The 62nd session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs started on March 18 in Vienna, Austria. A specific focus of the session will be on developing an action plan as a response to the global drug problem, as well as the topic of cannabis regulation adjustments.

Representatives from the National Police of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control were among the Ukrainian delegation, which was led by Serhii Shum, Director of the State Agency “Center for Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Monitoring of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine”.

The 62nd Session’s meetings cover a wide range of topics, namely:

• the establishment of international cooperation with the goal of developing and implementing a comprehensive and balanced strategy as a response to the global drug problem;
• the implementation of the World Health Organization’s recommendations on changes to the control of cannabis and related substances in line with the provisions of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, as well as the World Health Organization’s recommendation to add new psychoactive substances to Schedule I of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances;
• the implementation of the Political Declaration and Action Plan on International Cooperation Towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy as Response to the Global Drug Problem: (a) demand reduction and related measures; (b) supply reduction and related measures; and (c) countering money laundering and strengthening law enforcement cooperation for stronger international cooperation;
• 4. follow-up to the special session of the General Assembly on the global drug problem held in 2016, which included seven subject areas outlined in the final document;
• 5. cross-agency cooperation and coordination of efforts as a response to the global drug problem;
• 6. contribution of the Commission to the Economic and Social Council’s activities in accordance with General Assembly Resolution 68/1, including the implementation, monitoring, and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Parallel to the main session, the Ukrainian delegation will have a discussion on the topic of new psychoactive substances in Ukraine on March 21. Panelists will elaborate on the current landscape of new psychoactive substances in Ukraine, as well as major steps to prevent their spread and minimize demand and supply. The outcomes of collaborative efforts with foreign organizations will be highlighted.