68th Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) agenda Item 4: strategic management, budgetary and administrative questions
2025/3/11
Thank you, Mr. Chair,
The global drug problem is vast, complex, and rapidly evolving, while resources remain limited. A strategic and targeted approach is essential. Japan welcomes the launch of discussions on UNODC’s Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 and looks forward to deeper engagement on digital technology and cybercrime, alongside discussions on efficiency and fairness, including the recruitment of diverse staff with varying perspectives.
Japan firmly believes in a comprehensive strategy that addresses both supply and demand reduction. Key priorities include:
Furthermore, Japan recognizes that UNODC’s work depends heavily on voluntary contributions from donor countries. But securing funding requires public and parliamentary support in donor countries. To this end, UNODC must enhance its outreach efforts and clearly demonstrate:
A final, yet crucial point is staff diversity and recruitment. While we fully respect that staff recruitment must be based on merit and fair competition, we are concerned about the insufficient regional balance among personnel.
As global challenges become increasingly complex, it is essential to create an environment where diverse talent from outside the UN system is appropriately evaluated, ensuring both fairness and operational effectiveness. Staff selection should not be overly reliant on English proficiency or UNODC-specific expertise but should embrace broader global expertise and multidisciplinary problem-solving abilities.
In conclusion, global solidarity and strategic action are vital in tackling the drug problem. Japan highly values UNODC’s leadership and remains committed to working closely with all partners to achieve our shared goals.
Thank you.
The global drug problem is vast, complex, and rapidly evolving, while resources remain limited. A strategic and targeted approach is essential. Japan welcomes the launch of discussions on UNODC’s Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 and looks forward to deeper engagement on digital technology and cybercrime, alongside discussions on efficiency and fairness, including the recruitment of diverse staff with varying perspectives.
Japan firmly believes in a comprehensive strategy that addresses both supply and demand reduction. Key priorities include:
- The growing threat of synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals, as highlighted in the latest World Drug Report and INCB’s annual review. Criminal organizations are exploiting cyber technology, complicating law enforcement efforts.
- The increasing use of maritime routes for illicit drug trafficking, demanding stronger monitoring and control mechanisms.
Furthermore, Japan recognizes that UNODC’s work depends heavily on voluntary contributions from donor countries. But securing funding requires public and parliamentary support in donor countries. To this end, UNODC must enhance its outreach efforts and clearly demonstrate:
- How drug-related threats impact not only affected regions but also donor countries, from illicit drug inflows to organized crime networks and broader security and public health risks.
- The cost-effectiveness of drug control measures, given that drug economies fuel poverty, crime, and terrorism, making investment in drug control a highly efficient security strategy.
A final, yet crucial point is staff diversity and recruitment. While we fully respect that staff recruitment must be based on merit and fair competition, we are concerned about the insufficient regional balance among personnel.
As global challenges become increasingly complex, it is essential to create an environment where diverse talent from outside the UN system is appropriately evaluated, ensuring both fairness and operational effectiveness. Staff selection should not be overly reliant on English proficiency or UNODC-specific expertise but should embrace broader global expertise and multidisciplinary problem-solving abilities.
In conclusion, global solidarity and strategic action are vital in tackling the drug problem. Japan highly values UNODC’s leadership and remains committed to working closely with all partners to achieve our shared goals.
Thank you.