Informal Drug Policy Dialogue 2009, Kolymbari-Chania

The sixth meeting of the Informal Drug Policy Dialogue series, a joint init iative of the Andreas G. Papandreou Foundation and the Transnational Institute, took place in Kolymbari-Chania, Crete, on 22 and 23 May, 2009. This meeting was held at the same venue where the dialogue series began in 2004. Subsequent meetings were held in Budapest (2005 ), Bern (2006), Rome (2007), and Berlin (2008). A simila r series of events also recen tly began in Latin America in 2007 and Asia in 2008.

Thanks are due to the Orth odox Academy of Crete and its staff, at which the May 2009 dialogue was hosted, and to Thanas is Apostolou, Martin Jelsma and Ernestien Jensema for preparation and organization of the meeting.

As per the tradition of the drug policy dialogue series, the meeting was held under Chatham House rule, to ensure confidentiality and allow participants a free exchange of ideas. Over 35 people attended, approximately one-third policy makers and two-thirds representatives of non- governmental organizations or academic institutions. Four themes were covered over the two days: the 52 nd Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), including the High Level Segment (HLS) and its Political Declaration; drug law reform, law enforcement and supply reduction; UN system-wide coherence; and the UNGASS revi ew process and the Informal Drug Policy Dialogues. Each theme was prefaced by introductor y remarks by key participants, in order to stimulate reflection and dialogue, followed by frank discussion. The report below conveys the highlights of the discussion, although no individu als are quoted, in keeping with the anonymity stipulated by the Chatham House rule. The ideas expressed were those of individuals in their capacity as experts in the field of international drug control, and should not be interpreted as reflecting consensus among the group, or endorsement by the organizers.