On 11 March 2025, SCO Deputy Secretary-General Piao Yangfan attended the 68thSession of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (UNCND) in Vienna, Austria.
She stressed that the drug problem threatens the security and sustainable development of all countries and, therefore, requires the international community to undertake coordinated efforts towards a comprehensive solution. The SCO is in favour of preserving the existing international anti-drug system and is against legalising the use of narcotic drugs for non-medical purposes. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation recognises the central coordinating role of the United Nations and has held nine high-level events jointly with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
Piao Yangfan reminded the audience that the 2024 SCO Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, approved a revamped Anti-Drug Strategy and a relevant plan of action, which will strengthen the SCO’s anti-drug cooperation, including the fight against the use of information and communications technologies to commit crimes and against trafficking in new psychotropic substances.
She emphasised that the SCO will continue to work for a drug-free society, protect human health and dignity, create a peaceful, safe and flourishing environment, and contribute to the worldwide fight against the drug threat.