From 13 to 17 March 2023, civil society organizations and UN member states will gather in Vienna – and in virtual events – for the annual UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), hosted by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and chaired by the Colombian Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna.  Alongside taking decisions on which substances to place under international control, delegates will negotiate a series of resolutions on drug-related topics including synthetic drugs, alternative development, the use of drones in counter-narcotics operations, and the importance of information sharing.  They will also be negotiating a plan of action for an upcoming ‘mid-term review’ of drug policy scheduled to take place under the CND in 2024.

The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) will participate in the following events during the week, to highlight our latest research and activities connected to drug trafficking and drug policies.

Event: Understanding the drug trafficking threat along the southern route: special focus on the southern and eastern Africa region

Date: Tuesday 14 March | 14:10-15:00 (CEST/Vienna)

Sponsors: United Kingdom | Co-sponsors: UNODC, South Africa, Kenya, European Union, USA, Japan, GI-TOC

This side event, organized by the UK government, will present the latest perspectives on drug trafficking along the southern route, including the current and upcoming work being carried out by the UNODC Global Programme on Criminal Network Disruption and its Country Office in Mozambique in relation to the trafficking of narcotics to and through the countries along the southern route, with a focus on southern and eastern Africa.  GI-TOC will contribute with a presentation on our latest research, and the launch of the East and Southern Africa Commission on Drugs (ESCAD), which took place in February 2023 under the leadership of former President Motlanthe of South Africa.

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Event: The future of illicit economies in Afghanistan

Date: Thursday 16 March | 13:00-13:50 (CEST/Vienna)

Sponsors: UNODC Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs | Co-sponsors: GI-TOC, London School of Economics and Political Science and University of Birmingham

This event will present cutting edge policy and academic analysis of illicit economies in Afghanistan, their past, present and future. It draws on multidisciplinary approaches to examine the country and its people and the continued multiple interrelated challenges, including women’s rights, the drugs economies and human trafficking and exploitation. This event is based on research conducted by the UNODC Division of Policy Analysis and Public Affairs, as well as work undertaken as part of the Serious Organized Crime Anti-Corruption Evidence Project (SOC ACE) and published through the London School of Economics Press (LSE Press) in a high profile new book, titled, Afghanistan, Long War, Forgotten Peace.

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Event: Exploring the dynamics of drug markets in contemporary times

Date: Friday 17 March | 09:10-10:00 (CEST/Vienna)

Sponsors: International Society for the Study of Drug Policy (ISSDP)

Throughout modern times, drug markets have been characterized by abrupt and unanticipated changes. This session will draw together a panel of drug policy scholars to explore recent developments in the understanding of the dynamics of national (and regional) drug markets. The panel will identify similarities and differences in market trends and factors contributing towards changing trends and will conclude by discussing implications for policy makers and member states including how to monitor and keep on top of trends and optimal policy responses in producer and consumer nations.

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