We are looking for 18 civil society experts interested in contributing to the CND thematic discussions 2-6 December 2023.
In preparation for the 2024 Mid-Term Review, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) will conduct in 2023 a comprehensive stock-taking of progress made in implementing all international drug policy commitments to address the challenges identified in the 2019 Ministerial Declaration
(https://www.unodc.org/documents/commissions/CND/2019/Ministerial_Declaration.pdf). The thematic discussions will consist of two intersessional meetings – the second one will take place 4-6 December 2023, in Vienna Austria. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format.
The discussions in December will cover the following topics. Please also consult the CND Discussion Guide (https://www.unodc.org/documents/commissions/CND/CND_thematic_discussions/2023/CND_TD_Discussion_guide_2023_30_August_final.pdf):
4 December:
- Morning: Increase in drug-related deaths – unmet need for drug treatment and health services
- Afternoon: High transmission rate of HIV, HCV & other blood borne diseases associated with drug use
5 December:
- Morning: Adverse health consequences associated with new psychoactive substances
- Afternoon: Health & regulatory challenges posed by synthetic opioids & non-medical use of prescription drugs
6 December:
- Morning: Low availability of international controlled substances for medical & scientific purposes
- Afternoon: Way forward
For each topic up to 3 NGOs will have the possibility to present their work and positioning. In order to ensure an inclusive, comprehensive and meaningful civil society participation, NGOs will work through the Vienna & New York NGO Committees on Drugs (VNGOC & NYNGOC).
Each speaker will have 3 minutes to present their work on the thematic focus of the half-day. Selected speakers will be asked to send in their statements and videos (including transcripts) no later than 27 NOVEMBER 2023. Interpretation will not be available during the meetings and all abstracts and statements have to be submitted in English.
In order to apply for a speaking slot, please fill out this online form.
DEADLINE: 5 NOVEMBER 2023 at 11.45PM CEST (Vienna time, UTC+2)
Make sure that your abstract is relevant to the topic of the half-day, and clearly describes what you will be presenting about. Statements focusing on good practice examples and lessons learned with regards to addressing each challenge identified in the 2019 Ministerial Declaration are especially welcome. NGO representatives that spoke in previous thematic discussions are invited to re-apply and could provide an update since their last intervention.
The VNGOC & NYNGOC Boards will follow the CSTF speaker selection guidelines established in 2018.
Please share this with your respective partners and networks to ensure a wide as possible opportunity to engage.
