Views, positions and objectives of Mexico and like-minded countries to tackle the world drug problem

The Mexican presidency of the 61st Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) was charged to pilot the preparation process of the Ministerial Segment held in March 2019, which in accordance with resolution 60/1 of the CND was conveyed for taking stock of the implementation of the commitments made to jointly address and counter the world drug problem, in the light of the 2019 target date established in the Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem adopted in 2009.

The task of guiding the Commission through the preparation process proved to be a challenging one: in addition to the regular internal queries faced by States, there were a number of events at the international level, including within the United Nations, that greatly conditioned that process. The traditional role and leadership played by Mexico in the international discussions of all issues related to drugs was also a driver. And notwithstanding the different expectations or any shortfalls, the basis for the work of the UN related all issues related to drugs were set at that opportunity.

This presentation will revisit the Mexican chairmanship of the 61st session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, in particular the preparatory process of the Ministerial Segment of the 62 CND, taking into consideration the evolution of the vision and priorities of Mexico during the past decade, and will focus on its priorities for the next ten years. It will also address the interactions with other like-minded countries and other actors.