27 March, 2023 (Vienna, Austria) – The 66th Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) concluded on Friday, 17 March. A total of 2500 participants attended the session in person and online, out of which 580 wereNGOs representatives from 134 organisations. Among the rich debate on the world drug problem a modality resolution that paves the way in preparing for the high-level segment to be held during the 67th session of mid-term review was adopted. For the first time, the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC), UNODC NGO umbrella partner is recognized officially by Member States and given a leading role in coordinating NGO participation in the mid-term review of the joint commitment to address and counter the world drug problem.
The VNGOC, which was founded in 1983, celebrated its 40th anniversary. In 2015, it was granted ECOSOC status and has since acted as a counterpart to UNODC.On this occasion Ms Ghada Waly, the Executive Director of UNODC, expressed her gratitude by acknowledging their contribution in bringing diverse voices into the discussion on the world drug problem, which includes the voices of those who are directly affected. Their practical experience and varied viewpoints have enhanced the discourse and ensured that drug policies and solutions are balanced and inclusive.
On the anniversary of the VNGOC the City of Vienna in the Vienna City Hall, hosted a reception under the theme ‘Strong partnerships are key to solving today's challenges’, which was also a demonstration of the spirit of cooperation and partnership that is essential to tackling the challenges posed by drugs. The Vienna Executive City Councillor for Health, Social Affairs, and Sport, Peter Hackeropened the event highlighting the importance of partnerships between government agencies and non-governmental organisations drawing also on his own experience as the former drug policy coordinator of the city of Vienna. Among other speakers were the Chair of the 66th CND H.E. Amb. Mr. Ruiz Blanco of Colombia, H.E. Rodrigo Olsen, the ambassador of Chile and H.E. Aldrik Gierveld, the ambassador of Netherlands, and the four former VNGOC chairs. The event also provided an opportunity for participants to strengthen their partnerships in advancing evidence-based and human rights-centred drug policies.
The event highlighted the progress made in engaging civil society, thanks to the strong ties between the VNGOC and the UNODC Civil Society Unit (CSU). Mirella Dummar Frahi, the Chief of the UNODC CSU emphasized the robust partnership between the VNGOC and CSU, highlighting the three main benchmarks achieved over the years which have notably strengthened cooperation with NGOs on drug-related matters, serving as an exemplary model for collaboration between the UN, Member States and NGOs. The event emphasized NGO contributions to various milestones, including the Political Declarations in 1998 and 2009, the 2014 Joint Ministerial Statement, the 2016 UNGASS Outcome Document, and the 2019 Ministerial Declaration. With Beyond 2008 and the Civil Society Task Force for 2016, and 2019, the VNGOC ensured that a wide range of NGOs was able to meaningfully contribute to these high-level meetings.
In the margins of the 66th CND, the VNGOC board elections also took place, during which Matej Košir, the director of Utrip Slovenia was elected as the new Chair of the VNGOC. In reflecting on the crucial efforts that contributed to civil society engagement, it is important to acknowledge the instrumental leadership of the outgoing chair Jamie Bridge, as well as his two predecessors, Esbjörn Hörnberg and Michel Perron, who guided NGO contributionsin preparations for UNGASS 2016 and the 2019 Ministerial Declaration. Through their invaluable guidance, the contributions of NGOs were effectively incorporated into these critical international instruments.