The session's agenda includes discussions on related issues, including synthetic drug use, intersections with human rights, and a gender-focused approach.
Harm Reduction International expose the large sums of aid being spent on drug prohibition worldwide, calling on governments and donors to divest from punitive policies and invest in health and human rights.
Huge amounts of aid have been spent on fuelling drug prohibition in lower-income countries, causing significant harm to vulnerable communities while defaulting on stated supply-reduction goals.
This side event at the 2023 SDG summit underscores that without a major reframing of the 'world drug problem' and a focus on sustainable development priorities, there is a risk of falling short of achieving the 2030 Agenda.
Instead of doubling down on counterproductive prohibitionist policies, governments should invest in evidence-based health alternatives, supportive services, and better approaches to regulation such as safer supply.
Within the frameworks of the Paradigma Coalition, Youth RISE and Students for Sensible Drug Policy International will deliver their annual Youth Response to the UNODC's World Drug Report.
While it is not yet clear whether the Taliban's opium ban will remain, policymakers must consider the huge risk of increased overdose deaths in Europe if the heroin supply does dry up, and urgently begin contingency planning and delivery of interventions.
Extending the powers of the EMCDDA, the new EU Drugs Agency has been designed to monitor drug-related phenomena, evaluate health and security risks, formulate timely alerts for emerging substances, establish an EU drug alert system, collaborate with national focal points, and engage in ongoing dialogue with civil society stakeholders.