The UNODC Young Doctors Network (YDN) marked a significant milestone at the margins of the 68th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs with its first in-person meeting held at the United Nations Office at Vienna. The event brought together young medical professionals and global experts to explore one of the most urgent health equity issues: how to ensure access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, while preventing diversion and non-medical use.
Young doctors from diverse backgrounds and regions around the world gathered to deepen their understanding of the international drug control Conventions, discuss their real-world implications on the availability and accessibility of essential medicines, and shape a collective voice that can support Member States in meeting their dual responsibility of provision and control of controlled medicines through a balanced approach.
Key speakers included Prof. Sevil Atasoy from International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), Dr. Dilkushi Poovendran from World Health Organization (WHO), and Ms. Candice Welsch, Director of Policy Analysis and Public Affairs at UNODC. Their contributions offered valuable insights into the global regulatory landscape and the balance between safeguarding access and minimizing risks.
The sessions included consultations with attending experts on topics such as international drug control, palliative care, and pain management. An emphasis was also given to the topic of diversion of controlled medicines to raise awareness, followed by a discussion of how young doctors can contribute to preventing, detecting, and responding to it in clinical practice.
The meeting also served as a platform for network-building, brainstorming, and strategic planning, including the development of a 2025–2026 work plan and a preview of the upcoming learning hub on access to controlled medicines.
The event culminated in a statement by the young doctors, which was later presented by Dr. Brandon Maser, member of YDN, during the plenary session. The statement emphasized five areas for action:
This collective statement represented a unified call for action, grounded in clinical experience and public health priorities, and underscored the pivotal role young doctors play as advocates, educators, and partners in public health. By equipping them with knowledge and resources, the YDN aims to help close the global pain treatment gap and contribute to the broader goal of access to quality essential healthcare and medicines for all.
Building on this momentum, the network’s first in-person meeting at the margins of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs sets a strong foundation for future collaboration, education, and evidence-based advocacy.
