The Global Commission on Drug Policy ⁄ Vision and Goal
Vision and Goal
VISION
The Global Commission’s vision is to reform drug policy, moving from drug prohibition to legal regulation.
Background
In 2011, a groundbreaking initiative was launched to foster open, informed discussions on drug policy and advocate for global reforms grounded in scientific evidence and human rights. The Global Commission on Drug Policy was founded by former Heads of State and Government, former leaders of international organizations, and other influential figures.
Today, the Global Commission comprises 28 Commissioners from various corners of the world. United by a recognition of the inadequacies in the current drug control approach, Commissioners leverage their significant political and social influence to advocate for effective drug policy reforms based on scientific-evidence and human rights. Their expertise and leadership play a crucial role in elevating drug policy discussions at every level.
Global Influencer
On the international stage, Commissioners serve as ambassadors for drug policy reform. They engage in forging strategic partnerships and connect with a wide range of audiences, including community leaders and high-level policymakers. This global outreach is vital in shaping a more progressive, evidence- and human rights- based approach to drug policy.
Localized Action
On national, regional, and local scales, Commissioners adapt their efforts to suit specific contexts and address relevant drug policy challenges. They utilize their diverse geographical backgrounds and in-depth knowledge to implement tailored strategies. This localized approach ensures that our mission resonates across different communities and leads to impactful policy changes. Local level action can be a significant propeller for change.
The Global Commission at its 2024 plenary meeting in Geneva, Switzerland.
STRATEGY
The Global Commission is currently implementing its 2023-2025 Strategy; “Moving from Prohibition to Regulation – a human rights based approach to drug policy”.
PARTNERS
Partnerships are an integral part of achieving affirmative action and positive change in drug policy. The Global Commission on Drug Policy works with a broad base of cross-sector partners, including grassroots actors, civil society organizations, academia, governments (at national and local levels), United Nations agencies, international organizations and the private sector. These partners are both general and specific in their thematic and geographic scope. The Global Commission works with its partners to undertake coordinated actions and realize opportunities.
Key partners include – inter alia:
- Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID)
- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
- UNAIDS
- UN Habitat
- UN Women
- UNICEF
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health
- International Network of People Who Use Drugs (INPUD)
- International Commission against the Death Penalty
- International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC)
- Harm Reduction International (HRI)
- Youth Rise
- Release
- Transform
- Transnational Institute (TNI)
- International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)
- Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP)
- Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC)
- International Drug Law Advocacy and Resource Center (IDLARC)
- Human Rights Centre, University of Essex
