EU Statement at CND69 after adoption of resolution on Alternative Development

EU Statement at CND69 after adoption of resolution on Alternative Development, 13 March 2026

Mr Chair,

I have the honour to take the floor on behalf of the EU and its Member States.

Let me start by congratulating the sponsors, Thailand, Germany, and Peru for the adoption of the resolution entitled "Appendix to Complement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development" by the Commission today, which the EU has co-sponsored on behalf of its 27 Member States.

The European Union reiterates its full support and acknowledgement of the importance of people-centred, human rights-based and development-oriented drug policies in line with international law, including international human rights law.

The European Union and its Member States have long been convinced about supporting alternative development. Last year, we co-sponsored the resolution 68/3 entitled "Complementing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development". We would like to thank again for the penholders for their leadership and their long-standing commitment on such a critical issue.

Aware of the current, persistent and evolving challenges of illicit drug economies, we believe it was necessary to complement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development adopted in 2013.

In line with the European Union's Council Conclusions on Alternative Development, and according to CND resolutions, we believe that drug policies need to address new challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, food security, territorial approaches, public security as well as the displacement of people and the empowerment of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and all women and girls.

The sustainable development goals including gender equality remain essential to alternative development to ensure that development efforts are inclusive, fair and promoting sustainable, equitable, social and economic progress.

We look forward to working together and with UNODC in implementing the complemented UN Guiding Principles on Alternative Development.

Thank you.