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Beyond Prohibition: Unpacking the Connection Between Drug Policies and Sustainable Development Priorities

  • When
  • September 19, 2023
    6:30–7:30 p.m. (EDT)
  • Where
  • United Nations Conference Building, 405 E. 45th St., New York
  • Speakers
  • Helen Clark, Mandeep Dhaliwal, Rio Hada, Marta Machado, Kasia Malinowska-Sempruch, and Arlene Tickner
  • In partnership with
  • The Mission of Colombia to the United Nations, the Mission of Brazil to the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme

Note: This event is now full. No further RSVPs are being accepted.

This side event held in conjunction with the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals Summit and United Nations General Assembly explores the intricate relationship between drug policies and development, showcasing exemplary practices.

The event will contribute to improving the alignment of national drug control mechanisms with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, helping to inform national development plans and strategies that effectively address the “world drug problem” while achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speakers

  • Helen Clark

    Speaker

    Helen Clark is a commissioner for the Global Commission on Drug Policy.

  • Mandeep Dhaliwal

    Moderator

    Mandeep Dhaliwal is director of the United Nations Development Programme’s HIV and Health Group.

  • Rio Hada

    Speaker

    Rio Hada is chief of the Equality, Development, and Rule of Law Section of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in New York.

  • Marta Machado

    Speaker

    Marta Machado is national secretary for Drug Policy in Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security.

  • Kasia Malinowska-Sempruch

    Moderator

    Kasia Malinowska-Sempruch is a director of Programs at the Open Society Foundations.

  • Arlene Tickner

    Speaker

    Arlene Tickner is ambassador and deputy permanent representative of Colombia to the United Nations.

Read more

Inside Open Society

Reimagining Drug Policy with Compassion and Justice

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Drug policy should be rooted in principles of public health, human rights, and uphold human dignity. Open Society strives to promote humane, evidence-based approaches to drugs and drug use worldwide.

August 7, 2025 | Kasia Malinowska-Sempruch

Harm Reduction

Every Overdose Death Is a Policy Failure

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The U.S. state of Maine has seen tremendous reductions in overdose deaths, exceeding the national average. This reduction in overdose deaths is the direct result of decades of advocacy and strong policy reforms.

July 8, 2025 | Courtney Gary-Allen

Harm Reduction for All

A Lifesaving Loan: A New Investment to Help Curb the U.S. Overdose Crisis

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For over a decade, the small Remedy Alliance nonprofit has revolutionized providing lifesaving healthcare for people who use drugs. Our new investment will help the group increase access to the overdose antidote naloxone.

December 12, 2023 | Sarah Evans & Georgia Levenson Keohane

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