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With UNODC's support, farmers in regions like Myanmar, Peru, and Afghanistan are shifting from illicit crops to coffee cultivation, promoting sustainable development and economic stability.

Organized crime steals, corrupts and kills. It’s time we pull together to push back. International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime calls for united global action. The devastating impact of organized crime threatens lives, destabilizes communities and hinders economic and social development. But despite these challenges, there is hope. This day serves as a rallying point for action, demonstrating that collective efforts — by governments, the private sector, civil society and individuals — can achieve real change. #StopOrganizedCrime

The global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide. Central to addressing this challenge is the imperative to adopt a scientific evidence-based approach that prioritizes prevention and treatment. This year’s recognizes that effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use.

Illicit drug markets continue to expand and harms caused by drug trafficking and illicit drug economies are contributing to many threats, from instability and violence to environmental devastation. On 14-15 March in Vienna the high-level segment of the (CND) will hold the 2024 on the implementation of all international drug policy commitments and its . CND analyzes the global drug situation, considering the interrelated issues of prevention of drug abuse, rehabilitation of drug users and supply and trafficking of illicit drugs.

The world drug problem is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Many people who use drugs face stigma and discrimination, which can further harm their physical and mental health and prevent them from accessing much needed help. The focus of this year’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is to stop the stigma and discrimination by leading with compassion and treat people who use drugs with empathy, as well as by promoting respect in language and attitudes. The campaign also seeks to offer alternatives to punishment and to prioritize prevention.

The (INCB) is launching its with a special chapter on the trend towards the legalization of the non-medical use of cannabis. In the report, INCB highlights that the non-medical use of cannabis contravenes the , which classifies cannabis as a highly addictive substance. Taking a detailed look at this trend throughout a small number of countries, INCB notes that cannabis legalization can cause many negative health effects, particularly among young people.

The “What Were You Wearing?” art exhibit at the United Nations invites observers to see the outfits worn by sexual assault survivors at the time of their attack, confronting and refuting the implicit victim blaming in that question. Featuring contributions by survivors, including Paris Hilton, as well as the United Nations Deputy Secretary General and other officials, this video shows how the campaign by Rise and the Spotlight Initiative shifts blame for sexual assault to where it belongs: squarely on the perpetrators.

Social media influencers are glamourizing the use of cannabis, heroin and other controlled substances, and governments and companies need to do more to stop these kinds of messages being spread on popular platforms, the head of a UN-backed drug control body warned on Thursday. Jagjit Pavadia, the President of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), spoke to Conor Lennon from UN News , which also shows that many potentially harmful drugs are easily available online. Ms. Pavadia began by outlining the scale of the problem, and the danger it poses, particularly to young people and children.

"We're talking about children sometimes, about babies… We're talking about women at very vulnerable ages. We're also talking about men that desperately seek employment and find their hands into criminal gangs that would exploit them for sexual purposes to any other purposes."

Ilias Chatzis heads the team  at . In this episode, he joins podcast host Melissa Fleming to talk about how a man who grew up on a Greek island came to have a burning sense of justice and a crime-fighting career of more than 25 years.

In this conversation, Ilias describes how reports about online abuse of children and sexual predation of women have surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and how criminals are always adapting to new technologies to exploit their victims.

The (26 June) aims at combating misinformation and promotes sharing the facts on drugs — from health risks and solutions to tackle the world drug problem, to evidence-based prevention, treatment, and care. The Observance highlights data from ’s , thus providing science-based, practical solutions to the current global drug problem. COVID-19 has brought unprecedented public awareness on health. A growing sense of global community and solidarity continues to emerge, as does the need to ensure health care for all.

Around 269 million people used drugs worldwide in 2018, 30 per cent more than in 2009, while over 35 million people suffer from drug use disorders, according to the latest . This field has been 'plagued' by misinformation.  The United Nations emphasizes the need to improve understanding of the world drug problem and how better knowledge will foster greater international cooperation for countering its impact on health, governance and security. The of the is being held 12 – 16 April, 2021.

UNESCO is making the general public and art lovers aware of the devastation of the history and identity of peoples wreaked by the illicit trade in cultural goods, which is estimated to be worth nearly $10 billion each year. As shown by , the looting of archaeological sites, in some cases, is highly organized and a major source of financing for criminal and terrorist organizations. The campaign marks the 50th anniversary of the . 

Due to COVID-19, the will take place on 12-16 October in a hybrid/in-person format. As the world marks the , the Conference is an opportunity to improve the capacity of States Parties to combat transnational organized crime. Help us mark this milestone and learn about the tools offered in the fight against organized crime and their direct impact on peoples' lives. Hear how peace and justice matter in the lives of thousands across the globe.

In this episode, Awake at Night host Melissa Fleming speaks with Neil Walsh, Chief of Cybercrime and Anti-Money Laundering fo

The field of addressing the world drug problem is 'plagued' by misinformation of many kinds. In 2020, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking emphasizes the need to improve the understanding of the world drug problem. The theme “Better Knowledge for Better Care”, embodies how better knowledge will foster greater international cooperation for countering its impact on health, governance and security. encourages individuals, non-profit organizations, the private sector and Member States to use their to get involved in its social media campaign.