The Global Task Force continues to support international collaboration through education, advocacy, and information sharing. This update highlights upcoming events and opportunities for engagement, including the VNGOC Extraordinary General Assembly, World Resiliency Week 2026, the UNODC World Drug Day Special Event and launch of the 2026 World Drug Report, as well as new research relevant to the global prevention and drug policy community.

VNGOC Extraordinary General Assembly Scheduled for 25 June

For those who are members of the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC), please note that an Extraordinary General Assembly (AGM) will take place on 25 June 2026, at 2:00 PM CEST (Vienna time). The meeting will be held virtually as well in person at the VIC (C0439).

Following legal consultation and subsequent discussions, the Board has decided to complete the election process that was originally scheduled during the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in March 2026. Those originally nominated have confirmed their continued interest in serving. As a result, the election will proceed using the same candidate slate that was circulated prior to the March AGM, with no changes anticipated.

Click the below links to access the voting procedures, candidates, and registration link:

Upcoming Events

Youth-Led Webinar Series

22 June 2026 at 8 AM EDT / 2 PM CEST

Drug Free America Foundation’s Young Professionals Advisory Board (YPAB) and the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) have teamed up to host a six-month youth-led webinar series. Featured topics include youth voices in prevention, suicide and substance use prevention, AI and prevention, as well as mental health, trauma, and self-care.

This series begins on 22 June at 8 AM EDT / 2 PM CEST.

Register here.

UNODC to Launch 2026 World Drug Report on World Drug Day

26 June 2026

On June 26, 2026, the Chair of the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) will host a special hybrid event to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) and officially launch the 2026 UNODC World Drug Report.

The event, titled “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” will bring together representatives from Member States, the United Nations system, civil society, and other stakeholders to discuss evolving drug-related challenges and share innovative, evidence-based responses.

Opening remarks will be delivered by H.E. Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan, Chair of the 69th Session of the CND, and Ms. Monica Kathina Juma, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

A key highlight of the event will be the presentation of the 2026 World Drug Report, which provides the latest analysis of global drug market trends, emerging challenges, and developments shaping international drug policy. The event will offer an important opportunity for dialogue on current priorities and effective responses to the world drug problem.

The Special Event will be held in a hybrid format, allowing participation both in Vienna and online.

Stay tuned here.

Save the Date: World Resiliency Week 2026

Launches 26 June 2026

Mark your calendars! World Resiliency Week 2026 kicks off on June 26, bringing communities together to celebrate and strengthen resilience.

This year’s theme, “The Pulse of Resilience: Fall. Feel. Rise.”, reflects the reality of resilience as a journey. We all experience challenges (Fall), acknowledge and process our emotions (Feel), and find the strength to move forward (Rise).

Developed with youth voices at the center, this year’s theme emphasizes authenticity, connection, and the real-life experiences that shape resilience.

Organizers are currently finalizing a Partner and Ambassador Toolkit, which will include ready-to-use social media assets, daily engagement prompts, customizable messaging, and simple ways for organizations and communities to participate throughout the week.

Stay tuned for additional details and opportunities to get involved in this global celebration of resilience.

Ask the Expert LIVE Session

7 July 2026 at 10 AM CEST

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has launched a new Security Document Examination module within its Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs, developed in collaboration with UNODC Laboratory and Scientific Services.

Synthetic drug trafficking networks frequently rely on forged, altered, or fraudulently obtained documents to conceal identities, move goods across borders, and facilitate criminal operations. This new module is designed to help law enforcement, border control authorities, and forensic experts detect and respond to document fraud linked to synthetic drug trafficking.

The module includes:

  • Guidance on identifying forged and altered documents and examining security features;
  • Standard operating procedures and forensic approaches to document analysis;
  • E-learning courses, alert systems, and information-sharing platforms;
  • International reference tools and operational resources for frontline screening and forensic examination.

To introduce the new module, UNODC will host a virtual demonstration and “Ask the Expert LIVE” session on July 7, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. Vienna time. During the session, UNODC Scientific Affairs Officer Anca Chifert will discuss current document fraud trends, emerging challenges, and resources available through UNODC.

Learn more and register here.

Fourth Wave Foundation – Children Matter Forum

12 – 14 November 2026 in Cochin, Kerala, India

Fourth Wave Foundation is hosting the Children Matter Forum on right to a drug-free childhood in Cochin, Kerala, India from 12 to 14 November 2026.

Learn more and register here.

New Research