International Narcotics Control Board consults with Member States on challenges and opportunities in international drug control cooperation
VIENNA, 24 November (UN Information Service) - During the 144 th session of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), the Board held consultations with Member States on challenges and opportunities relating to international cooperation in drug control.
Opening the consultation, Prof. Sevil Atasoy, INCB President, highlighted that the "international drug control framework has been vital in facilitating international trade in controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes while preventing trafficking and diversion". At the same time, challenges were posed by the proliferation of synthetic drugs, the lack of or insufficient availability in some countries and regions, and discrepancies among States with regard to the implementation of certain aspects of the drug control conventions. The First Vice-President of the Board, Dr. Larissa Razanadimby, and the Second Vice-President of the Board, Pierre Lapaque, spoke in depth about INCB support to Member States to facilitate international cooperation in addressing the world drug problem and shared INCB's recommendations. Representatives of 61 Permanent Missions to the United Nations in Vienna and three Permanent Observers attended the consultation and had the opportunity to share their perspectives. The thematic chapter of the INCB Annual Report for 2025 will focus on international cooperation in drug control.
During the session, the Board also held consultations with the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Ghada Waly, thanking her for her support and cooperation during her tenure.
On the margins of the session, the President of the Board formalized the extension of the Board's cooperation with the Universal Postal Union and the Oceania Customs Organisation. Also on the margins of the session, Prof. Sawitri Assanangkornchai, Member of the Board, made a presentation at a webinar organized by the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care, with which the Board had entered into a cooperation agreement in 2024.
The Board was pleased to welcome its new Member, Dr. Emmanuel Luyirika, who was elected by the Economic and Social Council from among candidates nominated by the World Health Organization to fill a vacancy on the Board.
During the session, which was held at the Vienna International Centre from 10 to 21 November, the Board reviewed estimates of licit requirements for controlled substances submitted by Governments, reviewed treaty implementation and finalized its 2025 Annual Report and Precursors Report, which will be published in February 2026.
***
INCB is the independent, quasi-judicial body charged with promoting and monitoring Government compliance with the three international drug control conventions: the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Established by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, the thirteen members of the Board are elected in a personal capacity by the Economic and Social Council for terms of five years.
* *** *
For further information, please contact:
INCB Secretariat
Tel.: (+43-1) 26060-4163
Email: incb.secretariat[at]un.org
www.incb.org