Beyond 2008
NGOs contribution to the UNGASS Review process - Beyond 2008
[A documentary of the International NGO Beyond 2008 Forum, produced by the NZ delegates, will be avaliable online early September]
In 2006, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) called for increased NGOs participation to the tenth anniversary of the 1998 UNGASS. To exchange ideas on promising new approaches, reach agreements on ways to work together, make recommendations to multilateral agencies and UN member states on future directions for drug control and rethink current collaboration mechanisms between NGOs and UN agencies, the Vienna NGO Committee launched the Beyond 2008 process.
Thirteen regional consultations were held across the world. All focused on three key objectives:
to highlight tangible NGOs achievements in the field of drug control;
to review best practices related to collaborative mechanisms between and among NGOs, governments and UN agencies; and
to adopt a series of high order principles as a guide for future deliberations on drug policy matters.
The New Zealand Drug Foundation hosted the 13th and final Beyond 2008 consultation on 18-19 February 2008 in Wellington. The consultation was attended by Government officials and representatives from NGOs from across the country.
Presentations were made by Michel Perron (VNGOC), Tim Harding (Care NZ), Charles Henderson (Needle Exchange), Kathrine Clark (Hapai te Hauora Tapui) and the Law Commission. and discussions were held on national and international drug policy issues.
A report combining the findings from the Australia and New Zealand Consultation has been produced and will be presented at the International NGO Forum in Vienna in July 2008. A report focusing specifically on New Zealand is also available.
The Vienna NGO Committee is hosting a 4th International NGO Forum in Vienna in July 2008 to contribute to the 1998-2008 UNGASS review and forward looking agenda setting exercise.
The Forum builds on the data and recommendations coming from the regional consultations held throughout the world, including that held in New Zealand.
The Forum will be the final step in the global consultation of NGOs involved in responding to drug related problems. A preliminary draft agenda is available on the VNGOC website.
300 NGOs representatives from around the world are expected to participate.
The NZ delegation to the Beyond 2008 Vienna Forum comprises:
Mr. Ross Bell - NZ Drug Foundation, Regional lead
Mr. Michael Bird - Consumer Representative
Mr. Tim Harding - Care NZ
Mr. Charles Henderson - Needle Exchange NZ
Mr. Brandon Hutchison - Christchurch Drug Policy Network
Ms. Lynette Hutson – The Salvation Army
Ms. Martina Melis - NZ Drug Foundation
Mr. Phil Siataga - Waipuna Trust
Click here and here to find out how the New Zealand delegation got on at the International NGO Beyond 2008 Forum in July.
