On 13 March, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), jointly with UNODC, conducted a side event “The UN and the SCO against drugs: Strengthening practical cooperation” on the margins of the 66th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND).
Mr. Zhang Ming, the Secretary-General of the SCO, Ms. Ghada Waly, UNODC Executive Director, Ms. Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia, and representatives of the SCO Member States from Central Asia, India, Pakistan, the Russian Federation and China spoke at the event.
“This event is another step towards further development and intensification of cooperation between the SCO and UNODC in line with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the organizations in 2011. It provides a special opportunity to review strategic directions and priorities for joint action in shared mandated areas. The population of the SCO Member States makes up half of the world's population, which is very important in the context of the goals and objectives of this event dedicated to discussing topical issues of joint counter-narcotics measures in the SCO space, supporting global drug control and preventing drug use among youth,” said Ms. Ashita Mittal.
Mr. Zhang Ming noted: “The opinions of colleagues voiced today once again demonstrate our commitment to countering the global drug threat and our willingness to increase cooperation and consolidate efforts. We stay committed to combating drug trafficking based on norms and principles of international law.”
“Strengthening of partnerships is a cornerstone of the UNODC’s strategy. The SCO is a key regional partner for us. I hope that today’s event provided an important opportunity to assess the responses to the global drug problem and discuss strategic priorities for further cooperation. We are committed to continuing this important work, and we look forward to partnering with the SCO Member States,” noted Ms. Ghada Waly in her concluding remarks.
The SCO Member States representatives outlined the increasing threats of drug trafficking in Central Asian and Southeast Asian countries and called for intensified and concerted counter-narcotics efforts to confront this scourge effectively.
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For further information, please contact:
Nurangez Abdulhamidova
Communication and External Relations Officer
UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia
Email: nurangez.abdulhamidova[at]un.org
