India Assumes Leadership of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs for the First Time
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Vienna, Dec 7 (NationPress) India has been appointed to lead the 68th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), as announced by the Indian Embassy in Austria on Friday.
Ambassador Shambhu S Kumaran, who serves as India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, has officially taken on the role of Chairperson of this esteemed UN forum.
The CND acts as the main policy-making entity of the United Nations concerning drug-related issues.
It is responsible for monitoring worldwide drug trends, assisting member nations in developing balanced policies, and supervising the execution of significant international drug conventions.
The CND operates as one of the functional commissions under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and serves as a Governing Body for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which is based in Vienna.
In a message shared on X, the Embassy noted, "India has been appointed to Chair the 68th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). Shambhu Kumaran officially began his role as Chair today. This marks the first occasion that India has been designated to lead this significant UN entity."
This designation exemplifies India's expanding leadership role on the international stage and its dedication to tackling global challenges through established multilateral frameworks, as indicated in the statement.
As the Chair, India will be tasked with representing the interests of the Global South while promoting the perspectives and needs of developing nations in global discussions.
India aims to build upon the ongoing initiatives of the CND to encourage dialogue and comprehension regarding drug policy matters, particularly by aligning the concerns of emerging economies with the priorities of developed nations to foster comprehensive and balanced strategies for this critical issue.
In the upcoming year, the CND's agenda is anticipated to emphasize enhancing international cooperation to tackle pressing issues such as illicit drug trafficking, substance abuse, and their related social and health ramifications, as well as the accessibility of internationally controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes. By prioritizing multilateral dialogue and evidence-based solutions, India will continue collaborating with other CND member states to promote equitable, inclusive, and sustainable strategies on all these matters, the statement concluded.
