambassador Kumaran. I would like to then open item 10 on the agenda of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. And I would like to ask the secretary at this point, since we are approaching 1 o'clock, how many speakers do we have on the list? 6 speakers already on the list, so I ask the Commission, if I— with the permission of Ambassador Kumaran, if I can close the list of speakers at this time. See no objection. The list of speakers is closed for items 9 and 10. I now give the floor to the Secretary to make an introductory presentation. So Ms. Delaunay, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. I am pleased to brief you on the contributions by the 2 Commissions to the work of the Economic and Social Council pursuant to General Assembly Resolutions 75/290A and 75/290B.

290B.

As in accordance with their mandates and as per past practice, the chairs of the 2 commissions have submitted their respective substantive contributions to the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, which was convened from the 14th to the 23rd July 2025 under the theme Advancing Sustainable includes science and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind. At the margins of the 2025 HLPF on July 15th, the chairs of the CND and the CCP-CJ held a joint side event focusing on engaging children and youth in drug control, crime prevention, and criminal justice efforts. The joint event highlighted the central role of supporting children and youth in drug control, crime prevention, and criminal justice efforts. It also showcased trends, good practices, and UNODC initiatives supporting these areas, including the CND Youth Forum and the Generation Justice Initiative. During the ECOSOC management segment meetings on the 10th of June for the CND and on the 29th of July of this year for the CCP CJ, the chairs presented the work conducted by their respective commission to the Economic and Social Council. Looking ahead, the General Assembly, through Resolution 78/285, decided that the theme for the 2026 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development will be Transformative, Equitable, Innovative and Coordinated Actions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals for a Sustainable Future for All. The SDGs under in-depth review next year are SDG 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy, SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities, and SDG 17 on partnership for the goals. As indicated in the letter from the President of the Economic and Social Council sent on the 28th of October, the commissions are invited to submit their contributions By the 2nd of March 2026. As per established practice and as decided during the extended bureau meeting of each Commission on the 17th of November, the Secretariat will prepare, under the guidance of the chairs for each Commission, a draft, and that will be then reviewed and submitted as a chair's contribution. Thank you very much, Mr.

Chair. I thank very much the Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for that contribution. And before going forward with the list of speakers, since we have already a set list, I would ask to get all the speakers that are registered so I can give the floor in the precise order. Can I get the 3 others, please?

Yes.

So I now give the floor to the delegation of Afghanistan.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

distinguished delegates. It's my pleasure to address to you on the occasion of the joint meeting of re-convened session CCP-CG and CND. Let me commit me to the chair of the CND and the CCP-CG for their joint co-chairpersonship of the meeting of the 2 commissions. I would like also to wish thank you the Secretariat to the timely preparation of the document and for the excellent arrangement of this joint meeting. The senior co-chair, Afghanistan continues to face an internal crisis of broad negative effect on its ability to combat narcotics and organized crime. The ongoing political situation the collapse of rule of law and worse human rights violations, particularly against women and girls, have created an environment of which insecurity, poverty, and illicit activity are thriving. According to the 2025 report of the UNODC, opium cultivation in Afghanistan has decreased by 20% compared with 2024, and total production has declined by 32%, while the phase figures reflect significant changes. They should not be mistaken for sustainable progress. Farmers' income from OPM has fallen by nearly half. And due to drought and limited livelihood alternatives, more than 40% of farmers remain behind. At the same time, the return of almost 4 million Afghans from neighboring countries has placed additional pressure on limited resources, while production and immunization I have pushed any families to the edge of survival. Without urgent coordinated international support, there is really risk risk of renewed illicit cultivation and worsening social instability. Distinguished delegates, we must also acknowledge deeply warning trend. The growing production and trafficking of synthetic, especially methamphetamine. Those developed, uh, inducted the organized crime groups are badged correctly to no mistake. Exploitation, weak governance, and law enforcement structure. A comprehensive international approach therefore needed to the by behind opium, other full-spectrum illicit drugs, trafficking network under the enemy. Yet the great crisis Afghanistan faced today, that systematic denial rights of freedom of its people, especially women and girls, and that the Taliban rule, Afghan women have been erased from public life, barred from education, employment and participation in society. Those policies are not only normal outrage but also serious obstruction on peace, stability, and development. The distinguished Kushir, Afghanistan is struggling against narcotics and organized crime inseparably from its struggle of human rights, governance, and development. Sustainable solutions require coordinated international partnership focused on empowering Afghan community through alternative livelihood, education, and inclusive economic opportunities. In referring our commitment of the International Drug Control Convention and the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, we call upon all member states to work with the people of Afghanistan in their pursuit of peace, justice, and sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda. I thank you, co-chairs.

