The 68th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) and COPOLAD III’s Participation
The 68th session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) will take place from March 10 to 14, 2025, in Vienna, bringing together policymakers, civil society, and experts to discuss global drug policies. As part of this key event, COPOLAD III is actively participating in several side events, reflecting on fundamental program topics such as the implementation of drug policies with a gender equity perspective, the environmental impact of drugs, and an update on new psychoactive substances.
Below, you will find a summary of the events we are participating in, along with the links to join online. The sessions will have simultaneous online translation in Spanish and English. If you wish to attend in person in Vienna, you will need to bring an electronic device (mobile phone, tablet, or laptop) with headphones to listen to the online connections. There will be no live translation, only online translation.
Gender Equality at the Heart of Drug Policies
📅 Date and Time: March 10, 2025, at 12:30 PM (Vienna time)
This event will showcase experiences related to problematic drug use among women, the humanization of criminal justice, and strategies to break women’s dependence on the drug economy. Additionally, it will explore how inclusive and human rights-based policies can improve the situation of women affected by drug-related issues.
Speakers and Participants:
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Opening:
- María Sebastián de Erice García de la Peña, Ambassador of Spain to the United Nations Office and International Organizations in Vienna
- EU-Carl Hallergård, Head of Delegation to International Organizations in Vienna, EU Ambassador to the UN in Vienna, and Permanent Representative to UNIDO and IAEA
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Moderator:
- Peggy Martinello, International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP), leading institution of COPOLAD III
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Panelists:
- CHILE: Francisca Oblitas, Head of SENDA. Healthcare and social inclusion for women.
- SPAIN: Rosa Ana Morán, Special Anti-Drug Prosecutor. Gender approach in drug trafficking and human trafficking.
- COSTA RICA: Juan Carlos Murillo, Coordinator of the Inter-American Association of Public Defenders. Gender perspective in cases criminalized for drug-related offenses.
- GERMANY: Sarah David, GIZ. Alternative development with a gender perspective.
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Closing:
- Ángela María Buitrago, Minister of Justice and Law of Colombia.
Organizers: Spain
Coorganizers: Germany,Colombia,Costa Rica,European Union, Italy, EUDA
Strategies to Tackle Synthetic Drugs
📅 Date and Time: Monday, March 10, 16:30 – 15:30
📍 Room: M007
Synthetic drugs have transformed the global drug trade. Due to the easy availability of chemical precursors, criminal organizations exploit fast and flexible production methods that do not require extensive cultivation. The resulting proliferation of synthetic drugs, increasingly responsible for overdose-related deaths, represents a public health and security emergency.
This event arises from the urgent need for national responses and international cooperation to address the production, trafficking, and distribution of synthetic drugs. It aims to share best practices and experiences in tackling this crisis, focusing on both supply and demand, while providing innovative solutions.
Agenda
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Moderator: Mr. Justice Tettey, Chief of the UNODC Laboratory and Scientific Services Section
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Opening Remarks:
- H.E. Alfredo Mantovano, Undersecretary of State, Italy
- H.E. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of UNODC
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Panelists:
- Jennifer Pelley, Director of the Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Ministry of Health, Canada
- Col. Michael Jones, Director of CARICOM-IMPACS
- Asma Fakhri, Coordinator, UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy
- UAE Representative (TBC)
Organizers and Sponsors
- Organizer: Italy
- Co-sponsors: Canada, COPOLAD, Pompidou Group, UNODC
