For information only – not an official document

UNIS/MA/300
Vienna, 2 March 2022

MEDIA ADVISORY

Media representatives are invited to the global launch of the

International Narcotics Control Board
Annual Report 2021

on

Thursday, 10 March 2022 at

11 a.m.
[with limited in-person participation or online]

Room C0225A, C-Building, 2nd Floor

Vienna International Centre

With Jagjit Pavadia,
President of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)

This year, the INCB Annual Report has a special focus on illicit financial flows related to drug trafficking and their impact on development and security. The report takes a detailed look at the far-reaching negative impacts of these illicit financial flows on society – from corruption to high levels of violence, instability, poverty and inequality. Illicit financial flows are even more harmful for developing nations as they divert resources away from public initiatives undermining development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The report also analyses regional disparities in access to controlled medicines, particularly in humanitarian emergency situations. The collective understanding of decriminalizing and legalizing cannabis for non-medical purposes is addressed as well as increased evidence of a link between exposure to social media and drug use. Regional developments are also discussed.

The Annual Precursors Report 2021 will be presented at the launch as well discussing challenges with the evolution of illicit drug manufacturing and the need for enhanced national controls of chemical precursors.

***

The Report is embargoed until 10 March 2022, 11:00 a.m. CET

Please register to attend the press briefing by writing to: press.vienna@un.org

and indicate if you wish to attend the briefing virtually or in-person.

* *** *

To receive an advance copy of the press kit and for interview requests, please contact:

Christine Dierk
 Public Information Officer, UNIS Vienna
Tel: (+43)699-1459-4949
Email: dierk[at]un.org