Vienna (Austria), 10 March 2025 — The 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) commenced today, gathering 2100 representatives from over 100 Member States to discuss international drug policy.
At the opening, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Executive Director Ghada Waly delivered a warning on the evolving drug landscape, highlighting the surge in synthetic drugs and the expansion of cocaine markets. "The drug market is undermining peace, security and development," she cautioned, pointing to trafficking routes that fuel instability in conflict zones.
However, she stressed that UNODC remained committed to its critical work to keep people safe and healthy. In 2024 alone, she noted, UNODC supported the seizure of over 300 tonnes of cocaine, 240 tonnes of synthetic drugs, and 100 tonnes of precursors, while facilitating investigations and safe disposal, flagging emerging drug threats, providing scientific and forensic support to countries to implement CND scheduling decisions and more.
In that connection, Ms Waly raised urgent concerns about funding constraints. "We cannot deliver ‘more with less’ when the illicit drug market has more and more at its disposal every day," she warned, calling on Member States to invest in global health and security. She expressed hope that the session would serve as a rallying point for a balanced, effective and united approach to drug policy, ensuring that multilateral efforts keep pace with a rapidly evolving threat.
The Chair of the Commission, H.E. Shambhu S. Kumaran of India, opened the session by emphasizing the severity of current drug challenges. “The range of drugs available to most people today are more diverse, potent and harmful than ever before. When drugs and precursors flow across borders, only organized crime wins,” he stated, calling on Member States to invest in community security and the global fight against drugs.
In a call to action, General Assembly President Philémon Yang and Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) President Bob Rae highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive response to the world’s drug problem. PGA Yang warned that drug trafficking weakens institutions, fuels instability and harms the environment through deforestation, soil degradation and toxic waste. He stressed the importance of tackling root causes and engaging youth in prevention and policymaking. Ambassador Rae echoed the need for a balanced approach, from prevention and treatment to recovery and reintegration, while also underscoring the urgency of equitable access to medicines. Their messages made it clear: solving the drug problem demands urgent, coordinated and inclusive global action.
In a video message, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged policies that protect people from drug-related harms while ensuring access to essential medicines under universal health coverage. He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to working with the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), UNODC, Member States, and civil society towards evidence-based, human rights-centred solutions. INCB President Jallal Toufiq warned about the rise in synthetic drugs and persistent disparities in medical access despite sufficient global supply. He called for a coordinated global strategy to tackle illicit synthetic drug production, trafficking and use.
Throughout the session, the Commission will deliberate on draft resolutions covering various issues, including evidence-based drug prevention for children, research on stimulant use disorder treatment, alternative development, officer safety in dismantling opioid labs, strengthening the global drug control framework and addressing the environmental impacts of drugs.
A total of 179 side events and 32 exhibitions are scheduled during the session. Additionally, the General Debate will see several countries pledging concrete actions under the Pledge4Action initiative, with updates from Member States on the progress of commitments made during the 67th session.
The CND will also consider WHO’s recommendations on placing six substances under international control.
The CND is the policymaking body of the United Nations with the prime responsibility for drug control and other drug-related matters. It is responsible for monitoring the world drug situation, developing evidence-based drug control strategies, and recommending measures to address the world drug problem.