I thank Afghanistan, and now we'll give the floor to Kazakhstan.

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it is an honor to address this joint session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. Kazakhstan recognizes the vital importance of promoting international cooperation to prevent and combat organized crime, corruption, terrorism, and other forms of criminal activity. We value UNODC's continued support in strengthening and modernizing our law enforcement and criminal justice systems. A notable example of this cooperation is Kazakhstan's success in repatriating and reintegrating its citizens from conflict zones. Over the course of 5 humanitarian operations, 754 individuals, including 191 women, and, um, 526 children were safely returned. Reintegration programs implemented with the support of UNODC and other partners have been essential in ensuring the successful transition back into society. In April 2025, Kazakhstan co-hosted the Interregional Dialogue on Prosecution, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration of Returnees from Conflict Zones in Astana, together with UNODC and the OCE. Our national reintegration model was also presented during the side event on Central Asia's experience in rehabilitating returnees during the 34th session of CCP CJ held in May in Vienna. Distinguished delegates, over the past 3 years Kazakhstan has observed gradual decrease of 6.8 person in the overall number of registered drug-related crimes. But despite this positive dynamic, we are simultaneously witnessing the rapid spread of synthetic drugs, particularly through online platforms, and the growing involvement of adolescents and young people in illicit activities. Kazakhstan's courts continue to apply proportionate and fair penalties, carefully considering the degree of public public danger, the personality of the offender, and all mitigating and aggravating circumstances. Sanctions range from fines and restricted liberty for minor offenses to long-term imprisonment for large-scale trafficking, sales to minors, and organized criminal activity. Dear participants, in conclusion, allow me to reaffirm Kazakhstan's commitment to cooperate constructively within the frameworks of the CCPCJ and the CND. We stand ready to share our national experience, adopt effective practices, and contribute to collective efforts at ensuring the rule of law and building resilient societies.

I thank you.

I thank Kazakhstan. I also want to thank our interpreters for their— once more, their flexibility for extending extending the time of the meeting, and I would now give the floor to Colombia, appealing to the delegation to stick to the 3 minutes, please.

