22 Nov

Focus on the Rights of Children whose Caregivers Misuse Alcohol/Drugs

Focus on the Rights of Children whose Caregivers Misuse Alcohol or Other Drugs – 22nd of November 2021, 15:00 – 16:30 CET, via Zoom (language: English)

In the field of addiction services, we believe there is a major gap when it comes to the situation of children whose caregivers misuse drugs or alcohol. Following the World Children’s Day on 20 November, Dianova organizes a seminar aimed at reflecting on these issues to promote children’s welfare. Click here to register

18 Nov

UNODC’s Family First Program – Webinar for Civil Society

UNODC’s Family First Program – Webinar for Civil Society – 18 nov. 2021 01:00 PM, in Vienna

Learn more about drug use prevention in family settings in this webinar for civil society. Organised by VNGOC together with UNODC Civil Society Unit and UNODC Prevention Treatment and Rehabilitation Section.

19 Oct

CND Intersessional Meeting

CND Intersessional meeting – Thematic session on the implementation of all international drug policy commitments following up to the 2019 Ministerial Declaration – 19-21 October 2021, Vienna, Austria

The CND’s Autumn 2021 thematic sessions will focus on issues related to the power and resources of criminalized networks and their use of technology. For each thematic segment up to 5 NGOs will have the possibility to present their work and positioning.

13 Oct

Health and Hepatitis Care in Substance Users

9th International Conference on health and hepatitis care in substance users – hybrid format ( in Sidney, Australia, and Online), 13-15 October 2021

As the global pandemic continues in many countries across the world, people who use drugs face more marginalisation and stigma than ever before. For this reason, the 2021 INHSU Conference is believed to be one of the most important to be hold to date. The 9th International Conference on Health and Hepatitis Care in Substance Users will take place in a hybrid format: in Sidney and online.

11 Oct

44th WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence

World Health Organization – forty-fourth Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD), 11-15 October 2021. 

WHO Expert Committee meetings are closed to the public.  However, individuals or representatives of public and private institutions and civil society who wish to present information to committee members on issues related to the meeting agenda, are invited to register their interest to attend a virtual Information Session.

21 Sep

UN General Assembly

76th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (21-27 September 2021)

Theme: “Building resilience through hope – to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people and revitalize the United Nations”.

The practical arrangements for the conduct of the general debate and the high-level meetings of the General Assembly will be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the holding of meetings and how they are conducted, and the number of attendees. All changes will be reflected in the UN Journal and on the Meetings schedule.

31 Aug

International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day 2021 – 31 August 2021

The International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event that aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.

25 Aug

YHO Advocacy Summer School 2021

Invitation to YHO Advocacy summer School 2021 – 25-27 August, 2021, Ljubljana, Slovenia

YHO, one of the leading organizations that empowers young people to work on Youth Health, is opening a capacity building opportunity for youth health advocates. The Advocacy Summer School 2021 will be held between 25th and 27th of August. The international workshop will take place in Ljubljana, Slovenia and it will be a 3-day interactive event with a practical “how to” approach on tackling advocacy in public health. Invitation toolkit here

09 Aug

Decolonising Drug Policy

Decolonising Drug Policy: The War on Drugs and Denial of Indigenous Right – Webinar, 9 August 2021, 13:00

As a colonial construct, the global drug control regime has undermined the rights of indigenous peoples. This webinar, which will take place on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2021, will shed light on the conflict between the drug control regime and Indigenous rights

22 Jul

Illicit Drugs: Science-Based Policy

Illicit Drugs: Science-Based Policy – Webinar organized by the Platform for Better Preventive Healthcare and the European Parliament – 22 July, 13:00 – 14:30

Recent data shows an increase in the number of Europeans using illicit drugs to overcome daily struggles and challenges. This trend is further enhanced by the fallout of COVID-19 pandemic. Speakers are: MEP Cyrus Engerer (host), Jindrich Voboril, (Head of Institute for Rational Addictions Policy), Antonio Molina (Dianova) and Katrin Prins-Schiffer (European Harm Reduction Network). They will present evidence on how to best prevent future addictions to illicit drugs in Europe – View flyer

