The VNGOC is seeking 15 civil society experts interested in contributing to the CND thematic discussions from 12-14 November 2024. We invite all WFAD members to apply for this great opportunity, participate and make their voices heard on these issues.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: 6 OCTOBER 2024 at 11.45 PM CEST.

At its 67th session in March 2024, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) adopted the “High-level Declaration by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs on the 2024 Midterm Review, Following Up to the Ministerial Declaration of 2019” by consensus.

Continuing with the format used for thematic discussions since 2016, Member States have developed a multi-year work plan. Every autumn, interactive meetings will address the challenges identified in the “stock-taking” section of the 2019 Ministerial Declaration.

The first thematic intersessionals will be held from 12-14 November 2024 in Vienna, Austria. The meeting will be conducted in a hybrid format, combining an in-person component with online participation.

The following topics will be covered:

12 November 2024: Expanding Range of Drugs and Synthetic Opioids and Nonmedical Use of Prescription Drugs

1. Morning session (10AM to 1PM CET): Expanding range of drugs and diversifying markets
2. Afternoon session (3PM to 6PM CET): Synthetic opioids and non-medical use of prescription drugs

13 November 2024: Illicit Cultivation, Production, and Trafficking

1. Morning session (10AM to 1PM CET): Challenges in illicit cultivation and production of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
2. Afternoon session (3PM to 6PM CET): Illicit trafficking in substances and precursors, and domestic diversion of precursor chemicals

14 November 2024: Scheduling Challenges and Other Substantive Matters

1. Morning session (10AM to 1PM CET): Legal, scientific, and regulatory challenges in scheduling substances
2. Afternoon session (3PM to 6PM CET): Other substantive matters (to allow discussion of persistent, new, or emerging issues of particular concern)

Each thematic panel discussion will also provide an opportunity to address cross-cutting issues identified in the “way forward” section of the 2024 CND High-Level Declaration: (a) Cooperation at all levels; (b) Data collection and analysis; (c) Technological innovation;

For each panel, up to 3 NGOs will have the opportunity to present their work and positioning. To ensure inclusive, comprehensive, and meaningful civil society participation, the VNGOC will select the speakers (following their speaker selection guidance established in 2018). Each speaker will have 2-3 minutes to present their work on the thematic focus of the panel. Interpretation will not be available during the meetings, and all abstracts and statements must be submitted in English.

Ensure that your abstract is relevant to the panel topic and clearly describes your presentation. Statements focusing on good practice examples and/or implementation of the commitments are especially welcome. NGOs that have contributed to the Pledge4Action initiative are encouraged to include updates on their pledges in their contributions.