Statement by H.E. Dr. Zolfaghari, the President’s Representative and DCHQ Secretary General at the 68th session of Commission on Narcotic Drugs  (68th CND)  Vienna- 10 March 2025   بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم   Mr. Chairman, At the outset, I wish to congratulate you for your election to preside over the 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and assure you of the full support extended by the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the realization of the objectives set by the 68th CND session. I also wish to thank Ms. Ghada Fathi Waly, the UNODC executive director and her colleagues at the secretariat for organizing this important meeting.  Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, The global issue of narcotic drugs is undergoing dangerous developments. Despite all efforts for containing this problem, we are still witnessing the emergence and massive spread of new psychoactive substances that have challenged monitoring and controlling systems in various countries as well as the international drug control regime.  Mr. Chairman, In order to have a more effective fight against the global problem of narcotic drugs, the Islamic Republic of Iran offers the following recommendations: Enhancing cooperation, strengthening intelligence-exchange mechanisms, sharing experiences, technical assistance, providing equipment and transferring the required technologies by states to countries affected by drug use, cultivation, production and transit; Diversity in pharmaceutical treatment methods and improving access for scientific and medical purposes through eliminating hurdles while countering diversion is considered as a priority by countries in the field of demand reduction. In this connection, the need for facilitating exchange of latest findings and experiences is underscored; Successful regional initiatives and mechanisms such as the sub-commissions, HONLEA, the regional program for Afghanistan and neighboring countries and the triangular initiative have been halted or have become partially active due to declining financial resources. Hence, it is necessary for the international community to extend the needed financial support to UNODC as clear examples of regional cooperation; In conclusion, I wish to remind the esteemed participants that the imposition of unilateral coercive measures against the nation and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran will increase the costs related to the implementation of treatment and harm reduction plans for the people and will furthermore challenge the effective fight against illicit drug trafficking. On this basis and in line with various resolutions by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Human Rights Council, I call for the termination of sanctions as well as the frontline of the fight against illicit drugs; I also wish to add that the Islamic Republic of Iran in collaboration with UNODC will be hosting a scientific event on harm reduction on Wednesday at M building, conference hall No. 7 from 16:30-17:30 and I invite you to attend the scientific event. Thank you for your kind attention.