International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026; June 26th.

FORUM: ''World Drug Problem: Persisting issues; New challenges; Innovative responses.'' International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026. The global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide. From individuals struggling with substance use disorders to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organized crime, the impact of drugs is far-reaching and complex.

Global drug use and the number of drugs on the market have been increasing in the past decades. The century-long dominance of heroin in illicit global opioid markets is increasingly being challenged by changes in the illegal supply of opioids. Production, seizures and use of cocaine continue to rise, while low costs of manufacture and reduced risks of detection of synthetic drugs are contributing to their increase on illicit drug markets. Drug trafficking groups are seeking out technological innovation to target new audiences and ensure that drugs increasingly reach their users and help boost their billion-dollar businesses. Illicit drug markets have always been adapting, and organized crime has always been looking to exploit gaps in governance and regulation. In response to these challenges, this year’s campaign will showcase how the international community, local and national governments, civil society and the public is working together on innovative responses to reduce demand for and supply of illicit drugs and thus mitigate threats by:

• Launching new prevention efforts to reduce and address vulnerabilities in people, especially youth, and communities, lowering their risk of exploitation by criminal networks;
• Keeping ports, airports, sea routes and land borders along key trafficking routes safe;
• Collecting and analysing data to shape drug policies;
• Detecting and identifying drugs and the chemicals used in their illicit manufacture;
• Understanding the chemicals used in the illicit manufacture of drugs, and handling and disposing of them safely;
• Supporting responses across the criminal justice system, from interception to investigation and prosecution;
• Creating opportunities for farmers to shift from illicit drug crop cultivation to sustainable licit livelihoods;
• Putting new substances under international control to respond to emerging drug threats.

All of this to protect people and communities. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #InvestInPrevention, #StopOrganizedCrime, #26june, #PutPeoplefirst #WorldDrugDay, #DrugPrevention, #worlddrugreport.

EVENTS: At UNHQ; On Friday, June 26th, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026 will be marked under the theme “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges and Innovative Responses,” to highlight the rise of synthetic drugs, the cyber-trafficking issue and to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse. Register to participate!

On 26 June 2026, at 1 p.m. Vienna time in Board-Room D (VIC), the Chair of the 69th session of the CND will hold an event to mark the World Drug Day and to launch the 2026 World Drug Report.

The Special Event, entitled “World drug problem: persisting issues, new challenges, innovative responses”, will mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and will bring together Member States, the United Nations system, civil society and other stakeholders. The event will provide an opportunity to reflect on the continued and evolving impact of the world drug problem in all its dimensions and to exchange views on priority concerns and innovative, evidence-based responses. The Special Event will be held in a hybrid format, with participation in person in Vienna and online. Delegations are informed that no interpretation services will be available for this event. The programme of the event will be shared closer to the meeting. Opening remarks will be delivered by H.E. Amb. Andranik Hovhannisyan, Chair of the 69th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and Ms. Monica Kathina Juma, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, setting the stage for the discussions and highlighting key priorities in addressing the world drug problem. A central feature of the event will be the presentation of the 2026 World Drug Report, which provides the latest overview of global drug market developments and trends, as well as key challenges and emerging dynamics shaping the international drug policy landscape. Watch the webcast: CND Special Event: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking | UN Web TV

CAMPAIGN: Governments, civil society, educators are particularly encouraged to take an active role: share on your online platforms the innovative ways you are staying ahead of trends and addressing the world drug problem.Watch the 2026 launch campaign!

STATEMENT: UNODC Executive-director on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026; June 26th.

PUBLICATION: 2026 World Drug Report. 

Every year, UNODC issues the World Drug Report, with key statistics and data obtained through official sources and research. The report will be published on June 26th.

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS:  Get the 2026 posters, banners and campaign assets!

THEME

• English: World drug problem: persisting issues, new challenges, innovative responses
• Spanish: El problema mundial de las drogas: problemas recurrentes, nuevos retos y respuestas innovadoras
• French: Le problème mondial de la drogue : des enjeux persistants, de nouveaux défis, des réponses innovantes
• Arabic: مشكلة المخدرات العالمية: تحديات متواصلة، قضايا مستجدة، واستجابات مبتكرة
• Chinese: 世界毒品问题：持续的问题，新的挑战，创新的应对
• Russian: Мировая проблема наркотиков: сохраняющиеся проблемы, новые вызовы, инновационные решения
• Portuguese: O problema mundial das drogas: desafios persistentes, novas dinâmicas e soluções inovadoras
• German: Weltdrogenproblem: anhaltende Probleme, neue Herausforderungen, innovative Lösungen

LIVESTREAM: Starting at 13:00 pm CEST, the CND Chair's Special Event to commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and to launch the 2026 UNODC World Drug Report.

Starting a 19:15 pm CEST, the UNODC Special Event: Presentation of the 2026 World Drug Report.

