CND Expert Panel invites contributions to independent review of UN drug policy

For more background on the Expert Panel and IDPC’s related analysis, visit our dedicated CND Expert Panel page.

The Expert Panel established pursuant to Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) resolution 68/6 is pleased to invite written contributions from stakeholders in support of its work.

The Expert Panel was established by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs to provide clear, specific and actionable recommendations to strengthen the implementation of the three international drug control conventions, other relevant international instruments and international drug policy commitments, in accordance with its mandate contained in CND resolution 68/6 (annexed). The Panel is expected to complete its work and present its final recommendations to the Commission in 2027.

In carrying out its work, the Panel seeks to benefit from the knowledge, experience and expertise of a broad range of stakeholders, including those engaged in the development, implementation, evaluation or study of drug policies.

What contributors may address

Stakeholders are therefore invited to submit written contributions addressing matters that they consider relevant to the Panel's mandate (CND resolution 68/6). Contributors may wish to describe:

• their role, expertise or experience relevant to the Panel’s mandate;
• challenges, barriers or opportunities they have identified in the implementation of the international drug control conventions, other relevant international instruments and international drug policy commitments;
• examples of policies, practices or approaches that they consider having been effective or ineffective, in the implementation of the international drug control conventions, other relevant international instruments and international drug policy commitments; and
• practical, evidence-informed and actionable recommendations that the Expert Panel may wish to take into account when considering its recommendations to strengthen the implementation of the international drug control conventions, other relevant international instruments and international drug policy commitments.

Contributors are encouraged to focus on issues that fall within the mandate of the Expert Panel, while remaining free to identify those aspects of implementation that they consider most relevant based on their knowledge and experience.

Submission requirements and deadline

Written submissions, in English or accompanied by an English translation, should not exceed 1,500 words and must be submitted electronically to unodc-sgb[@]un.org by latest 15 November 2026.

In view of the Panel's timetable of work, only submissions received by the above deadline and complying with the submission requirements will be considered by the Expert Panel.

Publication and confidentiality

Unless otherwise indicated by the contributor at the time of submission, all written contributions will be made publicly available on the Expert Panel's webpage:

https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/commissions/CND/expert-panel.html

Contributors who wish their submissions to remain confidential are requested to indicate this when submitting their contribution. Such submissions will be circulated exclusively to members of the Expert Panel for the purposes of its deliberations and will not be published on the Expert Panel's webpage.

The Expert Panel expresses its appreciation to all contributors for sharing their expertise and experience in support of its work and looks forward to receiving their contributions.