Director General/Executive Director
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Thank you for joining us today.
I am very glad we could meet to discuss the preparations that are underway for the General Assembly special session on the world drug problem.
The world has recognized that illicit drugs are part of a wider web of interconnected threats and challenges that have a direct impact on peace and sustainable development.
The fact that the UNGASS is taking place just a few months after the adoption of a bold new development agenda for the next 15 years gives Member States the chance to examine these links and seek common solutions.
Ambassador Shamaa, the Chair of the Board Tasked by the CND with UNGASS Preparations, will be filling you in on the intensive process that is being led by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna.
The UNGASS represents a key milestone on the way to 2019, which has been set as the target date for the review of implementation of the 2009 Political Declaration and Plan of Action on the world drug problem.
The preparatory process so far has shown the potential of the UNGASS to serve as a catalyst for united global action.
The process has benefitted from the active engagement of Member States, as well as from substantive contributions from UNODC, drawing on our extensive field experience and research expertise.
It has also benefitted from the inputs and participation of our UN partners, international and regional organizations, and civil society.
In these discussions, Member States have repeatedly acknowledged the world drug problem as a common and shared responsibility.
We have also heard a clear call for drug control policies that are balanced and comprehensive, centred on people and health, and carried out with respect for human rights.
The three drug control conventions provide a strong and flexible international framework for such people-centred, evidence-based policies, whether we are talking about improving access to controlled drugs for medical purposes; providing alternative livelihoods for impoverished farmers; expanding prevention and treatment services; or encouraging the use of alternatives to imprisonment.
The conventions also enable the international cooperation and robust cross-border criminal justice responses needed to go after the organized crime networks and drug kingpins, and to address challenges related to the insecurity and insurgency associated with drug trafficking.
We all know that such integrated action is urgently needed.
The challenges we face are many.
Global drug use prevalence has remained stable. But more than one out of ten drug users in the world is a problem drug user, a person suffering from use disorders or dependence. Only one out of every six has access to treatment.
Whole regions are grappling with a deadly spike in heroin use, or struggling to stop the proliferation of new psychoactive substances.
Drug use and drug-related violence are blighting communities and the ability of young people to achieve their potential.
A toxic nexus of illicit drug trafficking, organized crime and terrorism is a grave and growing concern that is threatening to perpetuate insecurity and suffering.
Excellencies,
Agenda 2030 has made clear with Goals 3 and 16 that addressing the world drug problem is essential to ensure healthy lives, and to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, as part of overall efforts towards sustainable development.
As the lead entity of the UN Secretariat in assisting countries to address illicit drugs, organized crime and related challenges, UNODC will continue to support you, and work with our UN partners, to seek practical solutions, and make the special session as useful as possible.
It is my personal hope that the UNGASS will help Member States to agree a way forward that reflects unity of purpose, intent and approach in addressing a serious and complex problem that concerns us all.
Thank you.