Director-General/Executive Director
Mr. Chair,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am pleased to join you this afternoon as we conclude the 68th session of the CND.
I would like to start by commending all of you for your tireless dedication and effort throughout this week.
When I addressed you at the opening, I spoke about how we are entering a time of change.
And I think it’s fair to say that we’ve seen some of that change play out over the past few days.
Of the six resolutions put forward, all of them were put to a vote.
This reflects an evolving dynamic in our discussions, where reaching consensus is becoming more difficult.
At the same time, the spirit of cooperation that has guided this Commission remains more important than ever.
The CND has long been a place where Member States can always find a way forward together, including when views are divergent.
And it is up to you to ensure that the CND remains a place to find common ground, even amid changing dynamics, for the sake of the families, the young people, and the vulnerable communities facing the consequences of the world drug problem.
Excellencies,
In times of division and uncertainty, we need effective multilateral institutions more than ever.
And the level of engagement at this session has once again confirmed the enduring relevance of this Commission as the global forum for drug policy.
Over 2,000 participants took part, with more than 100 statements made in the general debate.
Over 100 NGOs brought their voices to the table, and I was pleased to engage in an open and honest dialogue with civil society representatives.
And 177 side-events were held, covering a broad range of issues, from the growing threat posed by synthetic drugs, to adapting national drug policies, investing in prevention, and much more.
We had 32 exhibitions showcasing what countries are doing to promote healthier, safer communities.
We also saw some important decisions.
Five new psychoactive substances and one medicine were placed under international control, an important step to protect public health.
You assessed progress on the pledges made at last year’s session, reflecting your determination to turn commitment into results.
And you passed resolutions on important issues, including prevention for children, dismantling synthetic labs, treatment for stimulant use disorders, the environment, alternative development, and strengthening the global drug control system.
This proves that the CND can still produce results.
Excellencies,
As this session draws to a close, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude.
I would like to thank Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran for chairing this session with tact and diplomacy, and Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan for skillfully leading the Committee of the Whole.
And I would like to thank all of you for your contributions and your resolve.
I am very proud that our Office managed to successfully support this session of the CND despite the immense challenges posed by the regular budget crisis.
And I would like to thank my UNOV/UNODC team, the staff of the Secretariat, conference management services, translators, interpreters, security personnel, and everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this session possible.
UNODC is committed to supporting Member States in their efforts to address the world drug problem, and we stand ready to assist in implementing the decisions taken at this session.
And we will continue to count on your support for our work.
I spoke during the opening session about the funding challenges facing UNODC, and I am pleased to say that throughout this week, we have received very positive signals from our partners about support for our activities.
And our Office is moving forward with renewed energy and determination, to deliver the impact and value that you need from us.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In these challenging times, the CND must remain the central global platform for united action on drug challenges.
The evolution of the world drug problem means that we need to redouble efforts, commitment, and cooperation.
UNODC will continue to work for a healthier and safer world, guided by the decisions of Member States.
Thank you, and I wish you all a safe journey home.
