Informal Drug Policy Dialogue, Kolymbari-Chania, Crete - 22 & 23 May 2009

The sixth meeting of the Informal Drug Policy Dialogue series, a joint initiative of the Andreas Papandreou Foundation and the Transnational Institute, took place in Kolymbari-Chania, Crete, on 22 and 23 May, 2009. Over 35 people attended, approximately one-third policy makers and two-thirds representatives of nongovernmental organizations or academic institutions. Four themes were covered over the two days:

• The 52nd Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), including the High Level Segment (HLS) and its Political Declaration;
• Drug law reform, law enforcement and supply reduction;
• UN system-wide coherence; and
• The UNGASS review process and the Informal Drug Policy Dialogues.

Each theme was prefaced by introductory remarks by key participants, in order to stimulate reflection and dialogue, followed by frank discussion. The report conveys the highlights of the discussion, although no individuals are quoted, in keeping with the anonymity stipulated by the Chatham House rule.