On 10 March 2025, Vienna, Austria, hosted the ninth high-level joint event titled The United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation for Improving Expertise to Suppress Drug Trafficking Through Use of the Internet, held on the sidelines of the 68th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs and organised by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
Speakers included SCO Deputy Secretary-General Piao Yangfan, Oliver Stolpe, UNODC Regional Representative for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan, and Deputy Secretary-General of the China National Narcotics Control Commission Shan Yehua, representing the current SCO presidingstate.
Heads of delegations from SCO member states presented reports outlining national drug control measures. The discussions reaffirmed the SCO’s commitment to maintaining the existing international drug control system, which is based on three key UN conventions, and upholding the UN’s coordinating role in addressing global drug challenges.
The partnership between the SCO and UNODC was recognised as an important and longstanding tradition, contributing to the shared goal of a drug-free world.
SCO Deputy Secretary-General Piao Yanfan emphasised that, under the updated SCO Anti-Drug Strategy, member states will continue to play an active role in global anti-drug efforts.She stressed the need for stronger collaboration among countries, regional and international organisations, including through the use of modern technologies.
Our goal is clear: to build a drug-free society, safeguard people’s health and dignity, and foster a peaceful, safe and prosperous environment,
Piao Yangfan stated.
Participants agreed to continue holding joint events on the sidelines of future UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs sessions.