Modernisation, stagnation or roll-back

Global drug trends show fast developing markets and diverging responses of countries trying to effectively address the emerging challenges. On the one hand are countries that stick to a traditional approaches focussing on a ‘drug free society’ while other countries (many of them in Europe) have embraced approaches that put more emphasis on demand/harm reduction via health and education. A growing number of countries is opening up for modernisation of their policies and look for inspiration and collaborations abroad.

An example of the latter development is found in Central Asia. The session will provide insight in the current state of play and on a number of trends in the region and will highlight some recent trends in modernisation of drug policies and services towards balanced, effective and inclusive drug policies and services.