Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF) made a strong and strategic impact at the 68th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), held in Vienna, Austria, the week of March 10th. This year’s outcomes included the launch of two major global initiatives—the Global Youth Declaration and the Trauma & Substance Use Disorder Action Force Initiative (TASFI). By leading our Global Task Force and supporting members from 15 countries, DFAF helped elevate the voice of prevention, treatment, and recovery in high-level UN dialogues and side events, ensuring that science-based strategies and community-driven solutions remained at the forefront of global drug policy discussions.

Expanding Influence Through UN ECOSOC Status

As an NGO with Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), DFAF has the opportunity to actively contribute to shaping global drug policy. This prestigious status allows DFAF to organize and participate in official side events and dialogues during the CND, the UN’s central policymaking body on narcotic drugs and a key part of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Side events serve as an opportunity to open discussion on current drug policy successes and challenges and also allow for collaboration across regions. 2025 saw a 14.3% increase in the number of side events hosted or co-hosted by members of the Global Taks Force. This trend enables us to keep prevention, treatment, and recovery at the forefront of drug policy discussion.

Side Event Spotlight: Empowering the Next Generation

At this year’s CND, DFAF hosted a dynamic side event titled “Engaging the Next Generation in Global Drug Prevention, Recovery, and Policy.” Led by youth and young professionals, the event showcased the power of youth leadership in shaping effective and sustainable drug policies. The event marked the launch of the Global Youth Declaration, developed from over 1,100 youth survey responses across 64 countries. The Declaration outlines ten key actions to integrate youth voices into global drug demand reduction strategies.

Attendees included representatives from 18 countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistan, China, Nigeria, Macau, Belgium, Lebanon, France, Bosnia, the Philippines, Argentina, Brazil, India, Bangladesh, Sweden, and the United States—demonstrating the global momentum for youth engagement.

New Initiative Launch: Trauma & SUD Action Force Initiative (TASFI)

In partnership with the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD), DFAF co-hosted the side event “The Missing Link: Trauma-Informed Guidelines to Transform Substance Use Disorder Practices.” This well-attended session launched TSAFI (The Trauma & Substance Use Disorder Action Force Initiative)—a new global effort to challenge perceptions around trauma and embed trauma-informed approaches into prevention, treatment, and recovery programs.

Watch the event recording below to learn more about this vital initiative and its potential to transform the field of prevention and substance use disorder services.

In addition to these two innovative and well attended side events, DFAF partnered with global NGOs and governments on nine other side events focusing on recovery, treatment, youth empowerment, regional and international partnerships, and the environmental impacts of substance use.

High-Level Luncheon and Global Launch

Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF), in partnership with the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) and the Recovered Users Network (RUN), proudly hosted a special luncheon for Member States titled “Paths to Progress: Advancing Recovery, Youth Engagement, and Trauma-Informed Strategies.” This impactful gathering brought together distinguished leaders and delegates from 20 countries, including Venezuela, Mexico, Italy, Austria, Singapore, the Philippines, Argentina, Germany, Croatia, Pakistan, Uganda, Lebanon, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Portugal, the Netherlands, Hungary, and the United States.

The event served as the official launch of the Global Recovery Families Alliance, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to uniting families and communities around the world in support of sustainable recovery solutions. Key discussions throughout the luncheon underscored the pivotal role of youth in prevention and the growing need for trauma-informed, gender-sensitive approaches in drug demand reduction strategies.

We invite you to take a moment to watch the powerful closing remarks delivered by our Executive Director, Amy Ronshausen, which encapsulate the heart and vision of this global movement.

 

 

 

Building Global Capacity Through the Global Task Force

DFAF awarded travel grants to over 20 members of our Global Task Force (GTF) from 15 countries. DFAF’s leadership in this growing international network ensures that NGOs advocating for science-based prevention, treatment, and recovery remain at the forefront of the global conversation on drug policy.

Before the official start of CND, DFAF hosted a full-day training session for the Global Task Force. This high-energy day brought together regional insights, emerging trends, and shared challenges to develop actionable strategies for a drug-free future. Special thanks to our partners—Carlton Hall, Dave Closson, and Stephanie Strutner—for helping turn these sessions into a powerful strategic plan.

We are incredibly proud and inspired by our members and are thrilled that all of them either hosted or presented at side events during this year’s CND!

 

 

 

Informal Dialogue Sessions: Holding Agencies Accountable

At CND, the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC) facilitates informal dialogue sessions between civil society and key UN agencies including the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), among others.

The informal dialogues give NGOs the opportunity to raise important issues to these governing bodies and key stakeholders. Traditionally this process has been dominated by harm reduction and legalization. In 2025, we increased our engagement in the Informal Dialogues process at CND by submitting 33 questions—up from 24 in 2024—reflecting a 37.5% increase and a stronger presence in shaping the conversation.

During the informal dialogue session with OHCHR and UNAIDS, Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF) had the privilege of representing our colleagues and raised two critical advocacy points:

  • To UNAIDS: In January 2025, over 120 NGOs sent a letter highlighting the underrepresentation of prevention, treatment, and recovery NGOs in the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB). DFAF asked for an update on the status of the letter, plans for increased inclusivity, and the possibility of a meeting to explore collaboration.
  • To OHCHR: In December 2024, more than 70 NGOs urged OHCHR to include these same organizations in human rights discussions on drug policy. DFAF followed up on the letter’s status, called for action to integrate these perspectives, and proposed a formal consultation.

 

Why It Matters: Sustaining Our Global Voice

Our international advocacy is more critical than ever. Without continued engagement, years of progress risk being reversed by powerful movements promoting drug legalization. DFAF is committed to championing public health, science-based prevention, and recovery-centered policies on the global stage.

Due to a national stop work order and halted funding, our international initiatives face major setbacks.

You Can Make a Difference

We need your help to keep prevention, treatment, and recovery at the heart of global drug policy. Please click the Donate button below to support our international mission today.

Together, we can build a healthier, drug-free future for all.