A special event on the presentation of the 2026 World Drug Report", organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on the occasion of the UN International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking 2024; June 26th.

FORUM: “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention.” International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking 2024. The global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide. From individuals struggling with substance use disorders to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organized crime, the impact of drugs is far-reaching and complex. Central to addressing this challenge is the imperative to adopt a scientific evidence-based approach that prioritizes prevention and treatment. The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking aims to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse. This year’s World Drug Day campaign recognizes that effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use. Together, let us amplify our efforts to combat the global drug problem, guided by the principles of science, compassion, and solidarity. Through collective action and a commitment to evidence-based solutions, we can create a world where individuals are empowered to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #26june, #PutPeoplefirst #WorldDrugDay, #DrugPrevention, #worlddrugreport.

Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2024; June 26th.

Drugs are at the root of immeasurable human suffering.

Drug use eats away at people’s health and wellbeing. Overdoses claim hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

Meanwhile, synthetic drugs are becoming more lethal and addictive, and the illicit drug market is breaking production records, feeding crime and violence in communities around the world.

At every turn, the most vulnerable people — including young people — suffer the worst effects of this crisis. People who use drugs and those living with substance abuse disorders are victimized again and again: by the drugs themselves, by stigma and discrimination, and by heavy-handed, inhumane responses to the problem.

As this year’s theme reminds us, breaking the cycle of suffering means starting at the beginning, before drugs take hold, by investing in prevention.

Evidence-based drug prevention programmes can protect people and communities alike, while taking a bite out of illicit economies that profit from human misery.

When I was Prime Minster of Portugal, we demonstrated the value of prevention in fighting this scourge. From rehabilitation and reintegration strategies, to public health education campaigns, to increasing investment in drug-prevention, treatment and harm-reduction measures, prevention pays off.

On this important day, let’s recommit to continuing our fight to end the plague of drug abuse and trafficking, once and for all.


On this important day, let’s recommit to continuing our fight to end the plague of drug abuse and trafficking, once and for all. 

António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General.

This year’s World Drug Day is a call to:

• Raise awareness: Increase understanding of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of evidence-based prevention strategies, emphasizing their impact on mitigating the harms of drug use.
• Advocate for investment: Encourage greater investment in prevention efforts by governments, policymakers, and law enforcement professionals, highlighting the long-term benefits of early intervention and prevention.
• Empower communities: Equip communities with the tools and resources to implement evidence-based prevention initiatives, fostering resilience against drug use and promoting community-led solutions.
• Facilitate dialogue and collaboration: Promote dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders to enhance evidence-based prevention practices and policies, fostering a supportive environment for knowledge sharing and innovation.
• Promote evidence-based policymaking: Advocate for evidence-based policymaking at the national and international levels, ensuring that drug policies are grounded in scientific research and informed by best practices.
• Engage communities: Raise awareness about the importance of community engagement and participation in designing and implementing effective drug prevention programs, empowering communities to take ownership of prevention efforts.
• Empower youth: Provide youth with the knowledge, skills, and resources to become agents of change in their communities, advocating for drug prevention initiatives and amplifying their voices in the conversation.
• Promote international cooperation: Foster international cooperation and collaboration among governments, organizations, and communities to develop and implement evidence-based strategies for combating drug trafficking and organized crime, recognizing the global nature of the drug problem and the need for coordinated action.

PUBLICATION: Every year, UNODC issues the World Drug Report, full of key statistics and factual data obtained through official sources, a science-based approach, and research. This year’s report will be launched on June 26th.


CONFERENCES, WEBINARS AND WORKSHOPS

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

LIVESTREAM:
‘Industrialization’ of cocaine production major factor in drug’s popularity | The Lid Is On.
Cocaine & Montenegrin criminal groups: The Index Podcast.
Drugs, Thugs and Terrorism: the experience of India.
The history, policies and practice of drug control in Asia.
The Drug Markets of East and Southern Africa.

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2023; June 26th.

FORUM: “People first: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengten Prevention.” International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2023. This year’s the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking focuses on the need to put people first by ending stigma and discrimination and strengthening prevention. This means stressing rehabilitation, rather than punishment and incarceration for minor drug offences. Over time, the regular or habitual use of drugs becomes a crutch and only adds to the stress. Drugs can also cause other harms, including:

• Cocaine: Highly addictive, cocaine is involved in nearly one in five overdose deaths; its health effects include asthma, bowel decay, and increased risk of HIV.

• Methamphetamine (Meth): Meth causes devastating health effects, and sometimes death, even on the first try. Meth speeds up the body’s systems to dangerous levels. Chronic users experience anxiety, confusion, insomnia, paranoia, aggression, and more.

• Prescription and illicit opioids: Highly addictive, the substances are the top cause of overdose deaths; health effects include confusion, nausea, constipation, coma, and brain damage.

• Marijuana: Even though it is legal in many states, studies link marijuana use to various negative outcomes.

Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #26june, #PutPeoplefirst #WorldDrugDay, #DrugPrevention, #worlddrugreport.

Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2023, June 26th.

Tens of millions of people suffer from drug-use disorders. Less than one fifth are in treatment. Drug users are doubly victimized: first by the harmful effects of the drugs themselves, and second by the stigma and discrimination they face.

People who use drugs can often face significant barriers to treatment and even health services for infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Meanwhile, drug traffickers continue to prey on drug users, rapidly escalating the production of dangerous, highly addictive synthetic drugs.

This year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking focuses on the need to put people first by ending stigma and discrimination and strengthening prevention. This means stressing rehabilitation, rather than punishment and incarceration for minor drug offences.

It means upholding the human rights of people who use drugs, including by expanding prevention and treatment programmes and health services. It means protecting people and communities alike by ending impunity for drug traffickers profiting from people’s pain.

Above all, it means Governments leading the way. When I was Prime Minister of Portugal, we implemented non-criminal responses to drug possession for personal use, while cracking down on traffickers and re-allocating resources to prevention, treatment and harm-reduction measures.

As a result, drug consumption and associated infectious disease rates plummeted, more drugs were seized by police and customs, and — most importantly — lives were saved. Today, Portugal has one of Europe’s lowest overdose and death rates from drug use. As a global community, let’s continue our work to end drug abuse, illicit trafficking, and the stigma endured by drug users around the world.

António Guterres’

EVENT: The UNODC theme for the 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”. On 26 June 2023, at 2:00 pm Vienna time in Board-Room D (VIC), the Chair of the 66th session of the CND will hold an event. Join the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs Special event to commemorate the day and to launch the 2023 UNODC World Drug Report.

OTHER STATEMENTS: Read the Statement from the UNODC Executive Director on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2023; June 26th.

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking; June 26rd.

FORUM: Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises. International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2022.

         

Statement by the U.N. Secreatry-General on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking; June 23rd;

This year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking shines a spotlight on the impact of drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises.

Conflicts, climate disasters, forced displacement and grinding poverty create fertile ground for drug abuse — with COVID-19 making a bad situation even worse. At the same time, people living through humanitarian emergencies are far less likely to have access to the care and treatment they need and deserve.

Meanwhile, criminals are profiting from people’s misery, with cocaine production at record highs, and a five-fold increase in seizures of methamphetamines and a near-quadrupling of amphetamine seizures over the last decade.

On this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we renew our commitment to ending this scourge and supporting those who fall victim to it.

This includes non-discriminatory policy solutions centred around people, health and human rights, underpinned by strengthened international cooperation to curb the illicit drug trade and hold accountable those who profit from human misery.

We must also strengthen science-based treatment and support services for drug users, and treat them as victims who need treatment rather than punishment, discrimination and stigma — including treatment for those living with infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.

We cannot allow the world’s drug problem to further shadow the lives of the tens of millions of people living through humanitarian crises.

On this important day, let us commit to lifting this shadow once and for all, and giving this issue the attention and action it deserves.

U.N. Secretary-General.

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2021; June 26th

FORUM:''SHARE FACTS ON DRUGS, SAVE LIVES'' International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2021

                                        


“Share Facts On Drugs, Save Lives”

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is marked on 26 June every year, to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving the goal of a world free of drug abuse.

And each year, individuals like yourself, entire communities, and various organizations all over the world join in on this global observance, to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent for society.

Together, we can tackle the world drug problem!


What Can You Do?

All you have to do is #ShareFactsOnDrugs to help #SaveLives.

Do your part and combat misinformation by sharing the real facts on drugs — from health risks and solutions to tackle the world drug problem, to evidence-based prevention, treatment, and care.

1) Know the facts

2) Only share information from verified sources, like UNODC

And you can start now. Get engaged by sharing the right facts on drugs right from our Twitter and Facebook channels.

You can also access and share our social media resources and support us in promoting the facts on drugs.


What UNODC Does?

Every year, UNODC issues the World Drug Report, full of key statistics and factual data obtained through official sources, a science-based approach and research.

UNODC continues to provide facts and practical solutions to address the current world drug problem, and remains committed to attaining a vision of health for all based on science.

COVID-19 has brought unprecedented public awareness on health, protective measures for staying healthy, and most importantly, and on protecting each other. A growing sense of global community and solidarity continues to emerge, as does the need to ensure health care for all.

World Drug Day is a day to share research findings, evidence-based data and life-saving facts, and to continue tapping into a shared spirit of solidarity.

UNODC invites everyone to do their part, by taking a firm stance against misinformation and unreliable sources; while committing to sharing only the real science-backed data on drugs and save lives.



By working together, we can tackle the world drug problem.STATEMENTS

UNODC Executive Director's statement on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2021 


                

REPORT

UNODC World Drug Report 2021: pandemic effects ramp up drug risks, as youth underestimate cannabis dangers

Global launch of the 2021 World Drug Report