On 26 June 2017, the United Nations, governments, civil society, the media and citizens around the world will observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to raise awareness about the impact of drug abuse and illicit trafficking of drugs. The theme is   Listen First - Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe. ( Find out how to get involved)

In order to discuss the proceeding of the twenty-sixth session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) and exchange information about the preparations for fourteenth Crime Congress due to take place in 2020 in Japan, an informal dialogue of the Chair of the Commission with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) took place on 25 May 2017. (  Read more)

Civil society is a key actor in preventing and countering violent extremism conducive to terrorism 

Violent extremism and terrorism have be come global phenomena that require collective efforts from all stakeholders of the international community. Aiming to share good practices and experiences in preventing and countering violent extremism, the Civil Society Team organized a side event cosponsored by the government of the United Kingdom on the margins of the 26th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice on 24 May. ( Read more)

UNODC hosts a multi-stakeholder conference with the vision towards boosting sustainable development

With a vision towards boosting sustainable development, UNODC hosted the 2017 ACUNS Vienna UN Conference from 17 to 19 January 2017 to discuss how Vienna-based UN organizations are implementing the 2030 Agenda. The conference brought together representatives of UN agencies, civil society, the diplomatic community, academia, and young people to discuss actions, potentials and challenges linked to the realization of the Agenda. Over 400 participants registered for the conference.  (Read more)

UNODC and Germany cooperate on a side event - enhancing cooperation in countering violent extremism and transnational organized crime

On the margins of the 8th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention  against Transnational Organized Crime, a side-event was organized by the UNODC's Civil Society Team and Germany. The discussion highlighted the need for closer collaboration between governments, civil society and the United Nations to progress efficiently and inclusively in the prevention and fight against emerging threats of terrorism and violent extremism.     (Read more)

Defusing religious extremism: Building the capacity of conservative religious communities as key partners in counter-terrorism efforts

The 25th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) was convened on 23 - 27 May 2016 in Vienna under the thematic discussion   criminal justice responses to prevent and counter terrorism.  On this occasion   (Read more)

UNGASS 2016: Call for NGO Registration now open until 28 March 2016

25 February 2016 - The Special Session of the General Assembly on the World Drug Problem (UNGASS 2016) will be convened from 19 to 21 April 2016 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The program of side events begins on 18 April 2016 with an NGO forum. The UNGASS 2016 will feature a general debate plenary and five interactive, multi-stakeholder round tables conducted in parallel with the plenary. (Read more)

A milestone civil society event in the preparation of UNGASS 2016

In New York, on 10 February 2016, an Informal Interactive Stakeholder Consultation in support of preparatory process towards UNGASS 2016 was convened by the President of the UN General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Mogens Lykketoft, together with the Civil Society Task Force for UNGASS 2016 (CSTF) at the United Nations Headquarters. The event was opened by high profile speakers, among which the Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon (Read more)

Civil Society Task Force for UNGASS 2016: National and Regional Consultations

Sub-Saharan Africa, 24 September - 6 October 2015/India, 31 October 2015 - The Civil Society Task Force (CSTF) for the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on the world drug problem in 2016 undertook national and regional consultations in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. During these meetings, civil society organisations (CSOs) working on drug related issues were informed of the ongoing preparatory process for UNGASS 2016 and were introduced to the work of the CSTF. (Read more)

Marketplace gives Visibility to Grassroots NGOs Working on Drugs

Vienna, 13 March 2015 - The concept of Marketplace - a social innovation tool designed by the VNGOC and the UNODC Civil Society Team - was presented during a side event held on the margins of the 58 ^th session of the CND. The Marketplace is an online platform that will help bridge local action and global priorities in the area of drug prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and alternative development, significantly reducing impact gaps. (Read more)

Civil Society Engages in UNGASS 2016 Preparatory Process

The Civil Society Task Force (CSTF) was introduced on the occasion of the fourth Civil Society Hearing on 9 March 2015. The CSTF was designed to ensure a balanced and inclusive civil society engagement and coordination in the preparatory process of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on the world drug problem in 2016. (Read more).

NGOs Engage in the Post-2015 Development Debate

On 5 December 2014, civil society representatives came together in Vienna to contribute to the ongoing debate on the post-2015 development agenda, in the lead up to the Special Summit on Sustainable Development, to be held in September 2015 in New York. (Read more).

Launch of the Civil Society Task Force

Civil society is preparing for the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on the world drug problem in 2016. (Read more).

Participation of NGOs in CTOC/COP7

Over 90 participants, representing more than 50 NGOs and NGO umbrella organisations around the world participated in the 7th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (CTOC/COP7), which took place on 6-10 October 2014. (Read more).

Events 2017-2018

• 7th session of the CoSP UNCAC, Vienna, 6-10 November 2017 - link

• CND UNGASS Follow-up thematic discussions, Vienna, 26-28 Sept. 2017, 16-18 Oct. 2017 and 16-17 Nov. 2017

• World Drug Day, 26 June 2017 - link to Listen First Campaign
• 8th session of the IRG, Vienna, 19-23 June 2017 - link

• 26th session of the CCPCJ,   Vienna, 22-26 May 2017 -   link  

• 60th session of the CND, Vienna, 13-17 March 2017 - link

Campaigns

Major partners