Thank you, Chair. I will try. The functional commissions of ECOSOC in Vienna play a pivotal role in providing analysis, data, and technical recommendations for the work of the UN system as a whole. And in turn, CND and CCPCJ should take ownership and enrich the discussions, making full use of contributions from other UN components. For Colombia, this is a two-way flow and it should be dynamic and in line with multilateral agendas. In terms of Commission's contributions to ECOSOC will be useful when they provide information, the correct information. In 2025, the ECOSOC High-Level Political Forum talked about Agenda 2030 and the SDGs and said we need sustainable, inclusive solutions which are evidence-based, and commissions have committed to improving data collection and evidence-based analysis to better tackle their different working areas and facilitate decision-making. This approach is in line with the UN80 plan in order to overcome shared challenges with an urgent need to rebuild confidence in the system in the current situation. For Colombia, one of the clearest ways forward is to make sure that decisions are evidence-based with inclusive, transparent, and respectful processes— that is, respectful of mandates. Mandates in the comprehensive sense of the term. Within this framework, the Vienna Commissions have specific areas for their contributions to ECOSOC and the UN in general. Colombia has identified 2 specific opportunities. First of all, the Human Rights Council approved a resolution requesting a report to UNHCR on the impact of drug policies on human rights, with special attention to women and girls. Whilst the CEDAW will tackle guaranteeing and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls and inclusive and equitable legal systems and the elimination of discriminatory laws and the elimination of barriers and obstacles. This is a specific opportunity for discussions in Vienna to have a say in this and reduce the impact on women and girls in the judicial system. CND and CCPCJ have a natural role here to play within the framework of regional commissions, special procedures, and human rights treaty bodies, or even the Youth Forum. It is increasingly obvious that drugs are a cross-cutting issue now. They have an impact on sustainable development, environmental and social justice, peacebuilding, etc. And finally, the relevance of work in Vienna can be substantively extended if we improve our links with other UN bodies. If we move towards evidence-based decision-making, we can contribute to rebuilding confidence in multilateralism, which can effectively respond to global challenges. Thank you. Thank you, Colombia. And now I give the floor to Korea, the Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Chair. We remain deeply concerned about the rapid expansion of online scams linked with human trafficking, in which individuals from many countries, including the Republic of Korea, are deceitfully recruited and coerced into criminal operations across regions. These incidents reflect serious human rights violations and the growing sophistication of transnational organized crime. In this regard, and in line with the broader objectives of ECOSOC to promote inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development, we underline that these criminal schemes not only violate human rights but also undermine the social and economic foundations essential for stability and development. Criminal groups involved in online scams, drug trafficking, and trafficking in persons increasingly exploit digital platforms, financial technologies, and jurisdictional gaps to expand their operations. Addressing these evolving threats requires strengthened law enforcement cooperation, timely information sharing, and coordinated responses. Among member states. We therefore hope that through the CCPJ and the CND, international attention to these interconnected threats will continue to increase and the practical cooperation among member states will be further enhanced. We also emphasize the importance of improving our collective capacity to counter money laundering conducted through virtual assets, which serves as a key financial channel for many online criminal networks. We support the expansion of capacity-building programs, including training on digital forensics and tracing financial flows in virtual asset environments. Lastly, we underscore the need for continued effort by the international community to facilitate the safe rescue, repatriation, and protection of victims. Who have been coerced into such criminal schemes. We stand ready to work closely with member states, UNODC, and international partners to strengthen our collective response to this fast-evolving transnational threat. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you. I thank Korea and give the floor to Argentina.

Muchas gracias, Presidente.

Thank you, Chair. With regards to this agenda item, as we already said this morning, Argentina would like to record that Agenda 2030 is composed of aspirations which are not legally binding, and then each state in pursuit of its sovereignty can interpret and implement freely. Our country expressed its disagreement with the Pact of the Future and its opposition to the inclusion of— in the Secretariat's document. We therefore request that this comment is reflected in the report of this session. Thank you. Thank you, Argentina.

It is the United States. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chairs. As noted during Agenda Item 2, the United States reiterates that we have a principled opposition to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. These frameworks advance a program of soft global governance that is inconsistent with the mandates of both the CND and the CCP CJ. They are also a distraction from UNODC core mandates. The fund fund the fundamental work of crime prevention. Criminal justice, and countering the world drug problem, and are irrelevant to our obligations under the binding UN instruments such as the 3 UN drug conventions, the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, the UN Convention Against Corruption, and related criminal justice treaties. This agenda item should instead focus on the follow-up, review, and implementation of these of the issues that these bodies were created to address: crime prevention, criminal justice, and countering the world drug problem. We request that our comments be noted in the report of this agenda. Thank you.

I thank the delegation of the United States, and as I mentioned, this agenda item will remain open and will be retaken tomorrow. The joint meeting is now adjourned, and now I will hand— the CCP-CJ will meet again tomorrow at 3 PM in this same room. And now I hand back— hand over the meeting back to Ambassador Kumaran.

Thank you, Ambassador Gloria. I just want to mention to all of you that the CND will resume its work this afternoon at 3 PM. In the same room. So I look forward to seeing you all this afternoon. Thank you very much.