5th Civil Society Hearing (UNGASS)

The UN General Assembly will hold a Special Session (UNGASS) on drugs from 19-22 April, 2016. On May 7, 2015, the President of the General Assembly, in cooperation with the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), will hold a High Level Thematic Debate in support of process towards the 2016 special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem with Member States and other relevant stakeholders. The High Level Thematic Debate will contribute to the ongoing General Assembly 2016 special session preparatory process discussions led by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. According to the Concept Note for the event, one of two panel discussions will focus on the importance for Member States of implementing a multi-dimensional and multi-stakeholder approach in addressing the world drug problem, with the following questions to guide the panel discussion:

The UN General Assembly will hold a Special Session (UNGASS) on Drugs.

1. What approaches are being followed to facilitate a multi-dimensional approach, covering the health, social, human rights, economic, justice and security fields?
2. What coordination mechanisms exist at national level; which departments/actors are involved; and what are the challenges they face?
3. What kind of cooperation, if any, exists between Governments and other stakeholders, including the non-governmental organizations, the scientific community, youth, the private sector; and what lessons could be shared? 

To support member states in this discussion, the Civil Society Task Force convened by the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs and the NY Committee on Drugs will hold the 5th Civil Society Hearing in preparation for the High Level Thematic Debate.

The Civil Society Hearing will consist of two panels:

1. The first session will feature 4-5 civil society representatives who will share their knowledge and experience in the health, social, human rights, economic, justice and security fields.
2. The second session will discuss a) the role and function of the Civil Society Task Force, and b) how it can help facilitate cooperation with Governments and the UN System, including the non-governmental organizations, the scientific community, youth, and the private sector; including lessons learned and suggestions for ideas for the future, especially in the leadup to UNGASS.

Each panel discussion will be followed by a Question & Answer Session.