We would like to share the call for speakers for the CND thematic discussions in December 2023, shared by the VNGOG. Find out the various topics as well as how to apply below:

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The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), in preparation for the 2024 Mid-Term Review, will conduct a comprehensive stock-taking of progress made in implementing the international drug policy commitments to address the challenges identified in the 2019 Ministerial Declaration. The thematic discussions will consist of two intersessional meetings in October and December – the second will take place 4-6 December 2023, in Vienna Austria. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format.

The discussions in DECEMBER will cover the following topics. Please also consult the CND Discussion Guide to learn more about the challenges to be addressed:
4 December:

• Morning: Increase in drug-related deaths – unmet need for drug treatment and health services
• Afternoon: High transmission rate of HIV, HCV & other blood borne diseases associated with drug use

5 December:

• Morning: Adverse health consequences associated with new psychoactive substances
• Afternoon: Health & regulatory challenges posed by synthetic opioids & non-medical use of prescription drugs

6 December:

• Morning: Low availability of international controlled substances for medical & scientific purposes
• Afternoon: Way forward

For each topic, up to 3 NGOs will have the possibility to present their work and positioning. In order to ensure inclusive, comprehensive and meaningful civil society participation, NGOs will work through the Vienna and New York NGO Committees on Drugs (VNGOC & NYNGOC). Each speaker will have 3 minutes to present their work on the thematic focus of the half-day. 

Interpretation will not be available during the meetings and all abstracts and statements have to be submitted in English.

To apply for a speaking slot, please fill out this online form.

DEADLINE: 29 OCTOBER 2023 at 11.45 PM CEST (Vienna time, UTC+2)

Make sure that your abstract is relevant to the topic of the half-day,  and clearly describes what you will be presenting about. 

We strongly suggest consulting the CND Discussion guide before submitting your abstract.

Statements focusing on good practice examples and lessons learned with regard to addressing each challenge identified in the 2019 Ministerial Declaration are especially welcome. NGO representatives who spoke in previous thematic discussions are invited to re-apply and could provide an update since their last intervention.  The VNGOC & NYNGOC Boards will follow the speaker selection guidelines established in 2018