Opening session of the 69th Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, Austria
Vienna (Austria), 9 March 2026 — The 69th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) opened today in Vienna, bringing together over 2200 representatives from Member States, UN leaders and international partners to address the evolving world drug problem and strengthen multilateral cooperation.
“No country can tackle the world drug problem alone,” said H.E. Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan of Armenia, Chair of the Commission at the opening of its 69th session, emphasizing the need for close cooperation among Member States, civil society, the scientific community and the private sector. He urged all stakeholders to let “the spirit of partnership, cooperation and solidarity” guide their work throughout the week.
“The international community remains committed to addressing the world drug problem, and Vienna remains the place where the world comes together to confront it,” said UNODC Acting Executive Director John Brandolino, warning that illicit markets are evolving at unprecedented speed. UNODC is now monitoring more than 1,400 new psychoactive substances, with 726 detected in 2024 alone — the highest annual figure ever recorded — alongside record cocaine production and increasingly sophisticated trafficking methods.
UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) President Lok Bahadur Thapa cautioned that the world drug problem was becoming “more complex and more dangerous,” intersecting with health, human rights, justice, security and sustainable development. As ECOSOC marks its 80th anniversary, he called for coordinated, transformative action.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the human cost of the world drug problem, with 64 million people living with drug use disorders worldwide, yet access to prevention, treatment and harm reduction remained limited. He urged countries to adopt balanced, evidence-based policies while ensuring access to essential controlled medicines.
International Narcotics Control Board President Sevil Atasoy highlighted the strength of the international drug control system, noting its success in preventing the diversion of narcotic drugs and precursors, while emphasizing that consistent and predictable funding was crucial to protect its treaty-mandated functions.
Following the opening segment, the General Debate began with high-level statements from regional group chairs and national delegations. Speakers discussed progress in implementing international drug policy commitments and shared national experiences and priorities.
In his address, the President of Colombia, H.E. Gustavo Petro, called for continued reflection on global approaches to addressing the world drug problem. He highlighted the challenges faced by producer countries and emphasized, among others, the importance of addressing socio-economic drivers of illicit crop cultivation, supporting alternative development and targeting transnational criminal networks, while reiterating the principle of common and shared responsibility.
Throughout the session, the Commission will deliberate on draft resolutions covering various issues, including prevention of equipment diversion, supply chain integrity, alternative development, early warning systems and public health responses.
Alongside plenary proceedings, 166 side events and 23 exhibitions will provide additional platforms for dialogue among governments, experts, youth representatives and civil society organizations.
The CND is the policymaking body of the United Nations, with primary responsibility for drug control and other drug-related matters. It is responsible for monitoring the world drug situation, developing evidence-based drug control strategies and recommending measures to address the world drug problem.
