Baghdad Summit: Uniting Nations to Combat the Drug Crisis

The Second Baghdad International Conference on Combating Drugs concluded on July 22, 2024, with a significant gathering of interior ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Iran, Türkiye, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt, alongside the Secretary-General of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, the President of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, and representatives from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The participants expressed their gratitude to the Iraqi government and the Ministry of Interior for the excellent organisation of the conference. They addressed the escalating issue of drug abuse and addiction, linking it to increased drug trafficking and trade operations. The discussions focused on devising a comprehensive strategy to combat this pressing issue.

Key recommendations from the conference included:

1. Strengthening joint actions to disrupt drug trafficking routes and dismantle criminal gangs.
2. Updating criminal databases and enhancing tracking systems for drug-related offenses.
3. Using modern techniques and technology in detection, tracking, and seizure operations.
4. Monitoring and countering online platforms involved in drug promotion and trade.
5. Promoting awareness and prevention strategies to combat drug addiction.
6. Addressing legal gaps and tightening penalties for synthetic drug offenses.
7. Expanding drug addiction rehabilitation centers and sharing best practices.
8. Supporting Türkiye’s initiative for an early warning system and specialised training.
9. Learning from the experiences of developed countries to create tailored strategies.
10. Continuing efforts to implement the resolutions from previous meetings and conferences.

The conference highlighted the importance of unified regional and international efforts to protect societies from the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.

Source: Prime Minister Office