15 Jul

Presentation of the World Drug Report 2021 – Africa & the Americas

Presentation & Discussion of the World Drug Report 2021 – Webinar, 15 July, 16:00 CEST (Vienna) – Focus on Africa and the Americas

The VNGOC together with the UNODC Civil Society Unit will be holding two webinars to present and discuss the World Drug Report 2021. The second webinar will focus on Africa and the Americas. Each webinar will comprise welcome remarks, a formal presentation of the report with a respective focus on the different regions by UNODC experts Chloe Carpentier and Thomas Pietschmann, two civil society panelists, and an open question and answer session – Interpretation in Spanish and French. View full agenda

13 Jul

Presentation of the World Drug Report 2021 – Asia & Europe

Presentation & Discussion of the World Drug Report 2021 – Webinar, 13 July, 10:00 CEST (Vienna) – Focus on Asia and Europe

The VNGOC together with the UNODC Civil Society Unit will be holding two webinars to present and discuss the World Drug Report 2021. The first webinar will focus on Asia, Oceania and Europe. Each webinar will comprise welcome remarks, a formal presentation of the report with a respective focus on the different regions by UNODC experts Chloe Carpentier and Thomas Pietschmann, two civil society panelists, and an open question and answer session – Interpretation in Spanish and French. View full agenda

28 Jun

Intergenerational Dialogue in Geneva

Intergenerational Dialogue – People, Planet, Prosperity – Can social mobilization shape the agenda at the local, national, and global levels? – Geneva, June 28, 2021

This Intergenerational Dialogue aims at discussing the role of social mobilization, in developed and developing countries, regarding : (i) the identification and understanding of three current issues (inequalities, gender discriminations, and climate change), and (ii) the pressure on decision-makers at the local or national level, and at the global level, particularly on the UN system. This event is jointly organized by Greycells, association of former international civil servants for development, and other organizations, including Dianova – View programme in English and in French

25 Jun

CND Special Event to Commemorate Word Drug Day

CND Special Event: commemorating the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and launching the World Drug Report – June 25th, 1.30pm to 3.30pm CEST (Vienna), hybrid format (in-person and online)

A special commemorative event of the 64th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, at the occasion of the UN International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, will be held in Vienna, Board-Room D, Vienna International Center and online. During this event,the World Drug Report 2021 will be launched.

22 Jun

Third WHO Forum on Alcohol, Drugs and Addictive Behaviours

Third WHO Forum on Alcohol, Drugs and Addictive Behaviours (FADAB) – Accelerating public health actions and addressing  new challenges during the pandemic / 22-25 June, Virtual, by invitation

The Third FADAB takes place in the context of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic that presents new challenges for public health actions aimed at reducing the health and social burden due to use of alcohol, psychoactive drugs and addictive behaviours. Organized for the 3rd time, the primary goal of FADAB is  to strengthen partnerships and collaboration among public health-oriented organisations, networks and institutions to accelerate and sustain public health actions in a  rapidly changing world. 

16 Jun

Developing Gender-sensitive Addiction Programmes

The Way Forward: Developing Gender Sensitive Addiction Programmes – Webinar, June 16th, 13.30-15.30 CEST

After the publication of our infographic “The Way Forward”, on the barriers women face in accessing and adhering to addiction treatment programmes, and their possible solutions, the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) and Dianova would like to invite you to participate in a follow-up webinar on this issue. Speakers from around the world will help us understand how to practically implement gender-sensitive programmes in the fields of prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and reintegration. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in Spanish and English – view speakers biography: English – Castellano

15 Jun

Promote Civic Space at the WHO and other Fora

Promote civic space at the WHO and other UN bodies and agencies …and defend democratic multilateralism – 15 June, 14:00 – 16:00 CEST

As part of the Medicus Mundi International Network Policy Dialogues 2021 (14-17 June), this session will remind us that, while the need for civil society participation is widely acknowledged, the institutional practices of UN entities’ engagement with communities and civil society is not always consistent with the right to participate. Zoom registration page

28 May

Women, Power, Politics, and the Pandemic

Women, Power, Politics, and the Pandemic: Celebrating Women’s Leadership – 28 May 2021, 17:00 – 18:30 – Geneva Global Health Week

Covid-19 has been a game-changer. While health disparities faced by women and children worldwide have reached a new level of urgency, women’s leadership has shone. Maternal and Infant Health Canada‘s panel discussion, co-organised with the Global Health Centre, sheds light on this global crisis through dynamic and thoughtful discussion among experts in global women’s health and social issues.

