1. The 65th session of the United Nations (UN) Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) was held in Vienna, Austria from 14 to 18 March 2022. Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information and Second Minister for Home Affairs, led Singapore’s delegation comprising officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
2. The CND is the primary drug policy making body of the United Nations (UN). The CND meets annually to review and analyse the global drug situation, develop strategies on international drug control, and recommend measures for governments to address the world drug problem. It is an important platform to foster international dialogue on this issue.
3. At the 65th Session, Minister Teo delivered Singapore’s national statement which outlined our effective and multi-pronged harm prevention strategy. She also highlighted Singapore’s bid for CND membership for the term 2024 to 2027 and how we could contribute to supporting the work of the CND.[1]
4. Side events were held during the CND to provide a platform for delegations to exchange views, experiences and best practices. CNB organised a side event titled “Preventive Drug Education: Adapting to the COVID-19 Pandemic” featuring speakers from CNB, National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA), the Philippines Department of Health and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this event was held virtually; more details are at Annex.
5. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) with Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council also participated in the CND. The Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA) attended the CND and organised the following two side events with other NGOs:
a. “Understanding the Struggles and Successes of Female Substance Abusers in their Recovery Journey” – this provided the platform for participants to discuss the challenges faced by female drug abusers in their recovery journey, and the important role played by the community to help them stay drug-free.
b. “The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on Drug Trafficking and Social Impact in the South East Asia” – SANA shared on the adaptation of its substance abuse prevention and recovery efforts, for the COVID-19 pandemic.
6. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Youth Forum is an annual event held at the sidelines of the CND where youths from around the world gather to exchange views on drug control policies and develop a joint statement that would be delivered to global policy makers at the CND. Ms Francine Tan represented Singapore as a youth participant at this year’s Youth Forum. Francine is currently pursuing a Diploma in Banking and Finance at Nanyang Polytechnic and is actively involved in CNB’s Anti-Drug Advocacy Programme.
[1] Singapore is part of the Asia and Pacific Group (APG) at the UN and there are 7 APG seats available for the term 2024-2027.
Annex - Virtual Side Event "Preventive Drug Education: Adapting to the COVID-19 Pandemic" at the 65th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs
