For information only - not an official document
UNIS/NAR/1099/REV
18 March 2011
Media Advisory
New UNODC Goodwill Ambassador to be Introduced at Press Briefing on the 54th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs
VIENNA, 18 March (UN Information Service) - Strengthening the drug programme of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will be the focus of the 54th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), which will meet in Vienna from 21 to 25 March. The CND is the central policy-making body within the United Nations system dealing with illicit drugs and the governing body for the work of UNODC in the drugs field.
The media are invited to a press briefing by Yury Fedotov, Executive Director, UNODC
on Tuesday 22 March at 12 noon in Room M7 in the M building.
The Executive Director will be joined by Ambassador Veronica Kuchynová Smigolova (Czech Republic) Chairperson, Commission on Narcotic Drugs.
Ministers and top anti-drug officials from the 53 CND Member States will discuss issues ranging from international cooperation to ensure the availability of narcotic drugs for medical purposes to public health and safety issues involving young people.
Appointment of new Goodwill Ambassador
During the briefing Mr. Fedotov will introduce renowned actor and author Christopher Kennedy Lawford as Goodwill Ambassador on Drug Dependence Treatment and Care. During his two year appointment, Mr. Kennedy will create public awareness and generate financial support for UNODC's drug demand reduction, drug dependence treatment and care and activities globally.
Mr. Kennedy Lawford has had distinguished careers in Hollywood and Washington as an actor, writer, lawyer, activist and public speaker. However, much of his early life was a struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. Having been in recovery for more than 24 years, he inspires and motivates substance-dependent people to quit their habit.
For information, please contact:
Preeta Bannerjee, Public Information Officer Telephone: (+43) 699 1459-5764
For media accreditation:
Media are encouraged to seek accreditation before the briefing; forms and criteria are available on www.unis.unvienna.org/unis/en/media_accreditation.html or by writing to press@unvienna.org
Journalists already accredited to the VIC do not need re-accreditation. Please note that accreditation is required to attend the briefing. For information on facilities and general information for the media, write to anne.thomas@unvienna.org or telephone: (+ 43 1) 26060-5588.
Access to the M building is via Checkpoint 1 of the Vienna International Centre. Camera crews should confirm their participation in advance in writing. Media are advised to come to the venue at least half an hour before the briefing to avoid delays at security.
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