28 May

Seminar on the contribution of development to the enjoyment of all human rights

Seminar on the contribution of development to the enjoyment of all human rights – Online, 28 may, from 11:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 17:00 CEST

The  Human Rights Council requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to organize a one-day intersessional seminar on the contribution of development to the enjoyment of all human rights, in order to allow interested parties to identify challenges and share good practices and experiences in this regard. Registration: https://indico.un.org/event/35807/

25 May

Shifting the Paradigm for Gender Equity

Shifting the Paradigm for Gender Equity in Health Innovation: Transforming Research and Development to Better Meet Women’s Needs – 25 May 2021, 14:00 – 15:30

Geneva Global Health Week – Gender equity is often neglected in health research and development. Because of biological, social, and other factors, women can be more severely impacted by certain diseases. However, they have been under-represented in clinical research, which has resulted in limited data on the risks and benefits of their use of health tools and fewer therapeutic options available to them. Join us for a conversation on gender inequities in research and how to empower women to make informed decisions about their health.

24 May

Addressing the Ongoing Violence against Health Care

Addressing the Ongoing Violence against Health Care in Conflict and the COVID-19 Pandemic – 16:00 – 17:30

Geneva Global Week – From 2016 to 2020, there have been more that 4,000 incidents of violence against health facilities and personnel and additional violence was inflicted in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. To date, however, there has been little progress in reducing the levels of violence. The Global Health Centre, Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition and the Swiss Confederation are hosting an in-depth discussion on the status of violence against health care in conflict, particularly in the context of the  pandemic.

20 May

Global Health Governance at the Crossroads

Global Health Governance at the Crossroads: an Introduction to the 74th World Health Assembly – Online discussion – 15:00 – 16:45

Geneva Global Health Week – As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to unfold and tensions rise over limited availability of vaccines, now more than ever the World Health Organization (WHO) finds itself at the centre of fast-moving discussions on the future of global health governance. High-level panels are considering ways to strengthen global pandemic preparedness and response, and more broadly global health security, with a particular emphasis on WHO and other multilateral institutions.

18 May

XXIII RIOD Seminar on Drugs and Cooperation

XXIII Ibero-American Seminar on Drugs and Cooperation by RIOD – Online event held on May 18, 20, 25, 27 and June 1 – from 16:00 to 18:00 GMT+2 (Spanish time)

The 23rd RIOD Seminar aims to reflect on and highlight the need for fair and sustainable drug policies, with particular emphasis on what drug policies are possible in the face of the socio-economic impact of the Covid19 pandemic, all within the framework of the 2030 Agenda, the fulfilment of which is at risk. View programme

17 May

Commission on Science and Technology for Development

24th session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development  (CSTD)- Geneva,  17 to 21 May (in-person and virtual meetings, depending on conditions)

As a subsidiary body of the ECOSOC, the CSTD acts as a forum for strategic planning and provides foresight about critical trends in STI in key sectors of the economy, the environment and society. This session will  will address two priority themes: a) Using science, technology and innovation to close the gap on Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being; and b) Harnessing blockchain for sustainable development: prospects and challenges.

15 Apr

CND Side Event: Drug Policies in Europe

Promoting evidence-based drug policies and interventions enshrined in human rights in Europe – 15 April. 9:00 – 9:50 a.m. CET – Event organized by the Association Proyecto Hombre with the support of the EU, Portugal, Spain, the Council of Europe and the European Civil Society Forum on Drugs. The event will discuss developments in the field of human rights-based drug policies and interventions, from a civil society and policy makers’ perspective.

15 Apr

CND Event/ Prevention & Treatment of Cannabis Problematic Use

Strengthening the Prevention & Treatment of Cannabis Problematic Use – 15 April. 14:10 – 15:00 p.m. CET – Event organized by Dianova International, the EFTC, Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention and ENCOD – This side event will discuss how to prevent and treat cannabis problematic use in a more effective way, focusing on scientific evidence and the needs of addiction professionals.

