65th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs | Agenda Item 9: Contributions by the Commission to the work of the Economic and Social Council
As delivered by Narcotics Officer Penny Fields
Vienna, Austria, March 17, 2022
The United States welcomes efforts by the Economic and Social Council to help coordinate and de-conflict the work of the UN system and its specialized agencies.
The issues under discussion at this Commission clearly demonstrate the interconnectedness of the work of many UN bodies.
Efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to effectively address the world drug problem are complementary and mutually reinforcing.
In its role as the primary international policymaking body on drugs, we call on the CND to continue to develop new and creative ways to involve other UN bodies in its work, such as through expert panels, briefings to the Commission, or side events.
In this regard, the CND was successful in increasing cohesion across UN bodies during its October intersessional, focused on cross cutting issues on the linkages between drug trafficking and other forms of crime, including organized crime, corruption, money laundering, cybercrime, trafficking in firearms/persons, and terrorism.
We commend the CND for its commitment to ensuring the COVID-19 pandemic did not halt the important work of this body and note the adoption of hybrid modalities has facilitated engagement from delegates, experts, and others for whom participation might not otherwise have been feasible.
Civil society representatives, including those from the scientific and medical community, who provide training and technical assistance to local communities, also have important knowledge, expertise, and information to share with Member States.
Further, the private sector too can play a valuable role in helping Member States advance the goals and objectives of the UN drug conventions.
We encourage the CND to continue to develop new ways to enhance appropriately their involvement in its work.