Highlights from the Global Commission
UNAIDS – 18 February 2026
The Global AIDS Strategy for 2026–2031: Towards Ending AIDS
The 2026–2031 Global AIDS Strategy outlines a framework to sustain progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 in the context of growing global challenges. It highlights the impact of shifting funding landscapes, rising inequalities increasing human rights pressures, while identifying opportunities presented by new innovations. The Strategy sets out priority actions to expand equitable access to HIV services, address structural barriers, and strengthen a coordinated, people-centred global response led by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
Related Articles
Correlation – European Harm Reduction Network – 19 February 2026
New Drug Trends: Insights from Focus Group Discussions. Civil Society Monitoring of Harm Reduction in Europe 2025
This report provides qualitative insights into drug use trends across 20 European cities between July 2024 and July 2025. Based on focus group discussions with key informants, it explores emerging patterns not yet captured in quantitative data, including shifts in substance use, polysubstance consumption, and routes of administration.It highlights local market dynamics and user practices, offering city-level perspectives to inform timely, evidence-based responses, harm reduction strategies, and targeted service planning.
InSight Crime – 18 March 2026
Local Rules, Global Lessons: How Criminal Governance Shapes Fentanyl Markets in Northern Mexico
This report examines the expansion of fentanyl markets in northern Mexico, highlighting the role of local criminal governance in shaping distribution and consumption patterns. Based on qualitative research across five cities, it finds that market development is uneven and influenced by the strategic decisions of fragmented criminal groups. It underscores the limits of enforcement-led responses and emphasizes the importance of integrating public health measures, harm reduction, and community-based interventions to address emerging synthetic drug challenges.
Mafalda Pardal, Rosario Queirolo, Lorena Repetto, et al. – April 2026
A Decade of Regulated Cannabis Social Clubs in Uruguay: Five Key Developments and Challenges Ahead
This commentary examines the evolution of Cannabis Social Clubs (CSCs) in Uruguay over a decade of regulation. Drawing on administrative data and fieldwork, it identifies sustained growth in membership, geographic expansion, and institutional stability. CSCs continue to play a significant role in legal cannabis supply, at times matching or exceeding pharmacy sales. Despite higher costs, product diversity has sustained demand. It highlights ongoing challenges, including market competition and the integration of CSCs within broader legal cannabis frameworks.
Harm Reduction International (HRI) – 8 April 2026
61st Human Rights Council: Drug Policy Highlights
This briefing summarizes key discussions and outcomes from the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, with a focus on drug policy and human rights. It highlights concerns over the use of the death penalty for drug offences, including in Iran, the misuse of counter-terrorism frameworks in drug control, and rights violations linked to punitive approaches. It also reviews country-specific developments and calls for a shift towards health-, development-, and human rights-based drug policies.
Brave Leadership Series with Holly Branson
Holly Branson via Instagram, April 2026
What does it take to be a brave leader in a world where societal norms are being eroded? How do we hold our nerve and stay true to our values when truth and morality are increasingly challenged?
Holly Branson unpacks this topic by exploring what it takes to be a brave leader in today’s world, and how to show up in times of turmoil. She interviews five Global Commissioners who have led countries, courtrooms and commissions without bending on their values or their commitment to justice.
See the first interviews from the series featuring Commissioners Juan Manuel Santos and Louise Arbour.
One Reporter’s Life-Altering Psychedelic Trip The New York Times podcast
“The Daily”, 12 April 2026
In this episode of “The Daily” from The New York Times, political reporter Robert Draper examines the rising political and scientific interest in ibogaine, a psychedelic drug still illegal in the United States. Drawing on conversations with figures including Kyrsten Sinema and Rick Perry, Draper traces how some US policymakers are now supporting research into its potential for treating PTSD, substance use disorder, and brain injuries. The episode follows his reporting journey to Mexico, where he ultimately tries ibogaine himself.
Cartel Paradise – Fiji, Part One
ABC News, 14 April 2026
“Cartel Paradise – Fiji, Part One” is a 44-minute investigative documentary exploring Fiji’s emerging role as a major transit hub in the Pacific drug trade. It examines how large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine are trafficked through the islands en route to Australia, and the resulting social and institutional impacts. Through on-the-ground reporting, the film highlights growing addiction, community harm, and concerns about corruption linked to trafficking networks operating across the Pacific region and beyond.
9e Congrès mondial contre la peine de mort (9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty)
Interactive Multi-Stakeholder Hearing for the 2026 High-level Meeting on HIV/AIDS
UN Habitat World Urban Forum (WUF) 13th edition
79th World Health Assembly (WHA)
Roundtable Discussion: « Réguler les stimulants : pourquoi c’est le moment d’en parler » ( “Regulating Stimulants: Why Now Is the Time to Talk About It”)
Reducing Harm from Drug Use in Policy and in Practice: A 2-Day European Intensive Workshop
Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
Launch event: European Drug Report 2026
International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
AddictionsCEE 2026
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day)