15 Apr

CND Side Event: Eradicate Barriers Women Face

Way forward – Developing Gender Sensitive Treatment Programmes to Eradicate Barriers for Women – 15^th April, 10:00 – 10:50 am CEST – Organized by the World Federation Against Drugs with the support of Dianova International, Proslavi Oporavak/Celebrate Recovery, and the Women’s Organizations Committee on Alcohol and Drug Issues (WOCAD).

15 Apr

CND Side Event: Curbing Substance Use among Children

Frontliners for Curbing Substance Use among Children/Youth during Covid-19, 15^th April, 10: 00 – 10:50 am CEST – Organized by the Slum Child Foundation with the support of the National Anti-Drug Union and UNODC Civil Society Unit.

14 Apr

CND Side Event: Inequalities & COVID-19

Inequalities Laid Bare: Responding to Challenges of COVID-19 and Beyond – 14th April, 14:10 – 15:00 pm CEST – Online side event organized by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction with the support of Canada, the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, the Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, the Community Addictions Peer Support Association (CAPSA), the HIV Legal Network and the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation.

12 Apr

CND Side Event: Substance Use Stigma & Police

Uncovering Substance Use-related Stigma for Police Service Members and Their Families – 14:10-15:00 CEST – Online side event organized by Canada with the support of Belgium, Honduras, the Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland and Uruguay, with participation from the Community Addictions Peer Support Association (CAPSA) and the UNODC Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section.

09 Apr

Drugs, Public Policies & TCs

Drugs,  Public Policies and TCs in Post-Pandemic Times, 18:00 CEST, 12:00 ET – a webinar presented by S. Taylor, President of the World Federation of Therapeutic Communities and F. Chiosso, FLACT President. Speakers: O. Esculies (Proyecto Hombre), F. Chiosso, J. Kalawski (Organization of American States), E. Saenz (UNODC). Simultaneous translation into Spanish and Portuguese –  View flyer, click on read more to register.

24 Mar

Stigma: Parallel Event at the CSW65

Overcoming stigma and violence against incarcerated and drug using women

Free online event in English and Spanish: 24 March 2021, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm (New York time) – Organized by Dianova, IDPC, WOLA and WHRN. Speakers will discuss the pressing issues faced by these women, with accounts of lived experiences.

Prior registration is required to attend this event: click here

22 Mar

GBV: Parallel Event at the CSW65

Addressing Gender-Based Violence, a Key Element in Gender-Sensitive Addiction Treatment Programs

Free online event in English: Monday 22 March 2021, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm (New York time) or 4:30 to 6:00 pm (Madrid time) – Organized by Dianova, WURN, the NYNGOC and Odyssey House Louisiana, speakers will discuss gender-based violence and how critical it is to address these issues during addiction treatment.

Pre-registration mandatory, click here for step-by-step procedure

09 Feb

Civil Society Webinar on the International Drug Control Conventions

Introducing the International Drug Control Conventions – The Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC) and the UNODC Civil Society Unit are inviting you to a joint webinar, introducing the International Drug Control Conventions and the roles of UNODC, INCB and CND. To ensure a broad engagement the webinar will be held in English with interpretation in Russian and Spanish. We look forward to your participation!

08 Feb

59th Session of the Commission for Social Development – CSocD59

The 59th session of the Commission for Social Development or CSocD59 (the advisory body responsible for the social development pillar of global development) will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Commission’s priority theme is: Socially just transition towards sustainable development: the role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all. This year’s session will take place largely online.

24 Jan

Women and Mental Health under COVID

Women’s mental health needs exacerbated under COVID as they occupy positions in the labor market that have been subjected to severe cuts. Add to this the responsibilities of taking care of out-of-school children, household, and the older generation and there is no time left for taking care of their own needs. How are civil society organizations helping to meet these challenges? An online event held by Kota.

21 Jan

Global Mental Health in a Global Pandemic

Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on women’s psychosocial wellbeing, 21 January 2021, 8:30 – 10:30 AM EST – In this year’s first monthly online meeting, the NGO-CSW New York will endeavour to provide resources related to women’s mental health challenges experienced during this unprecedented period of COVID-19 restrictions. The discussion will focus on sharing insights on the disproportionate psychosocial health outcomes of the pandemic, and to provide strategies to better manage. Download flyer